Specialist, System Strategy, Planning, Design and Implementation

Ontario Health | Santé Ontario; Northwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health coverage

Flexible health spending accounts

Defined benefit pension plan

Vacation entitlement

Personal days & float days

Learning and career development

Collaborative, values-driven workplace

Communities of Inclusion

Job summary

Ontario Health, Thunder Bay-based, invites applications for a regional planning specialist to advance health-system initiatives in the province. This role integrates planning, project management, research and stakeholder engagement to deliver high-quality care.

You will translate evidence and community input into practical recommendations, support program evaluation, and collaborate with internal teams to improve planning processes, funding allocations and patient outcomes across Ontario Health.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in health administration, health planning or business administration, or an equivalent combination of education and experience in a healthcare environment.
• 3–5 years of experience in a healthcare setting.

Responsibilities

• Analyze provincial and local data to identify system needs and priorities to inform planning and funding.
• Translate evidence and community input into practical recommendations for regional initiatives.
• Lead monitoring, implementation and quality-improvement activities with cross-functional teams.
• Plan and support stakeholder consultations; assess impact and build consensus across Ontario Health.
• Advance provincial planning activities and ensure adherence to health service agreements.
• Support research, evaluation and health-planning practices while managing complex work.

Skills

Planning and analysis

Ontario healthcare system knowledge

Stakeholder communication

Financial management

Analytical problem solving

Education

Post-secondary education in health administration/health planning or business administration

Job description

. Les demandes seront traitées dans un délai de trois jours ouvrables et la période de dépôt des demandes sera prolongée de trois jours.

. Requests will be addressed within three business days, and the application window will be extended by three business days.At Ontario Health, we are committed to developing a strong organizational culture that connects and inspires all team members across the province. Our vision is that together, we will be a leader in health and wellness for all. Our mission is to connect the health system to drive improved and equitable health outcomes, experiences and value. How we work together is reflected through our five values: integrity, inspiration, tenacity, humility and care.

Pour obtenir une traduction en français de l’offre d’emploi suivante, veuillez envoyer un courriel à [e-mail]. Les demandes seront traitées dans un délai de trois jours ouvrables et la période de dépôt des demandes sera prolongée de trois jours.To obtain a French translation of the following job posting, please email [e-mail]. Requests will be addressed within three business days, and the application window will be extended by three business days.At Ontario Health, we are committed to developing a strong organizational culture that connects and inspires all team members across the province. Our vision is that together, we will be a leader in health and wellness for all. Our mission is to connect the health system to drive improved and equitable health outcomes, experiences and value. How we work together is reflected through our five values: integrity, inspiration, tenacity, humility and care.

What Ontario Health offers: RoleAt Ontario Health, your growth and well-being aren’t just supported—they’re celebrated every step of the way. Here, you have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while shaping a fulfilling and sustainable career. Based on your role, you may receive:

• Comprehensive health coverage from day one, with fully paid medical, dental, and vision benefits to support you and your family’s health
• Flexible health care or wellness spending accounts, plus an inclusive program to support your overall well-being
• A premium defined benefit pension plan, ensuring long-term financial security
• Competitive vacation entitlement that encourages time to rest and recharge
• Three personal days and two float days annually, providing added flexibility to support work-life balance, in addition to vacation days
• Ongoing learning and career development opportunities designed to help you grow, advance, and thrive in your profession
• A collaborative, values-driven workplace where integrity, care, humility, inspiration, and tenacity shape everything we do
• Opportunities to participate in Communities of Inclusion, fostering belonging, equity, and the sharing of diverse perspectives across our team

Want to make a difference in your career? Consider this opportunity.

Reporting to the Director, System Strategy, Planning, Design and Implementation, this regional role helps shape and deliver health-system planning initiatives that respond to local needs. The Specialist brings together planning, project management, research, stakeholder engagement and program evaluation to advance integrated, high-quality care.

This is an opportunity to influence complex regional initiatives, translate evidence and community input into practical recommendations, and help partners successfully plan, execute and improve programs and services across Ontario Health.

Here Is What You Will Be Doing

• Analyze provincial and local data, community input and leading practices to identify system Provide a planning perspective on health-system funding plans, project plans and budget allocations for planning and integration initiatives.
• Analyze provincial data, community input and other evidence to identify service gaps, emerging issues and regional planning priorities.
• Apply needs-based models and other planning methodologies to develop practical, evidence-informed recommendations.
• Lead monitoring, implementation and continuous quality-improvement activities in collaboration with System Strategy, Planning, Design and Implementation and Capacity, Access and Flow teams.
• Plan and support meaningful stakeholder consultations; assess the impact of recommendations, build consensus and coordinate regional initiatives that improve quality and patient safety.
• Contribute to provincial planning activities and support provider adherence to health service accountability agreements.
• Advance strong research, evaluation and health-planning practices while managing complex work with sound judgment, accountability and attention to safety.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education And Experience Here is what you will need to be successful:

• Post-secondary education in health administration, health planning or business administration, or an equivalent combination of education and experience in a healthcare environment.
• 3–5 years of experience in a healthcare setting.

Knowledge And Skills

• Good knowledge of planning and analysis methodologies, with proven ability to apply multiple methodologies and make effective recommendations. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Understanding of the Ontario healthcare system, including its current and changing dynamics and issues.
• Experience with seniors care, community care and hospital environments and policies is an asset.
• Understanding of quality improvement initiatives and experience embedding them into practice.
• Demonstrated financial competence and a solid understanding of financial controls, with strong attention to detail, integrity and professionalism.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including solid written and verbal communication skills, to work effectively with staff, liaise with colleagues across Ontario Health and Ministry contacts, and present and discuss financial management and funding information and issues with colleagues throughout the organization. Ability to communicate directly with external stakeholders to monitor funding allocations and performance.
• Ability to use information to make informed decisions and provide advice, exercising a high degree of independence and professional judgment in problem-solving.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities.

Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario

Employment TypeTemporary + (Fixed Term) Full time

Contract Length12 Month(s)

Salary BandBand 4

External Application Deadline DateNovember 15, 2026

All applicants must be a resident of Ontario to be considered for roles at Ontario Health.

Ontario Health encourages applications from candidates who are First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and urban Indigenous; Francophone; members of Black and racialized groups; 2SLGBTQIA+ communities; trans and nonbinary individuals; and people living with disabilities.

Ontario Health is an accessible employer, and we offer accommodation in all aspects of employment, including the recruitment process. If you require a disability related accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please email [e-mail] and a member of the team will connect with you within 48 hours.