Strategic Lead, Primary & Community Care Policy

New Zealand Government Joba; Wellington; On-site; NZD 142,000 - 192,000; Full time

Job summary

New Zealand Government is seeking a Manager, Primary and Community Care Policy based in Wellington. You will lead strategic policy advice, shape system settings and influence health funding and incentives to improve care delivery across Aotearoa.

The role focuses on equity, partnership, and long-term sustainability, with responsibility for policy team leadership and high-quality briefings for Ministers and senior leaders.

Qualifications

• Significant experience developing and leading policy advice on complex issues.
• Strong systems thinking and analytical capability to understand funding, commissioning, incentives, regulation, and market dynamics.
• Track record of providing high-quality advice to senior leaders and Ministers.
• Excellent relationship management across government, health sector and diverse stakeholders.

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, senior officials and communities to inform policy.
• Prepare briefs, Cabinet papers, and advice on complex policy issues.
• Oversee delivery of complex policy programmes with evidence-based, practical impact.
• Champion equitable outcomes reflecting diverse populations and improved access to care.
• Lead and develop a policy team with collaboration and analytical rigour.
• Champion equity and Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations.

Skills

Policy development

Strategic policy

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical thinking

Leadership

Relationship management

Job description

New Zealand Government is seeking a Manager, Primary and Community Care Policy based in Wellington. You will lead strategic policy advice, shape system settings and influence health funding and incentives to improve care delivery across Aotearoa.

The role focuses on equity, partnership, and long-term sustainability, with responsibility for policy team leadership and high-quality briefings for Ministers and senior leaders.