Programme Manager Older Persons, Mental Health and Addictions at Te Whatu Ora, Te Manawa Taki

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Based in either New Plymouth, Hamilton, Rotorua, Tauranga and Gisborne | Permanent Full-time
• Establish and maintain robust programme management systems and processes to track progress, mitigate risks, and ensure accountability across multiple projects
• Work on complex, high-profile initiatives that expand your skills in programme management, change leadership, and stakeholder engagement

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 pivotal role is responsible for the end-to-end planning, implementation, and oversight of a portfolio of older persons & mental health programmes designed to improve health outcomes, ensure equitable access, and achieve value for money.

You will be the central driver, ensuring robust systems, effective change management, and seamless collaboration across functional and organisational boundaries. You will manage dependencies between complex and often competing programmes of work, translating strategic priorities into measurable results.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

• Program Planning: Develop robust plans, defining objectives, scope, deliverables, resourcing, and comprehensive risk management strategies.
• Delivery: Oversee the successful delivery of multiple, complex health programmes, ensuring they are on time, within budget, and meet required quality standards.
• Program Control: Develop and manage effective governance structures, lead cross-functional project teams, and proactively identify, mitigate, and escalate risks and issues.
• Monitoring & Reporting: Establish clear performance indicators and monitoring frameworks. Regularly report on programme progress, financial accountability, outcomes, and value for money.
• Insights & Improvement: Lead programme evaluations, analysing data to inform future commissioning cycles and drive continuous improvement and service innovation.
• Documentation: Develop high-quality briefings, reports, papers, and business cases for senior management, funding boards, and other decision-makers.
• Collaborative Partnership: Build and maintain strong, effective relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders

About the Team/Service/ Location

We are seeking a Programme Manager to join our Planning, Funding & Outcomes (PFO) team in the Te Manawa Taki Region (covering New Plymouth, Hamilton, Rotorua, Tauranga and Gisborne).  The PFO team is responsible for the commissioning of all funded primary, community, and mental health services across the Te Manawa Taki region. You must be based in one of these locations within Health New Zealand's Te Manawa Taki region.

About you

You are an experienced Programme Manager with a strong track record in leading complex, cross-functional initiatives, ideally within the health sector. You thrive in dynamic environments where strategic thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration are essential to delivering impactful outcomes. With a proven ability to drive change, manage stakeholder expectations, and navigate ambiguity, you are passionate about improving health services and shaping the future of healthcare in New Zealand. Your expertise allows you to turn complex challenges into actionable solutions, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within scope, and with lasting benefits.

What You Will Bring

• Programme Management Expertise: Minimum of 3-5 years proven experience successfully leading and delivering complex programmes within a health commissioning, healthcare delivery, or public sector service design environment.
• Methodology & Governance: Strong proficiency in formal programme/project management methodologies and tools, with demonstrated experience ensuring sound governance and managing dependencies.
• Communication & Influence: The ability to compellingly communicate complex information (oral and written) to diverse audiences, including senior management, Boards, and Ministers
• Health Equity Commitment: A deep commitment to improving health outcomes, reducing health inequalities, and promoting equitable access to care through system thinking and collaborative solutions.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Demonstrated experience at a leadership level for developing, maintaining, and influencing partnerships across sectors and organisations.
• Business Acumen: Experience leading and driving work programmes, project planning, and managing budgets to ensure timely and effective delivery.
• Professional Qualifications: A relevant tertiary qualification

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, 22 February 2026.

For further information, please contact Kirk Mariner on Kirkpatrick.Mariner@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.