About the Company:
Westland Milk Products is a well-known New Zealand end-to-end dairy manufacturer based in the beautiful South Island. We process over 700 million litres of milk a year and produce a wide range of dairy ingredients and consumer and foodservice products. With a committed and passionate team of approx. 700, we recognise that our people are a huge part of our on-going success, and they are immensely proud of the world-class products we produce.
Owned by the Global Top 5 dairy company Yili Group, Westland Milk Products and its related companies in New Zealand, Oceania Dairy (Glenavy), Pure Nutrition Ltd (Rolleston), Canary Foods (Hamilton) and EasiYo Ltd (Auckland) form a group that we refer to as the Yili Oceania Business Division (YOBD). The combined business produces over 170,000mt of finished goods which are then exported to over 40 countries, driving annual revenue in excess of $1.3B - and growing.
About the role:
Due to ongoing business growth, we have two exciting opportunities for experienced Human Resources Business Partners (permanent full-time) to join our dedicated and supportive P&C team. Reporting to the Group HR Manager, one role is based in Glenavy, and the other in Hokitika, on the stunning West Coast.
In these roles, you'll provide trusted advice and guidance on a wide range of HR and people-related matters, helping to ensure HR is seen as a valued strategic partner across the business. We're a people-focused team that values strong relationships, collaboration, and a supportive workplace culture. To succeed here, you'll need to be proactive, engaging, and results-driven, with strong stakeholder management skills—ideally gained in a large, multi-site organisation.
You'll work closely with business leaders, supporting them on all matters related to employee and industrial relations, so a solid understanding of New Zealand employment law is essential. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, adapt well to change, and bring a positive and can-do attitude, we'd love to hear from you.
Responsibilities include:
- Partner with business leaders to understand strategic objectives and develop aligned HR strategies
- Provide coaching and guidance to GMs, managers, and supervisors on employee relations, performance management, and leadership development
- Lead and support key initiatives across the People & Culture roadmap, including system implementations, policy development, and strategic projects
- Align HR practices with business goals to drive performance, employee engagement, and organisational effectiveness
- Offer expert advice and support on HR systems, policies, processes, and best management practices
- Champion and continuously enhance a positive, engaged workplace culture
- Contribute to and, where appropriate, lead organisational development and change management initiatives
- Play an active role in fostering a high-performing, collaborative P&C team
Skills and Experience:
- At least 4 years' experience as an HR Business Partner, supported by over 10 years' broad HR generalist experience
- Relevant tertiary qualification in Human Resource Management, Business Administration, Commerce, or a related discipline
- Proven track record of providing HR advice at all organisational levels, preferably within manufacturing, FMCG, or other large, complex, multi-site environments
- Strong knowledge of New Zealand employment legislation, current HR trends, and best practices
- Skilled in utilizing various HR systems and frameworks, including candidate management, remuneration reviews, and performance appraisal tools
- Experience contributing to organisational development, remuneration strategies, and change management initiatives.
- Exceptional coaching, relationship management, and influencing capabilities, complemented by excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Proactive, results-oriented approach with a positive, can-do attitude.
- Adept at interpreting HR and business data to provide actionable insights that support managers in making informed, strategic decision.
What We Offer:
- Competitive base salary
- Health insurance
- Free parking
- Career development
- Employee assistance & wellbeing programs
- Enhanced parental leave provisions
- + Delicious discounted grass-fed butter!!!
How to Apply:
Please submit your application through our careers page at westlandcareers.co.nz. For further details, please refer to the accompanying position description available on the site.
Applications close on Sunday, 17 August 2025. Please note that this advertisement may close earlier than the listed closing date if a suitable candidate is identified. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews may be conducted earlier than the closing date.
Applicants must have valid work rights in New Zealand to be considered.
