Head of People

Tend is on the lookout for a Head of People to join our executive team, where you'll lead a team of high-performing People specialists.

Tend is a group of ambitious, bold thinkers who bring innovation to everything that we do. What sets us apart is not just vision, but capability, intelligence, hard work, and an unwavering drive to keep getting better. There’s a dynamic energy within our teams - one of constant momentum - as we push for meaningful improvements that align with our strategic goals and operational priorities.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a strategic and commercially astute People leader who thrives in fast-paced environments, builds high-performing clinical and non-clinical teams across the country, embeds Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and is passionate about shaping a culture rooted in our characteristics and Tendencies. You will empower people, champion development, and align People initiatives with meaningful healthcare outcomes.

Ultimately, you will be responsible for ensuring that the people we attract, retain, and develop, meet our mission goals and we can maximise our potential.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a People strategy that supports business growth and promotes a high-performance, inclusive culture
• Lead proactive and effective employee relations to build trust and address issues early, fairly, and constructively
• Champion and structure talent acquisition, professional development, and retention efforts, ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are embedded in all People practices
• Design and oversee performance management systems and leadership development programmes that align individual goals with organisational objectives
• Drive employee engagement initiatives using data-driven insights to enhance workplace culture, employee experience, and employee satisfaction
• Advise senior and operational leadership on workforce planning, organisational design, succession planning, and change management
• Oversee compensation and benefits strategies to ensure competitiveness and alignment with industry standards
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, regulations, and best practice, and uphold the highest ethical standards in all People practices
• Champion a culture of transparency, continuous feedback, accountability, and recognition.
• Oversee all Learning and Development functions to ensure a robust programme for all employees from induction and onboarding onwards
• Manage Health, Safety, and Wellbeing to ensure we retain our position as a great place to work
  
  

Experience & Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive HR leadership experience, with at least 5 years in a senior HR role, ideally within a dynamic, fast-paced environment
• Proven track record of delivering both strategic and commercial outcomes aligned to business goals
• Experience in the health sector is highly desirable
• Deep understanding of strategic HR management, organisational development, and the full talent lifecycle
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence all levels
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing People & Culture strategies that enhance organisational performance
• Strong knowledge of employment law, employee relations, compliance, and HR best practices
• Hands-on experience leading complex organisational change and transformation initiatives.
  
  

The People team mahi tahi out of our Parnell HQ 5 days a week, with flexibility for any work/life balance needs.