Sophie Gibson
Queenstown,OTA
Summary
I am a dedicated HR professional who truly believes that people are the heart of any business. I am deeply passionate about the belief that fostering people in the right way is a key element to long-term success. I pride myself on being a fast learner who thrives in high-pressure environments, specialising in end-to-end HR, and payroll operations. Whether navigating complex Australian Fair Work regulations and Award systems, or managing tricky Employment Relations cases, I am committed to making a real difference. I currently manage payroll for over 200 people across different countries, and I am now looking for a role where I can continue to grow and help a team thrive.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
HR Manager (Maternity Leave Secondment)
Magic Memories
Queenstown, New Zealand
03.2025 - Current
- Stepped into the regional leadership role to oversee HR strategy and high-level operations across the APAC region.
- Acted as the primary point of contact for all complex employment relations (ER) matters, including high-level investigations and disciplinaries.
- Led strategic people development initiatives and provided high-level advisory to senior leadership.
HR Advisor
Magic Memories
Queenstown, New Zealand
08.2023 - 03.2025
- Supported the APAC region (AU, NZ & Asia) with a heavy focus on the NZ Employment Relations Act and Fair Work Australia regulations.
- Responsible for all ER matters: conducting investigations, managing disciplinary actions, and overseeing performance management processes.
- Trained Managers and Regional Managers on proper HR processes, legal compliance, and effective people development.
- Executed full end-to-end payroll processing for 200+ employees across three regions (AU, NZ & Thailand) on a bi-monthly basis.
HR Coordinator
Magic Memories
Queenstown, New Zealand
12.2021 - 08.2023
- Coordinated recruitment through job postings, interview scheduling, and candidate qualification validation.
- Managed end-to-end onboarding process for new hires to ensure seamless integration.
- Maintained accurate employee records by regularly updating information in HR management systems.
- Organised company events to foster team building and enhance workplace culture.
- Assisted & managed payroll for the APAC & NAM (North America) regions, ensuring international compliance.
HR Assistant (Fixed-Term Contract)
Magic Memories
Queenstown, New Zealand
01.2021 - 12.2021
- Delivered essential HR support throughout critical contract period, resulting in permanent promotion
Administration Officer (Part-time)
McKenzie & Wills
Queenstown, New Zealand
11.2019 - 12.2020
- Supplemented professional skills through general administrative and accounting support.
- Proficiently used Microsoft Dynamics for invoicing, receiving, and pricing all products.
- Delivered high-level customer service and general office management.
- Assisted in inventory management and maintained accurate records.
- Communicated effectively with team members to resolve issues promptly.
Property Manager
Divine Property Management
Queenstown, New Zealand
12.2019 - 12.2020
- Conducted property inspections to identify deficiencies and schedule necessary repairs.
- Managed property condition reports while facilitating viewings for prospective tenants.
- Addressed resident complaints promptly, ensuring swift resolution of maintenance requests.
- Oversaw creditor invoicing and performed general administrative duties efficiently.
Programme Manager
Skids After-School Care
Queenstown, New Zealand
07.2017 - 01.2020
- Supervised and trained a team of 6 to deliver effective after-school programs.
- Developed comprehensive schedules for engaging after-school activities.
- Managed communication with parents on program updates and child development.
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring safety and engagement for over 50 children.
- Handled site safety and conflict resolution to maintain a positive environment.
- Contributed to achieving Top 10 branch status in New Zealand.
Education
NZ Diploma in Business Management and Leadership - HR Management, Leadership, and Workplace Relationships
SIT
Queenstown, NZ01.2019
NCEA Level 3 -
Wakatipu High School
Queenstown, NZ01.2015
Skills
- HR policies and procedures
- HR compliance
- Employee relations
- Hiring and recruitment
- Change management
- Benefits and compensation
- Staff development
- Payroll and accounting
- Performance management
- Audit findings
Skills
Systems & Software
- Payroll: iPayroll, Cloud Payroll, UKG.
- Workforce & Data: Deputy, JotForm, Microsoft Dynamics NAV.
- Productivity: Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and Google Suite.
Interpersonal Skills
- Communication: Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to deal with stakeholders at all levels.
- Adaptability: Fast learner who thrives in high-pressure, fast-paced environments.
- Reliability: Proven record of managing high levels of responsibility and confidential information.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
HR Manager (Maternity Leave Secondment)
Magic Memories
03.2025 - Current
HR Advisor
Magic Memories
08.2023 - 03.2025
HR Coordinator
Magic Memories
12.2021 - 08.2023
HR Assistant (Fixed-Term Contract)
Magic Memories
01.2021 - 12.2021
Property Manager
Divine Property Management
12.2019 - 12.2020
Administration Officer (Part-time)
McKenzie & Wills
11.2019 - 12.2020
Programme Manager
Skids After-School Care
07.2017 - 01.2020
NZ Diploma in Business Management and Leadership - HR Management, Leadership, and Workplace Relationships
SIT
NCEA Level 3 -
Wakatipu High School