Program Director, Health Planning & Outcomes (South Island)

Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand; Waipounamu; On-site; NZD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora seeks a Programme Director to turn regional priorities into deliverable programmes across Te Waipounamu. You will coordinate clinical, operational, financial and digital perspectives to improve access and outcomes, building momentum and structured governance.

You bring 10+ years in senior programme leadership within health or the public sector, with a track record of delivering complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives and translating strategy into practical

Qualifications

• Proven ability to lead multi-stakeholder programmes with measurable benefits.
• Deep understanding of hospital services, planning and funding processes.
• Experience spanning planning, performance, finance and clinical domains.
• Ability to translate strategy into practical programmes with milestones and risk management.
• A collaborative leadership style that builds trusted relationships and drives results.
• Strong written and verbal communication for clear, actionable advice.
• Experience applying Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles to improve access and outcomes.
• High-level political awareness in complex, high-pressure environments.

Responsibilities

• Turn regional priorities into actionable programmes with structure and momentum.
• Lead complex programmes across Te Waipounamu in partnership with clinical and district leaders.
• Establish milestones, assurance arrangements and delivery risk management.
• Influence through collaboration rather than formal authority.
• Build regional capability through targeted coaching and knowledge transfer.

Skills

Programme leadership

Health systems knowledge

Cross-domain collaboration

Strategy translation

Collaborative leadership

Communication skills

Māori health context

Political awareness

Education

Graduate and postgraduate qualifications

Job description

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora seeks a Programme Director to turn regional priorities into deliverable programmes across Te Waipounamu. You will coordinate clinical, operational, financial and digital perspectives to improve access and outcomes, building momentum and structured governance.

You bring 10+ years in senior programme leadership within health or the public sector, with a track record of delivering complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives and translating strategy into practical