Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Timeline
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Nicole Hayward

Summary

Results-driven Senior Advisor with nearly 8 years of HR experience, excelling in dynamic environments. Expertise in strategic business partnering, driving employee engagement, and executing high-impact projects that enhance organisational culture. Proficient in relationship building and process optimisation, leading to significant improvements in talent retention and operational effectiveness. Recognised for delivering innovative solutions aligned with organisational objectives to support overall success.

Overview

24
24
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Advisor – People and Capability

Te Mana Hiko
07.2021 - Current
  • Coached and advised senior leaders and managers on various HR functions such as recruitment and selection, performance management, employee relations, remuneration and learning and development, driving a positive and inclusive culture.
  • Led strategic people and capability projects, including the development and implementation of a wellbeing program, recruitment and retention, diversity and inclusion, and employee engagement initiatives.
  • Fostered trust across the organisation, including with resistant individuals, through active listening and support, becoming a trusted advisor to leaders and colleagues.
  • Implemented process development and improvements including the rollout of a recruitment system, various automation projects and streamlining recruitment and onboarding.
  • Analysed HR metrics and presented findings to senior leadership, offering recommendations to improve organisational outcomes.
  • Resolved complex employment relations matters, including performance issues, grievances, and disciplinary actions, ensuring compliance with policies and legislation.
  • Led the update, development, and delivery of a suite of fit-for-purpose policies, procedures, and guidelines to support managers and employees in their day-to-day work.
  • Developed and executed strategic plans aligned with organisational objectives, while identifying opportunities for performance and operational improvements.
  • Enhanced organisation culture and retention through recognition programs, coaching, and career development opportunities.
  • Managed risk through effective strategies, while driving organisational efficiency through the implementation of new technologies.
  • Mentored and developed junior team members, fostering professional growth and improving overall team capability.
  • Developed and designed training programs for employees, aligning content with organisational goals and employee needs.
  • Collaborated with external facilitators to ensure effective delivery of specialised training sessions, enhancing employee skills and contributing to overall organisational performance.
  • Ensured compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements specific to the role of an independent Crown entity, such as leading annual review responses for select committee, contributing to reports to our Minister and writing papers for the Board.

Human Resources Advisor

Whitireia and WelTec
06.2019 - 06.2021
  • Provided advice and support on a variety of HR matters, including recruitment and selection, learning and development, performance management, remuneration, employment relations, diversity and inclusion, and employee well-being.
  • Led and managed employment relations cases, including disciplinary actions, grievances, and ER cases, ensuring compliance with policies and legislative requirements.
  • Effectively supported and implemented numerous organisational change and consultation processes, including the closure of the Auckland campus.
  • Led key projects to achieve HR and business objectives, including the development and implementation of a comprehensive employee well-being program across three sites.
  • Created and refined several policies and procedures to ensure consistency and alignment across Whitireia and WelTec.
  • Built and maintained strong, collaborative relationships with various stakeholders, including union representatives and local iwi, fostering open communication to support productive workplace relations.
  • Delivered training and coaching to people leaders on various HR topics, including performance management, recruitment, HR processes, legislative requirements, and employee relations.
  • Provided support and guidance to junior team members on various human resource topics and legislative requirements.

Human Resources Coordinator

Whitireia and WelTec
11.2017 - 06.2021
  • Provided administrative support to the HR team with operational deliverables to assist in the strategic direction of Whitireia and WelTec.
  • Managed the recruitment and onboarding function as the single point of contact for all recruitment across Whitireia and various subsidiaries.
  • Led the implementation of the Phoenix ATS digital recruitment platform, streamlining the hiring process for both managers and candidates.
  • Served as the primary contact for all general HR inquiries, addressing routine questions, and escalating issues when necessary.
  • Created and launched an internal employee HR resource hub using the Microsoft 365 platform.
  • Introduced an automated, paperless contract system with Adobe Sign, achieving cost savings, and accelerating the onboarding process.

Administrator (School of Health and Social Services)

Whitireia
06.2015 - 06.2017
  • Provided advanced administration support to school employees and students using a diverse range of software.
  • Evaluated and implemented new processes to streamline effectiveness and efficiencies within the administration team, including an annual tracker and meeting timeline, to streamline the delivery of key tasks.
  • Monitored emails, sorted mail and distributed correspondence accordingly.
  • Fostered communication and built relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
  • Supported various advisory groups and committees with meetings, minutes, documentation, catering, and facility requirements.

Other Experience

Various
01.2001 - 06.2015
  • Personal Assistant
  • Porse In Home Educator and Nanny
  • Store Assistant, Assistant Manager and Manager

Education

Bachelor of Business - HR Management

Open Polytechnic
12.2024

NZ Certificate in Business - Level 4

Whitireia
12.2018

Skills

  • Strategic business partnering
  • Employee relations & employment law
  • Change management leadership
  • Performance management & coaching
  • Leadership development & mentoring
  • Process optimisation & efficiency
  • Culture building & employee engagement
  • Talent acquisition & retention strategies
  • Relationship building & stakeholder management
  • Continuous learning & development advocacy

References

Available on request

Timeline

Senior Advisor – People and Capability

Te Mana Hiko
07.2021 - Current

Human Resources Advisor

Whitireia and WelTec
06.2019 - 06.2021

Human Resources Coordinator

Whitireia and WelTec
11.2017 - 06.2021

Administrator (School of Health and Social Services)

Whitireia
06.2015 - 06.2017

Other Experience

Various
01.2001 - 06.2015

Bachelor of Business - HR Management

Open Polytechnic

NZ Certificate in Business - Level 4

Whitireia

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Nicole Hayward