Chief Advisor - Planning, Funding and Outcomes at Te Whatu Ora, Waikato

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Based anywhere in the Waikato | Permanent Full-time with Hybrid model
• Influence regional health strategy and shape commissioning decisions that improve outcomes
• Lead complex system transformation, guiding strategic commissioning programmes and integrated care 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

As the Chief Advisor – Planning, Funding & Outcomes (PFO), you will play a pivotal leadership role supporting the Regional Director and senior leadership team to shape and deliver health commissioning strategies across the Te Manawa Taki region. Acting as a trusted strategic advisor, you will provide high-level guidance on complex issues impacting health system planning, service design, procurement, and evaluation, ensuring services are evidence-based, equitable, and aligned with national and regional priorities.

This role sits at the centre of strategic decision-making. You will translate policy into practical commissioning strategies, provide thought leadership on system redesign and integrated care, and sponsor complex strategic programmes across the region. As Deputy to the Regional Director, you will represent the Director in key governance forums, executive leadership meetings, and external engagements when required. You will also help build commissioning capability across the regional team by developing frameworks, guidance, and professional development initiatives that strengthen strategic commissioning practice.

About the Team/Service/ Location

The Planning, Funding and Outcomes (PFO) team plays a critical role in shaping how health services are designed, funded, and delivered across the Te Manawa Taki region. Working closely with clinical leaders, national teams, and sector partners, the team leads commissioning strategies that improve population health outcomes and reduce inequities for communities.

You will join a collaborative regional leadership environment that works across organisational boundaries to drive system transformation. The team works closely with colleagues across Health New Zealand, including Hauora Māori Services and Pacific Health, to ensure services reflect the aspirations of Māori, Pacific peoples, and all communities across the region.

About you

We are looking for a highly credible and experienced strategic advisor who brings deep expertise in health commissioning and the ability to influence at senior levels across a complex system. You will be comfortable operating in an environment where strategic thinking, sound judgement, and strong relationships are essential to navigating complex issues and shaping decision-making. With a strong understanding of the New Zealand health sector, you will be able to translate policy and strategic direction into practical commissioning approaches that improve health outcomes and reduce inequities for communities.

You will bring a combination of strategic leadership, technical expertise, and the ability to build trusted partnerships across organisational and sector boundaries.

• Significant senior-level experience in health commissioning, strategy, policy, or advisory roles within the health sector or a comparable complex system.
• Advanced knowledge of the New Zealand health system, including commissioning frameworks, health policy settings, procurement processes, and integrated care models.
• Demonstrated strategic capability, including the ability to analyse complex issues, anticipate emerging risks and opportunities, and translate insights into clear strategic advice and recommendations.
• Strong technical expertise in using data, evidence, and intelligence to inform decision-making, improve population health outcomes, and reduce health inequities.
• Proven experience working across complex stakeholder environments and influencing senior leaders, clinicians, government agencies, and sector partners.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to develop high-quality briefings, reports, and presentations for executive leaders, governance groups, and Ministers.
• Experience overseeing complex programmes of work, providing strategic oversight, mentorship, and guidance to teams delivering high-impact initiatives.
• Strong understanding of machinery of government processes and experience operating effectively in highly regulated environments.
• A collaborative leadership style with a commitment to building capability, fostering innovation, and working in partnership across teams and organisations.
• A strong commitment to equity and improving health outcomes for all New Zealanders, including supporting the aspirations of Māori and Pacific communities.

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 Monday, 30 March 2026. For further information, please contact Nicola Ehau on Nicola.Ehau@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.