Manager, Primary and Community Health Policy

Ministry of Health - Manatū Hauora; Wellington; On-site; NZD 150,000 - 184,000; Full time

Job summary

Ministry of Health - Manatū Hauora in Wellington seeks a Manager, Primary and Community Care Policy to provide leadership in policy advice, shape system settings and incentives, and influence decision-making to improve how care is planned, funded and delivered across New Zealand.

You will lead a policy team, champion equity and Te Tiriti obligations, and build trusted relationships with Ministers and sector partners to deliver high-quality, evidence-informed advice with real-world impact.

Qualifications

• Significant experience developing and leading policy advice on complex issues.
• Ability to translate strategic priorities into practical policy solutions.
• Strong systems thinking and analytical capability.
• Experience briefing Ministers and senior leaders with high-stakes issues.
• Commitment to equity and Te Tiriti o Waitangi in policy work.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of strategic policy advice and recommendations for primary and community care.
• Shape system settings, funding arrangements, incentives and policy frameworks.
• Build trusted relationships with Ministers, officials and sector leaders.
• Lead preparation of briefings, Cabinet papers and ministerial advice.
• Oversee delivery of complex policy programmes with evidence-based impact.
• Champion equitable outcomes and access to care.
• Lead and develop a policy team with a collaborative, rigorous culture.
• Advocate for equity and Te Tiriti obligations across work.

Skills

Policy leadership

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic thinking

Job description

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

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.

What you’ll do - Ko tōu ake mahi

• 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.