Operations Manager, Community Anatomical Pathology Service (APS)

Operations Manager – Community Anatomic Pathology Service, Auckland

Location: Mount Wellington, Auckland, New Zealand
Employment type: Full-time, permanent

Are you a dynamic and experienced leader ready to make a real impact in healthcare delivery for our communities across Tāmaki Makaurau?

The community Anatomic Pathology Service (APS) is seeking an Operations Manager to drive excellence, efficiency, and innovation across our community histology and cytology laboratories.

About the Role

APS Mt Wellington is the largest single anatomic pathology laboratory in the country by case volume and provides community-referred histology, gynaecologic (cervical) and non-gynaecologic cytology services for over 4,000 referrers, covering the greater Auckland region: spanning Counties Manukau, Te Toka Tumai, and Waitematā districts. 

As the Operations Manager, you will oversee the daily operations of these services, ensuring that high-quality, accurate, and timely diagnostic services are delivered to patients and clinicians throughout the Auckland region.

You will work collaboratively with the Clinical Lead, scientists, technicians, and administrative teams to optimise service performance, ensure compliance with accreditation standards, and lead quality improvement initiatives.

Reporting to the General Manager, this is a key leadership role focused on supporting our workforce, maintaining operational excellence, and ensuring our service continues to meet the needs of our diverse communities.

Please see the position description for this role here

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee operational performance, service delivery, and resource management across community anatomic pathology laboratories (histology and cytology)
• Implement and monitor quality, safety, and compliance standards in alignment with accreditation and regulatory requirements
• Drive operational efficiency through process improvement and technology optimisation
• Lead, motivate, and develop multidisciplinary teams
• Manage budgets, contracts, and key stakeholder relationships
• Lead strategic planning and service development in collaboration with the Labplus Auckland Pathology and Laboratory Medicine leadership team and the operational leadership team across the regional network.

About You

You will be an experienced Medical Laboratory Scientist with current registration with the Medical Sciences Council of NZ.

You are an organised, results-driven professional with a strong understanding of laboratory quality standards and processes.  With excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, you bring a balance of operational know-how, people management experience, and a passion for improving health outcomes.  

You’re adept at building relationships and liaising with diverse groups of health professionals, using your leadership and communication skills to positively influence others.  With exceptional time management and the ability to juggle multiple responsibilities, you thrive in autonomous roles where you can organise people and resources to achieve demanding yet rewarding goals.

You’ll ideally have:

• Proven experience in operations management, preferably within a healthcare or laboratory environment
• Strong understanding of quality systems, health and safety, compliance and accreditation processes
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and stakeholder management skills
• A relevant tertiary qualification in business, management, health sciences, or a related field

Why Join Us?

At APS, we are proud to serve our community with integrity, accuracy, and care.  You’ll join a committed team of professionals in a supportive environment that values innovation, professional growth, and work–life balance.

Make a meaningful contribution to the future of community pathology in Auckland.

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 16 November 2025. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Aaron Chamberlain at Aaron.Chamberlain@tewhatuora.govt.nz

We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.