Principal Service Development Manager - Planning, Funding and Outcomes at Te Whatu Ora, All Locations

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Open to all locations, Wellington preferred, Permanent Full Time with a hybrid model – 3 days in the office
• Shape the future of community pharmacy services and expand care in local communities
• Lead national funding, contracts, and innovation across the pharmacy sector

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is the country's largest employer, delivering universal public healthcare to 5 million New Zealanders.

We provide essential hospital, specialist, and community health services across 80+ locations — from large urban centres to rural towns and remote communities.

Our goal is to improve health outcomes for all New Zealanders by delivering equitable, accessible and innovative care.

About the Role

As a Principal Service Development Manager, you will play a key role in shaping the future of community pharmacy services across Aotearoa New Zealand. You'll lead the design, development, and implementation of innovative pharmacy-led models of care—ensuring they are accessible, sustainable, and deliver better outcomes for the communities who need them most.

In this role, you'll work closely with pharmacy providers, sector leaders, clinicians, and partners to strengthen the role of community pharmacy within the wider primary care system. From developing funding models and negotiating national contracts to leading service redesign and improvement initiatives, your work will directly influence how pharmacy services are delivered nationwide. You'll use data and sector insight to identify opportunities, address inequities, and support pharmacies to operate at the top of their scope—making a tangible difference in people's everyday access to care.

About the Team/Service/Location
You will be part of the Primary Care team within Health NZ | Te Whatu Ora, working collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation and alongside external partners including providers, government agencies, and community stakeholders. The team is committed to delivering high-quality, equitable primary care services nationwide, with a strong focus on partnership with Māori and Pacific communities.

About you

You are a strategic and experienced leader with deep expertise in health service commissioning and a strong understanding of the community pharmacy landscape. You are confident working across complex systems and bring a collaborative, solutions-focused approach to service development and sector engagement.

• Extensive experience in commissioning, funding, or managing health services, ideally with exposure to community pharmacy or primary care settings
• Strong understanding of the community pharmacy sector, including service delivery models, funding mechanisms, and workforce considerations
• Proven ability to design and implement service improvements, including developing business cases, service specifications, and contracting arrangements
• Skilled at building trusted relationships and influencing across providers, sector leaders, Māori and Pacific stakeholders, and government agencies
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to use data and insights to identify gaps and drive equitable outcomes
• Confident leading complex programmes of work, managing competing priorities, and navigating ambiguity and change
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate ideas and provide advice to senior leaders and decision-makers
• A strong commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and improving equity, with the ability to apply these principles meaningfully in your work

Working at Health New Zealand 

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.   

How to Apply 

To apply, please click “apply now.”  All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal by 11:59PM Thursday, 21 May 2026. For further information, please contact Jenita Spencer on Jenita.Spencer@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz.

Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change, affected kaimahi will be given preference and priority for this position.

We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process before the closing date of this advert.