Portfolio Manager, Primary Health - Planning, Funding and Outcomes at Te Whatu Ora, Northern

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• x4 Permanent Full-time roles based anywhere across the Northern Region
• Work alongside passionate, skilled professionals across the health sector
• Help design and deliver innovative, integrated models of care

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

Play a key role in shaping the future of community and mental health services across Aotearoa. As a Portfolio Manager, you'll lead the planning, funding, and ongoing management of a diverse portfolio of services—ensuring they are effective, sustainable, and deliver better outcomes for communities.

Working in partnership with Senior Portfolio Managers and System Design Managers, you'll contribute to service design, commissioning, procurement, and performance monitoring. You'll use data, insights, and strong sector relationships to influence service improvements, support integrated models of care, and ensure services meet the needs of patients and whānau.

This is a dynamic role where you'll operate at the intersection of strategy and delivery—balancing priorities, managing complexity, and driving continuous improvement across your portfolio.

About the Team

You'll be part of the Planning, Funding & Outcomes (PFO) function—working in a collaborative, high-performing team focused on delivering better health outcomes for New Zealanders.

The team partners closely with clinicians, providers, communities, and government agencies to design and deliver services that are accessible, equitable, and future-focused. A strong commitment to equity, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and continuous improvement underpins the work.

About you

You're an experienced and motivated professional who thrives in a complex environment and is passionate about improving health outcomes.

• Experience in health planning, funding, or commissioning (3–5+ years), including service and investment strategies
• Strong understanding of the commissioning cycle and provider management
• Proven ability to analyse data and translate insights into action
• Experience working with diverse stakeholders, including clinicians, providers, and communities
• Strong relationship management, negotiation, and influencing skills
• Sound project/programme management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including reports and business cases
• Understanding of machinery of government processes
• A strong commitment to equity and improving outcomes for Māori, Pacific peoples, and priority populations

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 Wednesday 22 July 2026. For further information, please contact Lynda Francis on lynda.francis@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.