Patient Services Manager - Nutrition and Food Services at Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Waikato, Waikato

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Patient Services Manager Nutrition and Food Service
• Waikato Hospital
• Permanent full time 80 hours per fortnight

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders.

About the Role

As the Patient Services Manager with Nutrition & Food Services, you will lead and coordinate the hospitals patient meal service from tray line to bedside. You will work closely with inpatient wards and clinical teams to support a positive patient experience and quality care.

Day-to-day, you will oversee the patient services team responsible for menu processing, tray line operations, ward-based food service activities and bedside meal delivery. You will also manage rostering, recruitment, payroll, staff development, performance management, and food safety compliance.

This role has a strong focus on ward-based patient services, with staff working directly alongside patients to deliver meals and beverages at the bedside while working collaboratively with food service colleagues, nursing teams, dietitians, and clinical services to ensure effective communication, smooth service delivery, and responsive patient-centred care.

This is an opportunity to lead a diverse frontline team that plays an important role in patient wellbeing through direct interaction and support within the wards. The role is ideally suited to someone passionate about patient-focused meal service delivery, collaboration with clinical teams, and creating a positive experience for patients through nutrition and care.

Participation in a rotating on-call roster (including weekends and public holidays) is required.

Click here to view the position description.

About the Team/Service

Nutrition & Food Services objective is to provide a high quality, safe, and efficient service that meets the nutritional requirements of individuals and maintain their overall health and well-being.

Each meal time we prepare and serve over 850 patient meals. We also provide Meals on Wheels for community clients and have five on-site retail outlets.

Our patient meal service encompasses the full process of food production, service and distribution directly to the patient bedside. A dedicated team of managers, dietitians and food service staff work collaboratively to ensure patients receive a high-quality nutrition service, underpinned by excellence in customer service.

About Hamilton

Waikato Hospital is a major regional hospital in Hamilton and is a leading tertiary teaching hospital located in Hamilton, New Zealand, serving as the regional hub for the Midland area, which includes the Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Lakes, Tairawhiti, and Taranaki districts. With around 722 inpatient beds, 22 operating theatres, and a dedicated outpatient clinic and procedure centre, Waikato Hospital provides comprehensive hospital services, including radiology, laboratory, and pharmacy. As a major teaching hospital with affiliations to the University of Auckland, University of Waikato, and Wintec, it offers a dynamic learning environment and access to research opportunities. The hospital is equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities located on the Waiora Waikato Hospital Campus, with both road and air ambulance support.

Hamilton, where Waikato Hospital is situated, is a vibrant city nestled alongside the scenic Waikato River, offering a perfect mix of nature and culture. Explore the stunning Hamilton Gardens, home to themed gardens from Italy to Asia, or visit the Waikato Museum to delve into the region's rich history. The city also boasts the Hamilton Zoo, where you can walk through an aviary filled with native birds. Hamilton is a lively hub, with a variety of cafes, restaurants, and bars, along with events like rugby, cricket, and the famous National Agricultural Fieldays and Balloons over Waikato festival. With its vibrant atmosphere and proximity to outdoor adventures, Hamilton is an ideal place to live and work.

For more information on living and working in Waikato click here

About you

• Proven experience in managing large scale patient food service operations and teams preferably in a healthcare setting.
• Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively, lead change, resolve conflict and motivate others.
• A focus on food safety, efficiency, quality and delivering excellent service.
• A strategic thinker who is both creative and solution-oriented.
• Above all, you are passionate about working as part of a close team to improve patient care through the delivery of safe, nutritious and timely meals and beverages.

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 online or apply via our Waikato Careers website by clicking here.

All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal before 11:59 pm on 14 July 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Ekeraam Jones at Ekeraam.Jones@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz