Head of People, Culture, and Wellbeing (Fixed Term)

People and Culture Manager | Two-year fixed term | Leadership Team | Western Springs, Auckland

• Lead MOTAT’s People, Culture, and Wellbeing portfolio - a team of five initially
• Support our operational HR functions through a period of organisational change
• Bring a people-first approach to manaaki and empower 400 team members (employees and volunteers)

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

MOTAT is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest transport and technology museum. Our vision is to use the past, present and future technology and ingenuity of Aotearoa to educate and inspire the innovators of tomorrow – kia whakatōmuri te haere whakamua.

We are looking for an experienced people leader to manage our People, Culture, and Wellbeing function for a two-year fixed term. We’re looking for someone with strong HR leadership skills to lead the charge in fostering an inclusive work and volunteer environment, embracing a dual-world view in your approach, and empowering our team to be successful in their roles through a period of change.

This is an important role at an important time. The fixed term aligns to a period where MOTAT is working towards integration with Tātaki Auckland Unlimited. It is a period of potential change and uncertainty for the team, which is foremost in our considerations when hiring for this role.

Working closely with MOTAT’s Chief Operating Officer, you will provide continuity and trusted people leadership to MOTAT’s leaders, employees, and volunteers as the future operating environment takes shape.

ABOUT YOU

To be successful in this role you will:

• Have at least three years’ experience as a HR leader, including strong people management experience;
• Thrive in a busy environment, being able to context-switch to support a team working across a broad portfolio;
• Have a passion for supporting the delivery of people and the culture within an organisation;
• Bring an understanding of both te ao Māori me ōna tikanga and safety and wellbeing (or be on a pathway to building that understanding);
• Bring an attention to detail and aptitude for communication, relationship building, and change management; and
• Lead with integrity in everything you do.

You will also be systems savvy with experience using HRIS and payroll systems. This role is perfect for a leader familiar with leading through a period of change, leading with a people-first approach in all that you do.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU

You will be joining an organisation that brings together innovation, education, heritage and community, and a team that cares deeply about MOTAT and the people who make it what it is.

Alongside the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution during an important period for MOTAT, you will receive:

• Five weeks’ annual leave
• A paid day off for your birthday
• 4% employer KiwiSaver contribution
• A complimentary MOTAT Mates annual pass for you and your whānau.

APPLY NOW

To learn more about the position, you can find the full position description here.

Applications close: 25 September 2026

We reserve the right to screen applicants before the closing date, so the advertisement may close early if we identify the right person.