People and Culture Manager

People and Culture Manager – Exciting New Role

• Shape the firm’s people strategy and culture initiatives
• Lead improvement programmes to strengthen organisational capability
• Flexible working arrangements – opportunity for part-time hours

About Harmans Lawyers Harmans is a leading Christchurch law firm with a proud history of supporting individuals, families, and businesses across Canterbury and beyond. Known for their approachable style and trusted legal expertise, they are committed to building long-term relationships and delivering exceptional outcomes for their clients. As an employer, Harmans place value on creating a positive, inclusive, and supportive workplace where their people can thrive.
About the opportunity We are seeking a People and Culture Manager to take ownership of the firm’s People agenda, ensuring that organisational capability, culture, and leadership development are aligned with strategic goals. Reporting to the Business Operations Manager, you will act as a trusted partner to the leadership team, providing both strategic insight and hands-on support across the employee lifecycle.
In this role, you will:

• Lead a discovery and review process of current people and culture practices, identifying strengths, risks, and opportunities.
• Design and implement improvement programmes that enhance engagement, leadership capability, and workforce resilience.
• Review, update, and embed people policies and frameworks to ensure compliance and best practice.
• Partner with leaders to build confidence and capability in people management, coaching and advising across recruitment, onboarding, performance, and employee relations.
• Support leaders to properly resource teams through best practice recruitment processes.
• Champion initiatives that strengthen culture, inclusion, wellbeing, and employee experience.

This role is offered with flexibility in hours and could be part-time, making it an excellent opportunity for someone seeking a leadership role with balance.
About you You will bring significant experience in People and Culture leadership or business partnering within a professional services or commercial environment coupled with a relevant tertiary qualification. Engaging, credible, and approachable, you will have the confidence to work closely with senior leaders while remaining hands-on in delivery.
Your key skills and attributes will include:

• Strong influencing and coaching capability, with the ability to empower leaders
• Proven track record in developing and implementing people strategies, frameworks, and initiatives
• Knowledge of employment law, compliance, and best practice HR standards
• Highly organised, detail-focused, and resilient, able to manage multiple priorities
• Empathetic and people-centred, with sound judgement in sensitive situations

In return you will enjoy the opportunity to impact change and capability across a progressive and positive organisation. Keen to find out more?
How to apply
To learn more about Harmans Lawyers, visit them at https://harmans.co.nz/
For a confidential discussion about this role, contact Elise Elliott, Business Partner, on 021 243 7018 or at [email protected]