- Tier three leadership role, reporting to the DCE People & Culture
- Lead continuous improvement across payroll, recruitment, and HR operations
- Shape people experience and enable ACC’s enterprise strategy
About ACC | Mō mātou
At ACC, we are committed to improving the quality of life for New Zealanders by minimising the incidence and impact of injury.
About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga mahi
The Head of People & Culture (People Operations) is a critical Tier 3 leadership role reporting to the Deputy Chief Executive People & Culture. You will lead the delivery of critical enabling services and a team of ~50 including Advisory, Payroll, People Systems and Talent Acquisition, that support our people every day and ensure ACC has the operational foundations to deliver on its strategy.
This role carefully balances the need for operational oversight and support, with transformation and improvement. You’ll guide a large team through system change, process improvement and modernisation, while creating an environment that is safe, inclusive and focused on delivering value. As a member of the People & Culture Leadership Team and ACC’s wider enterprise leadership cohort, you will play a central part in shaping ACC’s people experience.
Key areas of focus:
- Provide key stakeholder input for ACC’s payroll replacement programme, while stabilising current services and reducing manual processes.
- Oversee the next stages of delivery of Holidays Act remediation in partnership with external advisers.
- Lead the transformation of recruitment practices, embedding transparency, consistency and inclusivity.
- Drive efficiency, automation and continuous improvement across People Operations.
- Build and lead a high-performing People Operations team, empowering leaders and advisors to deliver exceptional services.
- Contribute to enterprise-wide leadership and ACC’s long-term people strategy.
What we’re looking for | Ngā tino pūkenga me ngā wheako
We’re seeking a proven People & Culture leader who brings both operational depth and the ability to lead transformation at pace. This role will appeal to someone who thrives in complex environments and can balance empathy with delivery.
You will bring:
- Proven senior leadership experience leading large, multi-disciplinary HR/People Operations functions in complex, high-profile organisations.
- Demonstrated ability to streamline processes, embed automation, and support teams to shift from transactional to value-adding work.
- Resilience to lead through ambiguity, competing priorities and external scrutiny, with the pragmatism to focus on what matters most.
- Ideally, a track record in leading payroll replacements, remediation, or major HRIS transformation programmes, with the ability to steady a team through change.
- Credibility and presence to engage effectively with senior leaders, governance bodies, and external partners, bringing authenticity and influence.
- Ability to foster a safe, high-performing culture where people are empowered and supported, while also holding accountability for outcomes.
Why join us?
This is a unique opportunity to influence the people experience at ACC, modernise critical functions, and lead change that will shape the organisation’s future. You will join a collaborative, supportive leadership team at a pivotal time in ACC’s journey.
- A collaborative, inclusive, and supportive workplace culture.
- Flexible working arrangements to suit your needs.
- A genuine opportunity to contribute to equity, innovation, and continuous improvement in a large, purpose-driven organisation.
Apply now | Tono mai
Applications close at 12 noon on Thursday 9th October 2025. We will be assessing applications as they are received, so we encourage you to apply for this role at your earliest convenience. For a confidential discussion please contact Jeremy McLeod, jeremy@inside.co.nz.
