Safe Patient Handling & Mobility Manager, People and Professional Development Programme
Safe Patient Handling & Mobility Programme Manager
- Middlemore Hospital, Full Time Fixed Term Role (1 FTE)
- Senior Clinician (Registered Nurse or Allied Health Professional)
- Monday - Friday
Our Organisation:
Health NZ Counties Manukau is a dynamic and progressive organisation at the forefront of innovative health care delivery within the New Zealand Public Health Sector. We continue to work with others to achieve equity in key health indicators for Maaori, Pacific and communities with health disparities and will continue to develop and implement plans, based on local needs to improve the health and wellbeing of Counties Manukau region. Our main sites are Middlemore Hospital, Kidz First Hospital and Manukau Health Park.
We are part of Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora, the overarching organisation for New Zealand’s national health service. HNZ leads the day-to-day running of the health system, with functions delivered at local, district, regional and national levels. 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 Maaori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.
About the role:
Are you an experienced clinical leader passionate about improving safety, wellbeing, and outcomes for both patients and staff? We are seeking a dynamic Safe Patient Handling & Mobility Programme Manager to lead our district‑wide programme and drive a culture of excellence in safe patient care.
This is an exciting opportunity to influence practice across a diverse and growing community, leading a team of 22 educators and positioning Counties Manukau as a national leader in patient handling and mobility.
As the Safe Patient Handling & Mobility Programme Manager, you will lead the strategic direction, development, and delivery of a high‑performing programme that ensures safe, effective patient handling across the district. This role is both operational and highly strategic, supporting workforce capability, quality improvement, compliance with national standards, and the introduction of innovative, evidence‑based practice.
You will also act as the district's subject matter expert, providing professional leadership, oversight of equipment purchasing and maintenance, and input into new build design to ensure safe and efficient clinical environments.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership & Programme Management:
- Lead, develop and maintain the Safe Patient Handling & Mobility Programme district wide.
- Ensure all policies, systems and processes align with national standards and evolving best practice.
- Build and sustain a strong safety culture across multidisciplinary teams.
- Embed safe patient handling and mobility training into mandatory education programmes.
Team & Clinical Leadership
- Lead, mentor and support a large educator workforce (22 direct reports).
- Oversee training delivery including orientation, updates, and specialist sessions.
- Provide expert advice and consultation to managers, clinicians, and interdisciplinary teams.
Equipment & Infrastructure Advisory
- Provide expert input into equipment selection, procurement, and compatibility.
- Ensure appropriate training accompanies new equipment implementation.
- Advise on design requirements for new builds to ensure safe patient mobility and staff safety.
Partnerships & Sector Advocacy
- Participate in regional and national patient handling networks and initiatives.
- Represent Counties Manukau at conferences, seminars, and industry forums.
Equity & Te Tiriti o Waitangi
- Actively promote Maaori health equity across planning, delivery, and workforce development.
- Uphold and integrate Te Tiriti principles in everyday practice and service design.
About You:
- NZ Registered Clinician with a current APC (Registered Nurse or Allied Health Professional).
- 5+ years recent clinical experience in a district type setting.
- Full and clean NZ Drivers Licence.
- Post graduate qualification in a relevant field.
- Leadership experience preferably in developing and implementing a clinical protocol.
- Background in moving and handling practice preferred.
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a supportive, values-driven organisation committed to equity and excellence
- Make a meaningful difference for patients and whaanau across Counties Manukau
Apply online at https://careers.tewhatuora.govt.nz/locations/counties-manukau/ If you have any questions, please contact Fran Upoko in the Recruitment Team at nursemidwifejobs@middlemore.co.nz
We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.
Job Number: CMH202516587
Application Closes: 17 February 2026
