People and Capability Advisor

At Youthtown, we believe in empowering young people to be the best they can be. Behind every great programme is a great team, and we’re looking for an experienced, energetic, and people-focused People and Capability Advisor.

This is a true generalist HR role offering a unique blend of operational HR responsibilities and project work. One moment you’ll be preparing employment agreements, coordinating recruitment and onboarding, or supporting a manager through an ER matter; the next you’ll be supporting policy reviews, helping shape our learning and development approach, or improving recruitment and people processes across the organisation. You won’t just keep the wheels turning, you’ll help shape how we do things.

About the Role

The People and Capability Advisor provides professional and practical HR support that enables organisational success through strong people practices, employment compliance, workforce capability development, and continuous improvement. The role contributes to attracting, developing and retaining great people while supporting career growth, learning, performance, wellbeing, and organisational culture.

Key Responsibilities

HR, HSE Operations and Employee Lifecycle

• Prepare employment agreements, variations and any other employment-related correspondence
• Coordinate reference checks, police vetting, and pre-employment screening processes
• Support onboarding and induction activities to ensure a great experience for all our people and board members
• Maintain employee records and HR systems, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality
• Support remuneration round and workforce initiatives
• Assist with reporting, HR and HSE administration activities
• Organise offboarding

Recruitment and Talent Acquisition

• Coordinate recruitment processes, from advertising through to appointment
• Partner with hiring managers to attract and select high-quality candidates
• Review and continuously improve recruitment and onboarding practices
• Promote positive candidate experiences and employer branding initiatives

Employment Relations

• Provide practical advice and support on performance and employee relations matters
• Assist with investigations, disciplinary processes, and documentation
• Ensure HR practices align with New Zealand employment legislation and best practice

Projects such as

• Learning and Development initiatives
• Development of competency frameworks and career pathways
• Employee engagement and culture initiatives
• Employee benefits

About You

You’ll be a curious and capable HR professional who enjoys balancing operational delivery with more strategic projects and initiatives.

What you will Bring

• 2+ years’ experience in a broad HR Advisory or HR Generalist role
• Exposure to both recruitment and employment relations activities
• Sound knowledge of New Zealand employment legislation and HR best practice
• Experience supporting managers and employees across the employee lifecycle
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality outcomes
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Confidence working autonomously while remaining a collaborative team player
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgement
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Highly desirable

• Experience using Employment Hero
• Experience or interest in Learning and Development

Don’t Meet Every Requirement?

You don’t need to meet all our requirements. If you bring strong HR foundations, some recruitment and ER experience, and a genuine interest in learning and development, we will support your continued growth and development.

At Youthtown, we value attitude, curiosity, learning agility, and a willingness to grow just as much as technical expertise.

Why Join Youthtown?

At Youthtown, we’re passionate about creating opportunities for young people and supporting communities across Aotearoa. In return, you will enjoy:

• A varied and meaningful HR role with genuine organisational impact
• The chance to contribute to strategic people initiatives while remaining connected to day-to-day operations
• A supportive and values-driven culture
• Ongoing learning and professional development
• Employee wellbeing and recognition initiatives
• The opportunity to work alongside passionate people making a difference in the lives of young people

At Youthtown, we believe our strength comes from the diversity of our people and the communities we serve. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and able to thrive. Therefore, we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, experiences, and perspectives.

Youthtown is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful applicant will be required to undergo pre-employment screening, including reference checks and a satisfactory Police Vetting process, in accordance with our safeguarding obligations. All employees are expected to uphold the highest standards of professional conduct and child safety.

Apply now and help shape the future of Youthtown’s people experience.