Portfolio Manager - Planning, Funding and Outcomes at Te Whatu Ora, Otago

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Dunedin location | Permanent Full-time role with a hybrid model – 3 days in the office 
• Shape and improve community services through evidence-led planning, service design and commissioning
• Build trusted partnerships across communities, clinicians, providers and the wider health 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 Portfolio Manager, you will plan and fund community services across a portfolio of service areas. Partnering across Regional Planning, Funding and Outcomes teams, you will help plan, design, procure, manage and monitor services that support better access and outcomes for the communities we serve.

Working alongside Senior Portfolio Managers and the Senior Integration Manager, you will contribute to service and programme strategies, translate evidence into clear advice, and oversee provider relationships and performance. Your work will include service specifications, procurement and contracting, reporting, , funding reviews, risk management and continuous improvement, and project managment with Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations and equity embedded throughout.

About the Team and Location

You will be part of the Regional Planning, Funding and Outcomes team, working across functional and organisational boundaries with Māori and Pacific health teams, public health and hospital services, corporate services, government agencies, providers, clinicians, consumers, whānau and community representatives. The role is based in Te Waipounamu and reports to the Group Manager Integration Southern and South Canterbury.

About you

You will bring 3–5 years' planning and funding experience gained across varied environments, together with strong analytical, written communication, relationship management and influencing skills. You will be confident using evidence and insights to inform commissioning decisions, developing practical service and investment approaches, and working collaboratively with clinicians, providers, consumers, whānau and partner organisations. You will be adaptable, outcomes focused and comfortable balancing strategic priorities with the day-to-day delivery of complex work programmes. You will also bring:

• Demonstrated experience across the commissioning cycle, including service and investment strategy and provider management oversight
• Experience working effectively with diverse stakeholders, including clinicians, patients, providers and management
• Experience designing work programmes and delivering projects on time and within budget
• Proficiency in project or programme management methodologies, tools and relevant software
• Strong data analysis and interpretation skills, with the ability to produce clear reports, business cases and advice
• A strong understanding of machinery of government processes and experience responding to related requests
• A relevant tertiary or professional qualification, sound judgement and the ability to work autonomously

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, Sunday 25 October. For further information, please contact Jenita Spencer on Jenita.Spencer@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz.

The full position description is available on the Health New Zealand Careers site.

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