HR Assistant

Job Description:

• Flexible part-time role with meaningful variety
• Supportive team culture and development opportunities
• Additional leave provisions and great staff benefits

Ngā kōrero mō te tūranga – About the role

Join a collaborative and people-focused team where your organisational skills and customer service mindset will make a real impact.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and highly organised HR Assistant to join our People and Capability division on a part-time fixed-term basis through to December 2026. This varied role provides integrated HR administration and talent acquisition support across the University, helping to deliver a professional and positive experience for candidates, managers, and staff.

As a key member of the HR Administration team, you will provide first-level support for HR enquiries, coordinate talent acquisition activities, maintain accurate employee records, and support a range of People and Capability initiatives. You’ll work closely with HR Administrators, HR Business Partners, Talent Acquisition team and other colleagues across the University.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing first-level HR support through helpdesk and ticketing systems
• Preparing employment documentation and maintaining HR records
• Coordinating talent acquisition activities, interviews, and candidate communication
• Supporting onboarding processes, police vetting, and reference checks
• Assisting with payroll-related administration and data entry
• Contributing to process improvements and team projects
• Delivering a professional, inclusive, and customer-focused service experience

This is a part-time role working 30 hours per week, based at our Hamilton campus, and is fixed-term until December 2026. Salary will be in the range of $60,046 to $72,636 per year pro-rated, depending on skills, knowledge, and experience.

For more information on the role please see the position description. For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Ali Wilkinson, Associate Director Organisational Development, at ali.wilkinson@waikato.ac.nz. All applications must be submitted through the online portal; emailed applications will not be accepted.

Ko wai koe? – Who are you?

You will be a proactive and service-oriented administrator who enjoys supporting others and thrives in a busy environment. You’ll bring excellent communication skills, strong attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities with professionalism and care.

To be successful in this role you will have:

• Proven administration experience with a strong customer service focus
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Strong organisational skills and a high level of accuracy
• Confidence using Microsoft Office applications and data systems
• The ability to quickly learn HR processes and technologies
• Sound judgement and discretion when handling confidential information
• A collaborative and adaptable approach to teamwork

Experience or interest in human resources or talent acquisition administration would be advantageous, along with exposure to HR systems such as Oracle.

Ko wai mātou? – Who are we?

The People and Capability division delivers high quality, responsive, and professional people services across the University. This includes human resource operations, talent acquisition, organisational development, and health, safety and wellbeing.

Our team works proactively with leaders and staff to support the full employee lifecycle and ensure people practices align with University strategy, policy, and values.

He aha ngā take me tono mai ai koe? – Why should you apply for this position?

We want you to be part of our success! Our university stands proudly on the world stage as a provider of future-focused, international education and an active player in global research. Our rankings reflect these strengths. Working with us means you’ll enjoy a satisfying work environment with many benefits.

The University of Waikato is distinctive for the diversity of its staff and students and encourages applicants with the relevant capabilities from all backgrounds to apply. Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in NZ in accordance with the NZ Immigration regulations which can be found here.

Ko te Tangata – For the People

The University of Waikato prides itself on the quality of its engagement with the communities that it serves, the provision of a world-class education and the national and international impact of its research. Our policies are guided by the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and equal opportunity for all.

E herea ana te Whare Wānanga ki te kaupapa kia whakaratohia te mea angitū ōrite ki ngā tāngata katoa.

Applications Close on Sunday May 24, 2026

Requisition number: 1003645

Posted: 13/05/2026