HR Advisor - 6 Month Fixed Term Contract

About the Role

As a People Experience Advisor, your primary responsibility involves offering specialized HR guidance focused on managing performance issues ranging from informal coaching to formal disciplinary processes. You will be the expert contact for performance-related concerns across New Zealand and Australia, ensuring Xero's approach is equitable, consistent, and compliant with legislation.

This is a six-month fixed term position where you'll oversee a range of performance cases, including underperformance and Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs), while contributing to the development of support mechanisms for People Leaders handling sensitive workplace conversations.

Team and Collaboration

You will be part of the global HR Advisory team, collaborating closely with HR Business Partners and People Leaders to administer performance cases with care and fairness. The team emphasizes maintaining human-centric and compliant performance management practices and shares insights with the HR Centres of Excellence to inform future program and training initiatives.

Primary Responsibilities

• Handle a caseload of performance management cases, including PIPs and disciplinary actions
• Prepare and verify performance management documents, such as outcome letters and formal warnings
• Coach People Leaders on effective performance conversation techniques
• Analyze case data to identify trends and suggest preventative measures

Work Location and Arrangement

This position operates from offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Wellington, or Auckland, following a hybrid work model combining in-person collaboration with remote work flexibility. Team boost days facilitate in-person connection and teamwork, with the remainder of the week adaptable to individual working preferences.

Candidate Profile and Requirements

• Proven experience managing performance and disciplinary cases, including drafting PIPs and formal documentation
• Knowledge of New Zealand or Australian employment laws, especially regarding procedural fairness in performance management
• Experience coaching and training People Leaders on effective performance discussions
• Ability to balance legal, business, and employee considerations to provide pragmatic solutions
• Comfortable working within a dynamic, matrixed organizational structure, addressing both global consistency and local specifics
• Maintains discretion and professionalism in handling sensitive and confidential matters

Additional Information

At Xero, we value applicants who bring diverse skills, enthusiasm, and perspectives, even if their prior experience does not perfectly match the role requirements.