Sustainability Programme Lead

New Zealand Government; Whanganui, Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora invites expressions of interest for a Sustainability Programme Lead in Whanganui Hospital. The role focuses on leading the Sustainability Programme for Hospital and Specialist Services, providing governance, oversight, and coordination across a broad portfolio to improve operational performance, productivity, and financial sustainability.

You will work with senior clinical and operational leaders to establish programme structures, monitor performance, and ensure

Qualifications

• Experience leading programmes and portfolio initiatives in complex health settings.
• Proven ability to govern, report, and assure delivery of multi-project work.
• Strong analytical and stakeholder engagement skills at senior levels.

Responsibilities

• Provide governance, oversight, and coordination across a broad sustainability portfolio.
• Partner with senior clinical/operational leaders to establish programme structures and reporting.
• Monitor performance against objectives and ensure timely, high-quality information for decisions.
• Influence improvement initiatives and develop stakeholder relationships aligned to priorities.

Skills

Programme governance

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Leadership

Education

Project management qualification (PMI/PRINCE2/Agile)

Job description

Sustainability Programme Lead | Whanganui Hospital | Fixed Term FulltimeHealth NZ | Te Whatu Ora - Whanganui

Expressions of Interest - Applications are invited from current Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora employees only.

Lead high-impact improvement programmes that influence operational performance, financial sustainability, and health outcomes across Hospital and Specialist Services.

Join a senior leadership environment where you'll work alongside clinical and operational leaders, drive meaningful organisational change, and help shape the future sustainability of healthcare delivery in Whanganui.

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

As the Sustainability Programme Lead, you will play a pivotal role within the Office of the Group Director Operations, leading the Sustainability Programme for Hospital and Specialist Services across Whanganui.

You will provide governance, oversight, coordination, and assurance across a broad portfolio of initiatives focused on improving operational performance, productivity, and financial sustainability.

Working closely with senior clinical and operational leaders, you will establish programme structures and reporting frameworks, monitor performance against key objectives, provide strategic analysis, and ensure decision-makers have access to timely, high-quality information.

You will influence improvement initiatives across services, develop meaningful stakeholder relationships, and help drive organisational priorities that support better health outcomes and long-term sustainability.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced programme leader who thrives in complex environments, enjoys working with senior stakeholders, and is passionate about delivering meaningful change across the health sector.

About the Team/Service/Location

The Sustainability Programme Lead sits within the Office of the Group Director Operations and works across Hospital and Specialist Services to provide programme leadership, performance oversight, and strategic coordination.

The role partners with operational and clinical leaders, finance teams, regional and national stakeholders, and improvement specialists to support delivery of sustainability objectives across the district.

Whanganui offers a fantastic lifestyle, combining affordable living, a vibrant arts and culture scene, excellent outdoor recreation opportunities, and easy access to both mountains and coastline.

For more information on living and working in Whanganui.

About you

• You will be an experienced programme or portfolio management professional with a proven ability to lead complex initiatives and influence outcomes across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Tertiary or professional qualification, with a recognised project management qualification such as PMI, PRINCE2 or Agile.
• Extensive experience leading programmes and improvement initiatives within complex service environments.
• Demonstrated experience in programme governance, performance reporting, and providing assurance over programme delivery.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence at senior leadership levels.
• Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, equity, and the challenges and opportunities facing the New Zealand health sector.
• Working at Health New Zealand

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.