Principal Advisor - Hauora and Wellbeing

About the Role and Organisation

Auckland Council is expanding its Health, Safety and Wellbeing (HSW) team as part of a commitment to enhancing employee health and wellbeing across the organisation. This permanent full-time position, based in Auckland CBD with a hybrid work approach (three days onsite weekly), involves travel throughout the region. The Principal Advisor - Hauora and Wellbeing will directly support the Hauora Wellbeing Manager and help shape strategic health and wellbeing initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and be a visible advocate for hauora and wellbeing across Auckland Council.
• Ensure adherence to ethical standards, confidentiality, privacy, and compliance with legislative requirements related to wellbeing.
• Coach and mentor wellbeing advisors and specialists to promote consistent, high-quality outcomes organisation-wide.
• Lead the design and execution of the Whanake Ora Hauora Wellbeing Strategy, translating strategic priorities into effective programmes and measurable results.
• Collaborate with executive leadership, senior leaders, and stakeholders to maintain alignment of wellbeing initiatives with organisational goals.
• Provide expert advice on complex or escalated wellbeing issues and act as interim Hauora Wellbeing Manager when necessary.
• Lead responses to critical incidents or crises, facilitating support pathways for affected staff to foster recovery and ongoing wellbeing.
• Identify emerging psychosocial risks and contribute to continual improvements in organisational health, safety, and wellbeing practices.

Candidate Profile

• Proven ability to build and sustain trusted relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels, including culturally diverse groups.
• Experience navigating complex and politically sensitive environments with strong cultural and political insight.
• Passion for empowering others, transforming wellbeing practices, and fostering ongoing learning.
• Strong organisational skills with excellent planning, prioritisation, and time management capabilities.
• Demonstrated experience leading strategic wellbeing programmes and achieving measurable impacts.

Qualifications and Experience

• A tertiary qualification in social work, psychology, or equivalent lived/work experience.
• A minimum of seven years’ experience in mental health and wellbeing or a related discipline, preferably within large, diverse organisations.
• Proven record delivering mental health and wellbeing strategies at a complex organisational level.
• Membership in relevant professional bodies such as NZISM or Workplace Wellbeing Professionals Association.
• Strong understanding of Te Ao Māori and ability to apply te reo Māori, tikanga, and mātauranga Māori to inform and enhance wellbeing practices, particularly grounded in Te Whare Tapa Whā model.
• Comprehensive knowledge of health, safety, and wellbeing concepts including positive psychology, psychosocial risk mitigation, and leadership responsibilities.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary for this position ranges from $119,357 to $126,378 NZD depending on skills and experience, with Auckland Council’s KiwiSaver contributions provided in addition to base pay. Benefits include flexible working conditions, support for wellbeing, and a diverse and inclusive workplace accredited by GenderTick and a signatory of the Pride Pledge.

Additional Information

Applications close at midnight on Monday 17th August. Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion and supporting candidates with access needs throughout the recruitment process.

The Council collects and manages personal information in line with the Privacy Act 2020 and conducts reference checks only for preferred applicants who consent to this process.