07th September, 2026
Director of People and Culture | Auckland
For over three decades, Ronald McDonald House Charities New Zealand (RMHC New Zealand) has provided a ‘home-away-from-home’ for Kiwi families when their child is hospitalised. Through our House and Family Room programmes, we provide free accommodation and practical support, allowing whānau to focus on what matters most - each other.
This newly created executive role is a rare opportunity to evolve the people, culture and leadership foundations behind RMHC New Zealand’s mahi.
About the role | Mō te tūranga
As Director of People and Culture, you will lead an organisation-wide people strategy that supports RMHC New Zealand's mission, values and future direction. Reporting to the CEO and partnering closely with the Board, Executive Leadership Team and leaders across the motu, you will strengthen leadership capability, embed consistent people practices and support a connected, high-performing organisation.
The needs of the families and communities RMHC New Zealand serves continue to evolve, and this role will play a key part in ensuring the organisation has the workforce capability, leadership effectiveness and organisational readiness needed to meet those needs.
This is a strategic executive leadership position in a national organisation undergoing evolution, and success will require a leader who is equally comfortable shaping direction, influencing change and working hands-on.
This role will help shape RMHC New Zealand's next chapter, supporting organisational evolution, strengthening leadership and ensuring the organisation is positioned to sustainably deliver greater impact for whānau across Aotearoa.
Key focus areas | Ngā aronga matua
- Developing and implementing a clear, practical people strategy, supported by strong people systems, organisational design and workforce insights.
- Building a high performing leadership culture through enhanced leadership capability, accountability, performance and development.
- Leading culture, engagement and the employee experience.
- Leading workforce and organisational transformation, while supporting leaders through change.
- Providing senior oversight of complex employment relations, compliance and people risk matters.
- Contributing as a trusted member of the Executive Leadership Team and advising the CEO and Board on workforce trends, risks and opportunities.
About you | Mōu - You will be an experienced senior People and Culture leader who brings credibility, judgement and a proven ability to build trusted relationships and influence stakeholders across all levels of an organisation.
- You will bring experience helping organisations evolve to better understand and respond to the needs of the communities they serve, along with a track record of leading capability uplift and developing practical, sustainable solutions that work across diverse and predominantly front-line workforces.
- We welcome interest from leaders across a range of sectors and organisational settings. We're looking for someone who can build trust, bring structure to complexity, and support leaders to create a positive, accountable and values-led culture.
- You will bring strong New Zealand employment relations knowledge, sound people-risk judgement and experience leading organisational change, workforce capability uplift and continuous improvement in a complex or evolving environment.
- A practical understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a genuine commitment to inclusive, culturally responsive leadership will be important in this role.
Why this role? | He aha tēnei tūranga?
This is a meaningful opportunity for a senior People and Culture leader who is passionate about making a difference and motivated by purpose, values and practical impact. You will influence organisational direction and strengthen the culture and capability behind RMHC New Zealand’s continued support for whānau across Aotearoa.
How to apply | Me pēhea te tono
Applications close Wednesday, 23 September 2026.
For a confidential kōrero, or a copy of the position description, please contact Maria Lyons at Niche Recruitment at maria.lyons@nicherecruitment.co.nz or 021 403 855.
Applicants must hold the right to work in New Zealand and be currently residing in New Zealand.
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