Deputy Chief Medical Officer

Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Tairāwhiti; Gisborne; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 110,000; Part time

Job summary

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Tairāwhiti seeks a Deputy Chief Medical Officer to provide executive medical leadership in the Chief Medical Officer's absence. The role influences strategic planning, governance, quality systems and workforce development across Gisborne’s health services.

You will work with senior leaders, medical staff, iwi and community partners to ensure safe, equitable, culturally responsive services aligned with national priorities.

Qualifications

• Registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand (or eligible for registration).
• Specialist qualification recognised in the field.
• Proven governance, quality and patient safety leadership.
• Strong understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and health equity.
• Ability to build partnerships with clinicians, iwi and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Act as Deputy Chief Medical Officer during periods of leave and provide clinical leadership in the Chief Medical Officer's absence.
• Contribute to strategic planning, clinical governance, quality systems, and accreditation processes.
• Lead workforce development, education and service improvement initiatives with senior leaders and Hauora Māori partners.

Skills

Clinical leadership

Relationship building

Quality improvement

Clinical governance

Te Tiriti o Waitangi

Medical leadership

Stakeholder partnerships

Education

Medical Council of NZ registration

Specialist qualification

Job description

Employment Details

Gisborne Hospital (INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY)

Part-time 0.4FTE

Fixed Term

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

This role provides an excellent development opportunity for an established clinical leader seeking broader executive medical leadership experience. You will act as the designated representative of the Chief Medical Officer during periods of leave and contribute to strategic planning, clinical governance, quality systems, workforce development, accreditation processes, education, and service improvement initiatives. You will work closely with senior leaders, clinical directors, medical staff, Hauora Māori partners, primary care providers, iwi, and community stakeholders to ensure services are safe, equitable, culturally responsive, and aligned with national and regional priorities.

Position Description

Deputy Chief Medical Officer

About the Team / Service / Location

This position sits within Hospital and Specialist Services and plays a key role in supporting clinical excellence, fostering a culture of learning, and strengthening clinical leadership across the organisation. The successful candidate will join a collaborative senior leadership environment focused on delivering high-quality, patient-centred care

For more information on living and working in Gisborne click here More information about our Region see here

Required Skills and Experience

• You will be an experienced and respected clinical leader who can build strong relationships, influence positive change, and champion quality improvement across a complex healthcare environment.
• Vocationally registered (or eligible for registration) with the Medical Council of New Zealand and hold a recognised specialist qualification.
• Have proven experience in clinical governance, quality and patient safety, and medical leadership within a complex health service.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Hauora Māori, cultural safety, and health equity.
• Have the ability to build effective partnerships with clinicians, managers, iwi, primary care, and external stakeholders while supporting workforce development and succession planning.

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.