Personal Assistant to the Operations Director of Community and Rural Health
- Based at Waikato Hospital campus
- Permanent Fulltime 80 hours per fortnight
- Fantastic opportunity to make a meaningful contribution within the health sector
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
The Personal Assistant (PA) provides high-level, proactive and confidential administrative and coordination support to the Director of Operations - Community and Rural Health.
The role is responsible for ensuring the Director is well supported to lead operational priorities, maintain effective relationships, and deliver on organisational and service objectives. This includes sophisticated diary and meeting management, preparation and coordination of information, correspondence, reporting, meeting administration, and follow-up of actions and commitments.
The PA operates with a high degree of autonomy, judgement and discretion and will establish effective working relationships with senior leaders, clinicians, operational managers, support services, external stakeholders, and community partners.
The role is an important coordination point for the Directorate and contributes to the smooth, effective and professional operation of the Director's office.
Key responsibilities:
- Provide proactive, comprehensive and confidential administrative support to the Director of Operations.
- Manage a complex and frequently changing diary, ensuring competing priorities are appropriately balanced.
- Anticipate the Director's needs and proactively identify issues, deadlines and competing priorities.
- Ensure the Director is appropriately prepared for meetings, presentations, visits and engagements.
- Monitor and manage incoming correspondence, requests and information, determining priorities and escalating matters where appropriate.
- Draft, format and proofread correspondence, reports, presentations, briefing papers and other documents.
- Maintain effective systems for tracking requests, deadlines, actions and commitments.
Click here to view the position description.
About the Team/Service
Community and Rural Health delivers a wide range of hospital and community-based healthcare services across the Waikato region. Our services encompass Thames, Tokoroa, Te Kūiti and Taumarunui hospitals, together with District Nursing, Allied Health, Oral Health, Sexual Health and Screening services.
Our diverse team of leaders, clinicians and support staff is united by a shared commitment to improving health outcomes and delivering equitable, high-quality care for the patients, whānau and communities we serve. Through our network of rural hospitals and community-based services, we provide essential healthcare close to home for communities across the Waikato region.
About Hamilton
Waikato Hospital is a major regional hospital in Hamilton and is a leading tertiary teaching hospital located in Hamilton, New Zealand, serving as the regional hub for the Midland area, which includes the Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Lakes, Tairawhiti, and Taranaki districts. With around 722 inpatient beds, 22 operating theatres, and a dedicated outpatient clinic and procedure centre, Waikato Hospital provides comprehensive hospital services, including radiology, laboratory, and pharmacy. As a major teaching hospital with affiliations to the University of Auckland, University of Waikato, and Wintec, it offers a dynamic learning environment and access to research opportunities. The hospital is equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities located on the Waiora Waikato Hospital Campus, with both road and air ambulance support.
Hamilton, where Waikato Hospital is situated, is a vibrant city nestled alongside the scenic Waikato River, offering a perfect mix of nature and culture. Explore the stunning Hamilton Gardens, home to themed gardens from Italy to Asia, or visit the Waikato Museum to delve into the region's rich history. The city also boasts the Hamilton Zoo, where you can walk through an aviary filled with native birds. Hamilton is a lively hub, with a variety of cafes, restaurants, and bars, along with events like rugby, cricket, and the famous National Agricultural Fieldays and Balloons over Waikato festival. With its vibrant atmosphere and proximity to outdoor adventures, Hamilton is an ideal place to live and work.
For more information on living and working in Waikato click here
About you
You are an experienced and highly organised Personal Assistant who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys supporting senior leaders to achieve their goals.
With exceptional organisational skills, discretion and professionalism, you can confidently manage competing priorities, anticipate needs, and navigate complex situations with sound judgement and attention to detail.
You are a proactive relationship builder who works collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders, communicates with confidence, and maintains the highest standards of confidentiality. You bring outstanding administrative expertise, including complex diary management, minute taking, and advanced Microsoft Office skills, and are comfortable making decisions, solving problems and using your initiative to keep things running smoothly.
To be successful in this role, you will have:
- At least three years' experience as a Personal Assistant supporting senior leaders.
- Exceptional organisational, planning and minute-taking skills.
- Strong judgement, attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities.
- Experience managing complex diaries and making proactive scheduling decisions.
- A collaborative approach and proven ability to build effective working relationships.
- Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills.
- Advanced proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite, including Visio.
- A full New Zealand driver's licence.
Ideally, you will also bring:
- Experience working within a large and complex organisation.
- Health sector experience.
- A relevant tertiary qualification.
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 online” or apply via our Waikato Careers website by clicking here.
All applications must be submitted through our online careers’ portal before 11:59 pm on 27th October 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Lisa McKerrow at Lisa.McKerrow@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz.
We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.
