Job reference - 1396881

• A leading multi-franchise motor vehicle group
• Drive people excellence in one of New Zealand's most stunning locations
• HR generalist experience required

 
Access 34 years of our client relationships and connections and find your next job. New Zealand's leaders in motor industry recruitment since 1991. Automotive Employment NZ has been awarded Sourcr Automotive Agency of the Year for the second year in a row (2024-2025).
 
 
About the role
Reporting to the General Manager, you will be the cornerstone of the people strategy and safety culture. This is a true generalist role with strategic influence, where you will shape policy, drive engagement, and ensure the well-being of the team across multiple franchises and brands.
 
 
Key responsibilities will include:
Human Resources

• Developing and implementing HR strategies, policies, and procedures aligned with business goals
• Managing the full employee lifecycle: recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and succession planning
• Providing expert advice and coaching to managers on employment relations, performance issues, and personal development
• Overseeing remuneration reviews, benefits administration, and payroll liaison
• Fostering a positive, high-performance culture through engagement initiatives, internal communications, and team development
• Ensuring compliance with all relevant employment legislation

Health & Safety

• Leading the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the Health & Safety management system
• Conducting risk assessments, audits, and site inspections across workshop, sales, and parts environments
• Coordinating training programmes for first aid, hazard management, and safe operating procedures
• Managing incident investigation, reporting, and return-to-work processes
• Acting as the primary liaison with WorkSafe NZ and other regulatory bodies
• Promoting a proactive safety culture where 'everyone goes home safe every day'

 
What makes this role so attractive?

1. The employer: Join a successful, long-standing group with a strong reputation. You'll be part of a professional and supportive senior team within a dynamic, multi-franchise environment.
2. The location: Based in Queenstown, you'll have world-class skiing, hiking, biking, and lakeside living on your doorstep. This is more than a job - it's a lifestyle upgrade.
3. The remuneration: we offer a highly competitive salary package commensurate with this pivotal leadership role. It is designed to attract top talent and reflect the significance of your contribution to the business
4. The scope: enjoy genuine autonomy and the opportunity to build and shape the HR & H&S function. Your work will have a direct and visible impact on staff and their success

 
About you

• You will have 5+ years of broad HR generalist experience, ideally within retail, automotive, trade, or a multi-site operational environment
• You possess a strong, practical knowledge of NZ H&S legislation and experience implementing safety systems.
• Your strength lies in building trusted relationships at all levels, from the workshop floor to the boardroom.
• You are solutions-focused, pragmatic, and able to balance compliance with commercial reality
• Relevant tertiary qualification in Human Resources Management, Employment Relations, or Health & Safety is preferred
• You are proactive, resilient, and thrive in a fast-paced environment

 
How to apply
Applications from those wanting to relocate from elsewhere within NZ are welcome.
 
If reading online, click the APPLY NOW section and submit your application online.
 
For more information contact the team at Automotive Employment NZ Ltd for a confidential discussion. Phone during NZ business hours: The international landline is +64 9 271 3200.
 
You can also visit the job board on our website to view further vacancies https://www.automotiveemployment.co.nz/jobs
 
Jobcorp owned companies include Jobcorp NZ Ltd, Jobcorp Immigration, and Automotive Employment NZ. Our company has business interests in recruitment, the provision of immigration advice, and the provision of employment relations advice.
 
We partner with organisations committed to inclusive workplaces, where every individual is valued and respected.