Manager, Primary and Community Health Policy

Ministry of Health New Zealand; Wellington; On-site; NZD 142,000 - 192,000; Full time

Job summary

Ministry of Health New Zealand based in Wellington seeks a Manager, Primary and Community Care Policy to lead strategic policy work and shape system settings across New Zealand's health system.

You will develop policy advice, lead briefings for Ministers, and guide a policy team to deliver high-quality, evidence-based recommendations that promote equity and improved access to care.

Qualifications

• Significant experience developing and leading policy advice on complex issues.
• Strong systems thinking and analytical capability; understanding funding, commissioning, incentives, regulation, and market dynamics.
• Proven track record advising senior leaders and Ministers, with briefings and Cabinet papers.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of strategic policy advice and recommendations that strengthen primary and community care and improve health outcomes.
• Shape system settings, funding arrangements, incentives, and policy frameworks that drive performance and value across the health system.
• Build trusted relationships with Ministers, senior officials, sector leaders, providers, iwi, and communities to inform policy development and support change.
• Lead the preparation of high-quality briefings, Cabinet papers, and advice for Ministers and senior leaders on complex issues.
• Oversee delivery and implementation of complex policy programmes with evidence-based, practical advice for real-world impact.
• Champion equitable outcomes by ensuring policy solutions reflect diverse population needs and improve access to care.
• Lead and develop a policy team, fostering collaboration, analytical rigor, learning, and high-quality advice.

Skills

Policy leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic thinking

Team leadership

Job description

• Permanent | full time | Wellington based
• Shape the future of primary and community health in Aotearoa.
• Midpoint of $167,029 dependent on experience

What you’ll do - Ko tōu ake mahi

Primary and community care plays a critical role in delivering better health outcomes, improving equity, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the health system. As Manager, Primary and Community Care Policy, you will provide people and thought leadership to develop strategic policy advice, shape system settings and incentives, and influence decisions that improve the way care is planned, funded, and delivered across New Zealand.

In This Role, You Will

• Lead the development of strategic policy advice and recommendations that strengthen primary and community care and improve health outcomes.
• Shape the system settings, funding arrangements, incentives, and policy frameworks that drive performance, sustainability, and value across the health system.
• Build trusted relationships with Ministers, senior officials, sector leaders, providers, iwi, and communities to inform policy development and support change.
• Lead the preparation of high-quality briefings, Cabinet papers, and advice for Ministers and senior leaders on complex and high-profile policy issues.
• Oversee the delivery and implementation of complex policy programmes, ensuring advice is evidence-based, practical, and focused on achieving real-world impact.
• Champion equitable outcomes by ensuring policy solutions reflect the needs of diverse populations and support improved access to care.
• Lead and develop a policy team, creating an environment that supports collaboration, analytical rigour, continuous learning, and delivery of high-quality advice.
• Champion equity, Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations, and a culture of collaboration, inclusion and excellence.

What you’ll bring - Ko ngā pūkenga ōu

• Significant experience developing and leading policy advice on complex issues, with the ability to navigate ambiguity and translate strategic priorities into practical solutions.
• Strong systems thinking and analytical capability, with an ability to understand how funding, commissioning, incentives, regulation, and market dynamics interact to influence outcomes.
• A track record of providing high-quality advice to senior leaders and Ministers, including the preparation of briefings, reports, and recommendations on complex and sensitive issues.
• Excellent relationship management and influencing skills, with the ability to build credibility and work effectively across government, the health sector, and diverse stakeholder groups.
• Experience leading teams, creating an environment where people can do their best work, develop their capability, and contribute to shared goals.
• The ability to balance strategic thinking with delivery, maintaining momentum on priorities while managing competing demands and risks.
• Strong judgement and political awareness, with the confidence to tackle challenging issues and provide clear, evidence-informed advice.
• A commitment to improving outcomes for New Zealanders, with an understanding of the importance of equity, partnership, and long‑term system sustainability.

About The Ministry

As the Government's lead advisor on health, we help shape the future of New Zealand's health system through policy, regulation and monitoring. Join a team that makes a real difference to the health and wellbeing of New Zealanders while working in a supportive, inclusive environment that values wellbeing, growth and development.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to an accessible and respectful recruitment process.

Applications close Midnight 7 October 2026.