Advisor People Services

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

Downer Group is seeking an Advisor in People Services in Auckland for a full-time onsite fixed-term role through December 2026, with an ASAP start preferred to support a structured handover. You’ll deliver high-quality Tier 2 HR advice across the employee lifecycle, manage complex Hire-to-Retire matters, interpret policies, industrial awards and legislation, and resolve issues using Oracle HCM, ServiceNow and payroll systems. The successful candidate will have HR qualifications or relevant experience, strong problem-solving and stakeholder-management skills, clear communication, and a confidential, safety-minded approach aligned with Downer’s Zero Harm culture. When applying, tailor your CV to highlight complex case management, continuous improvement, and alignment with Downer’s values and development opportunities.

Join Downer Group as an Advisor within People Services, where you’ll play a key role in delivering timely, accurate, and practical HR advice to our leaders and employees.

This role sits within our People Services operations function and focuses on Tier 2 HR support, handling more complex Hire-to-Retire matters that require sound judgement, strong system knowledge, and a solid understanding of industrial instruments and employment legislation.

You’ll be part of a collaborative, customer-focused team that supports consistent, positive employee and leader experiences across the business, while contributing to continuous improvement and service excellence.

This is a fixed-term opportunity through to Dec 2026, with an ASAP start preferred to allow for a structured handover.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality Tier 2 HR advice and case management across the employee lifecycle, including complex Hire-to-Retire queries
• Interpret and apply HR policies, procedures, industrial awards, enterprise agreements, and employment legislation, escalating matters where appropriate
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex HR issues, identifying root causes and sustainable solutions
• Support mobilisation and demobilisation activities, including contracts of employment
• Respond to HR enquiries through systems such as Oracle HCM (HR Core), ServiceNow, and payroll platforms
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, system enhancements, and People Services projects
• Facilitate or support HR-related training, updates, and communications as required
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and deliver services in line with agreed SLAs
• Maintain confidentiality and operate in line with Downer’s Zero Harm, safety, and wellbeing commitments

What You Will Bring

• Qualifications or relevant experience in Human Resources
• Experience supporting employees and leaders with both straightforward and complex HR queries
• Strong working knowledge of employment legislation, industrial awards, and enterprise agreements
• Experience using HR and payroll systems such as Oracle HCM, ServiceNow, SAP, JDE, or Express HR (highly regarded)
• Proven problem-solving skills with the ability to manage complex cases and competing priorities
• Clear, confident communication skills with the ability to influence and build trust
• Strong attention to detail, customer focus, and commitment to service excellence
• A collaborative, solution-focused mindset with a genuine interest in continuous improvement
• Alignment with Downer’s values, Zero Harm culture, and commitment to inclusive, respectful workplaces

Benefits Of Working with Downer

• Work with an ASX listed company, working with market leaders.
• Grow your career with us, we are passionate about giving our people opportunities to grow through personal and professional development and continuous learning:
  • Professional development programs
    • Access to professional memberships and industry networks
• Be part of a team that cares, we foster a work environment built on support that is flexible around our employee’s wellbeing needs:
  • Flexible work arrangements
    • Parental leave
    • Employee Assistance Program
    • Programs promoting diversity and inclusion
• A range of Corporate Benefits, including: 
  • Discounted services (car hires, hotels, insurance, retail stores, gyms) 

Why Downer?

As a trusted name in infrastructure, transport, facilities management, and construction, Downer is committed to delivering projects that create a lasting, positive legacy. We’re committed to building a team that reflects the diverse communities we serve, and we welcome people of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, cultures, abilities, and lived experiences. We especially encourage applications from those whose voices have traditionally been underrepresented in our industry, including women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, Māori and Pasifika Peoples, veterans, people with disability, and neurodivergent individuals.  Even if your experience doesn’t align perfectly with this role, we’d still like to hear from you. If it feels like the right fit, apply - potential counts, and so do you.

As a WORK180 Endorsed Employer, we support flexibility that works for your life, inclusive leadership that values your voice, and equitable access to opportunity so you can do your best work and bring your whole self to it.