General Manager of Specialist Mental Health and Addictions- 12 months Fixed Term at Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand Waitaha Canterbury, Christchurch

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

About the Role

This senior leadership position requires a dynamic and experienced individual with extensive expertise in mental health and addictions services, strategic planning, and team management. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in driving positive outcomes within complex healthcare environments, with a deep commitment to enhancing the well-being of individuals and communities.

As a key member of the team, the General Manager will report directly to the Group Director of Operations Waitaha and Te Tai o Poutini and play a pivotal role in delivering effective operational leadership and specialized mental health and addiction services within the district.

You will be responsible for

• Managing operational delivery of SMHS services to meet national, regional, and local targets within allocated funding and approved budgets.
• Ensure quality and safety of services, fostering a safe environment for both staff and clients.
• Lead engagement with SMHS, the wider district, Our Health System, and key stakeholders in the mental health and addiction sector to build trust and shared ownership.
• Develop and align system-wide direction, plans, and priorities, fostering clear responsibilities and accountability.
• Build people and process capability, ensuring effective communication and risk management.

Key Outcomes

• Identify new opportunities and risks, develop and deliver the Division's health strategy, and lead change management programs.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure safe and effective implementation of change.
• Provide high-quality, consumer-centric services aligned with accountability areas and Ministry of Health priorities.
• Develop and monitor strategic and operational plans for SMHS, contributing to regional and national strategy and policy.
• Ensure high-quality performance management, meeting all mandated KPIs and health targets.
• Manage budgets effectively, ensuring compliance with financial policies and achieving efficiency savings.
• Build positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, promoting integrated and responsive service delivery.
• Promote health equity outcomes and recruit a diverse health workforce.
• Support Māori health gain and self-determination, ensuring the expression of Māori models of care.

Skills and experience

• Tertiary qualification or Professional Qualification.
• 10 years' experience in service management, including staff and financial management.
• Operational management experience in mental health.
• Experience in service improvement and cultural responsiveness.
• Proven ability to manage complexity and risk.

Desired

• Post Graduate Qualification, ideally in a health-related topic.
• Project management experience.
• Strong systems and process management.

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

All applications are to be submitted online via our careers page. If you have any further questions, please email lily.simons@tewhatuora.govt.nz 

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