Head of Category - Clinical Equipment & Consumables - Procurement & Supply Chain at Te Whatu Ora, Auckland

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Full-time, permanent position
• Work from any Health New Zealand office location nationwide

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 the Head of Category - Clinical Equipment and Consumables, you will shape the strategic direction of one of Health New Zealand's largest and most complex category portfolios. Reporting to the Commercial Director, this influential leadership role offers the opportunity to drive transformational change, deliver exceptional commercial outcomes, and contribute to high quality, sustainable healthcare across New Zealand.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead and develop a high performing team while providing strategic commercial leadership across the Clinical Equipment and Consumables category.
• Develop and execute category strategies that maximise value, support organisational priorities, and deliver strong procurement outcomes.
• Drive transformational initiatives that improve efficiency, strengthen supplier performance, and embed continuous improvement.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with key internal stakeholders, clinical leaders, suppliers, and external partners.
• Champion innovative and sustainable sourcing practices that deliver high quality, equitable health outcomes across the health system.

About the Team/Service/ Location

The PSC&HTM team at Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora are a national function with a vast and complex scope. They play a critical role in ensuring the availability, safety, and efficiency of clinical and non-clinical goods and services across the health system. Responsible for managing and influencing over $9 billion in annual spend, the team are central to delivering high-quality patient outcomes and standardising product usage across regions.

About you

You are a commercially astute and strategic leader with extensive experience delivering value through category management, procurement, and supplier partnerships. You have a proven track record leading high-performing teams, driving transformational change, and influencing senior stakeholders in complex environments. Passionate about continuous improvement, you combine strong commercial acumen with a collaborative leadership style to deliver sustainable organisational outcomes.

You will also have:

• 10+ years' experience in category management, including strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, and commercial leadership within complex environments.
• 5+ years' experience leading and developing high-performing teams, with the ability to drive transformation and deliver results in large, complex organisations.
• Proven success developing and executing category strategies that deliver measurable financial, operational, and service outcomes, supported by strong financial and commercial acumen.
• Demonstrated expertise in building strategic partnerships and influencing a broad range of stakeholders, including executive-level leaders, suppliers, and industry networks.
• Advanced knowledge of strategic sourcing, commercial frameworks, contract management, and procurement governance, with experience in healthcare and/or the public sector considered advantageous.

Working for 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 24 August 2026.  We will commence interviews as suitable candidates are identified, before the advertisement closing date. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Zerissa Ong on zerissa.ong@tewhatuora.govt.nz

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