KEY POINTS:
Auckland's position as the country's financial capital will receive a further boost with Westpac establishing a major service centre in the city, creating new jobs for city workers.
Westpac's new building, Westpac on Takutai Square, will open for business in the Britomart precinct within the next six months,
meaning the bank will be looking for new call centre staff who are keen to work in the central city.
The first new building, which has been constructed on the Charter House heritage site, will bring together the majority of Westpac's service support teams, says Marianne Freser, Westpac's Head of Recruitment and Retention.
"Our call centres are coming into the city from Manukau and Onehunga, along with other support teams," she says. "We still think we will need between 40 and 50 new staff with the move.
"It will be an exciting time for existing and new staff to be with the bank. This new flagship building will be an opportunity for Westpac to bring our people together in an environment that fosters teamwork and collaboration.
"Centralising support staff is a bold move but one aimed at helping to deliver a better experience for employees and better outcomes for customers. We'll really be able to build a one-team approach based on our strong culture and values."
Westpac's recruiters will be on site at The New Zealand Herald Your Career Expo at the ASB Showgrounds in Auckland this weekend to answer any questions from potential new recruits.
The bank's new premises will be open and contemporary, and situated in a cultural and business precinct that is vibrant and energetic, with easy access to trains, buses and ferries.
There will also be cycle storage facilities for staff who bike to work, and there'll be showers and lockers available as well.
"Westpac on Takutai Square promises to be an excellent place to work, with all the advantages of working in the central city, close to transport, cafes, gyms, shopping and childcare centres," Freser says.
"Maintaining excellent service for our customers - and achieving our goal of being the most recommended bank in New Zealand - means Westpac works hard to ensure it develops and supports passionate and skilled employees.
"That's why over 5000 Kiwis choose to work for Westpac New Zealand."
Westpac employees receive benefits such as the option of flexible work arrangements and superannuation membership.
"Our family-friendly policies see over 80 per cent of our employees rejoining our team after parental leave," Freser says.
"Westpac also recognises the passion our employees have for their community, so we offer them the opportunity to take a paid day off each year to volunteer for a community or non-profit organisation.
"Westpac employees are encouraged to improve their leadership skills and develop in their careers. This means while improving our team we are also helping to develop future leaders for New Zealand."
