Employment Relations Business Partner

• Be a trusted ER expert – influence leaders and shape people decisions across a diverse, national business.
• Variety & complexity – work across complex employment relations, union engagement, and organisational change.
• Grow with a market leader – build your ER career within New Zealand’s largest food and support services organisation.

He angitūtanga | The opportunity

As an Employment Relations Business Partner, you will provide specialist advice and support on complex employment and industrial relations matters. You’ll partner closely with leaders and managers, ensuring consistent, high-quality ER practices aligned with Compass Group’s strategic objectives, values, and legal obligations.

Ko o kawenga | Your responsibilities

• Provide specialist employment and industrial relations advice, including case management, change processes, and employment agreement interpretation.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with unions, supporting collective bargaining and positive industrial relations outcomes.
• Support and guide managers on personal grievances, disciplinary processes, restructures, and ER risk mitigation.
• Develop and maintain ER policies, templates, and guidance in line with legislative and case law changes.
• Analyse labour turnover and ER data, providing insights and recommendations to improve retention and people outcomes.

He kōrero mōu | About you

• At least 5 years’ experience in Employment Relations and/or Industrial Relations within a complex organisation.
• Strong working knowledge of New Zealand employment legislation and ER best practice.
• Excellent influencing and relationship‑building skills, with the ability to partner confidently with leaders.
• Highly organised, analytical, and proactive, with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with professionalism and discretion when handling sensitive matters.

Ngā painga | Benefits & Perks

• Competitive salary package plus bonuses and comprehensive benefits.
• A key specialist role within a dynamic, growth‑focused organisation.
• The opportunity to influence ER strategy and uplift leadership capability.
• Career development and progression within the global Compass Group framework.
• A supportive and collaborative People & Culture team environment.
• Exclusive discounts on medical insurance, banking services, hotels, and more.
• Flexible working options and Employee Assistance Programmes to support wellbeing.

Please visit our Benefits page for a comprehensive list of our benefits.

Mō mātou | About us

• We are New Zealand's leading and largest food and support services provider across multiple industries.
• Our sub-brands, Eurest, Chartwells, Restaurant Associates, Medirest, ESS and Rapport manage these industry sectors.
• We specialise in turning ordinary acts of service into extraordinary experiential moments for our clients. With innovative and talented teams across New Zealand, we transform experiences from being GOOD to GREAT.
• Our people are awesome, they breathe life into our brands and make great things happen!
• Our strength comes from the combination of the things we have in common - our shared values, vision, and purpose and to make our commitment unique for you - RESPECT, GROWTH, and TEAMWORK are the founding pillars of these commitments.
• We are committed to reflecting the diversity of our customers, suppliers, and colleagues. We also prioritise sustainability in everything we do, ensuring an inclusive and equitable environment for all.

Successful candidates will be required to pass pre‑employment checks satisfactorily.

Applicants must have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa.

Recruitment for this role will actively commence from the date of advertising. The closing date is reliant on the appointment of the successful applicant.

Don’t miss this opportunity to shape employment relations outcomes at scale — Click ‘Apply’ now!

For recruitment queries, please contact the Compass Group Recruitment Team at

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