Sustainability Programme Lead

JobSpace; Whanganui; On-site; NZD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, Whanganui, is seeking a Sustainability Programme Lead to drive a portfolio across Hospital and Specialist Services. You will provide governance, oversight and coordination of initiatives aimed at improving operational performance, productivity and financial sustainability.

Working with senior clinical and operational leaders, you will establish programme structures, monitor performance against objectives, and influence improvements that support durable health

Qualifications

• Tertiary or professional qualification in programme management or a related field.
• Extensive experience leading programmes and improvement initiatives within complex environments.
• Demonstrated governance, performance reporting and assurance over delivery.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking with stakeholder engagement at senior levels.
• Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and equity in the NZ health sector.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Sustainability Programme for Hospital and Specialist Services.
• Provide governance, oversight, coordination and assurance across a broad portfolio.
• Develop reporting frameworks and monitor performance against objectives.
• Influence improvement initiatives and manage senior stakeholder relationships.

Skills

Programme management

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Governance

Education

Tertiary or professional qualification in programme management

PMI/PRINCE2/Agile certification

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Sustainability Programme Lead | Whanganui Hospital | Fixed Term Fulltime

Health 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.

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.

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.

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.