Head of Department, Anatomical Pathology
- Head of Department – Anatomical Pathology – Whangarei hospital, Te Tai Tokerau
- Permanent full-time position, working 40 hours per week
- Provide strategic, clinical, and operational leadership across Anatomical Pathology services
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 Head of Department – Anatomical Pathology, you will provide overarching leadership, management, and strategic direction across the full Anatomical Pathology service, including Histology (including IHC), non-gynaecological Cytology, and Mortuary services.
You will be responsible for ensuring all service areas consistently meet regulatory, accreditation, and clinical standards while delivering a high‑quality, safe, and efficient pathology service.
You will lead the planning, coordination, and performance of the service, ensuring optimal use of staff, equipment, and resources across multiple specialised disciplines. As part of the Te Tai Tokerau Pathology Services leadership team, you will play a key role in shaping service delivery, driving innovation, and ensuring timely and accurate diagnostic outcomes.
You will oversee all aspects of specimen handling and service delivery across Anatomical Pathology, including collection, receipt, documentation, registration, processing, reporting, and referral to external laboratories, ensuring compliance with authorised policies and protocols.
Click here to view the position description.
Key responsibilities include:
- Providing strategic, operational, and people leadership across Histology, Cytology, and Mortuary services
- Ensuring quality systems, accreditation, and regulatory compliance are maintained and continuously improved across all service areas
- Leading workforce development, recruitment, and retention strategies for scientific and technical staff
- Driving continuous improvement initiatives, enhancing workflow efficiency and diagnostic turnaround times
- Managing departmental budgets, resources, and capital planning across the service
- Supporting and embedding a culture of clinical excellence, safety, and innovation
- Collaborating with pathologists and wider clinical teams to support integrated service delivery and future planning
About the Team/Service/Location
You’ll be leading a supportive and collaborative team of scientists, technicians, mortuary staff, pathologists, and administrative personnel who work closely together to achieve the best outcomes for patients and whānau. We pride ourselves on being a friendly, social group who look out for one another.
Our laboratory has recently moved into a purpose-built, state-of-the-art facility—a bright, spacious, and modern environment designed to support both excellent science and staff wellbeing.
Our team of 14 comprise 1 Technical Specialist, 8 Scientists and 5 Technicians who work diligently and supportively together.
Feeling overwhelmed by the world politics? Turn your social media accounts off and move to a paradise! Whangarei is in a beautiful subtropical part of New Zealand also known as “Winterless North”. With over 100 amazing beaches around, rainforest walking trails within the city limit and beyond, legendary fishing and other activities will welcome a successful candidate. Known for a relaxed lifestyle, outstanding outdoor activities and provides excellent recreation, arts and sporting facilities.
For more information on living and working in Whangarei- Northland, click here.
About you
We are looking for someone who will operationally and strategically support the ongoing development of the Laboratory Service, being able to deliver organisational KPIs including relevant MOH target, financial budgets and service plans.
- New Zealand Registered & Licensed Medical Laboratory Scientist with the Medical Sciences Council (MSC)
- Demonstrated senior leadership experience within Anatomical Pathology
- Extensive technical expertise across Histology and/or Cytology, with understanding of Mortuary services
- Strong people leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills
- Proven ability to lead quality systems, accreditation processes, and service improvements across multiple disciplines
- Financial and operational management experience
- Computer literacy: Word, Outlook, and relevant clinical systems
Desired:
- Experience leading multidisciplinary Anatomical Pathology services
- Evidence of service development, innovation, or change management initiatives
- Experience in training, mentoring, and workforce development
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.
How to Apply
To apply please click “apply now.” All applications must be submitted through our online careers’ portal by 17th June 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Olivia Matthews on nl-jobs@tewhatuora.govt.nz
We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.
