Research Office Manager - Bay of Plenty at Te Whatu Ora, Bay of Plenty

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Permanent part-time 0.5FTE role based in Tauranga  Bay of Plenty
• Manage a high performing research office while building strong sector and stakeholder relationships
• Work within a nationally connected team, influencing system-wide priorities and initiatives

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

This is a significant leadership opportunity to shape and strengthen research across Health NZ, driving impact at both a regional and national level.

As a senior leader within the national research team, you'll primarily manage a district research office at Tauranga and also support a regional research office function, ensuring high-quality, efficient research governance and delivery. You'll be responsible for the review, approval and coordination of research activity, while contributing to national programmes and priorities that build research capability across the system.

You'll work closely with senior leaders, including the GM Research and Māori Research leadership, to implement policy, improve processes, and ensure research activity aligns with strategic priorities—particularly in advancing equity and improving outcomes for Māori.

This role is highly collaborative, requiring strong engagement with researchers, universities, Iwi Māori Partnership Boards, commercial partners, and internal stakeholders. You'll also play a key role in shaping a future-focused, nationally connected research model that supports innovation and the translation of evidence into better health outcomes.

About the Team

You'll be part of a nationally connected, purpose-driven research function committed to enabling high-quality, impactful health research across Aotearoa.

The team works at the intersection of clinical practice, research, and system improvement—supporting researchers and organisations to deliver studies that address real health needs. With a strong focus on equity and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the team partners closely with Hauora Māori and Pacific Health to ensure research reflects the aspirations of the communities we serve.

Collaboration, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement are central to how we work. You'll be supported by a network of experienced peers across the motu, including the Research Office Managers Alliance, and will contribute to building a cohesive, high-performing national research system.

About you

You're an experienced research leader who brings both strategic insight and operational expertise, with the ability to lead teams and influence across a complex health environment.

You will bring:

• A relevant postgraduate qualification and at least five years' experience in research management
• Proven senior leadership experience
• Strong understanding of research governance, ethics review processes, and the regulatory environment within the NZ health sector
• Experience supporting researchers, managing research activity, and building partnerships with external stakeholders and sponsors
• Excellent communication and relationship management skills, with the ability to influence at senior levels

You'll also demonstrate a strong commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and improving equitable health outcomes, particularly for Māori and Pacific communities. Your ability to navigate complexity, build consensus, and drive continuous improvement will be key to your success.

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 10 September 2026. For further information, please contact Lynda Francis on lynda.francis@tewhatuora.govt.nz

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