Project Manager - Project Manager - Emergency Department - Acute Flow

• Auckland City Hospital, Grafton | Full-time | 12‑month Fixed Term
• Lead improvement work to strengthen Emergency Department (ED) performance and patient flow
• Drive measurable improvements across ED, Adult Emergency Department (AED) / Clinical Decision Unit (CDU) and inpatient services
• Collaborative, fast‑paced environment within a system undergoing major transformation

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 Project Manager – Emergency Department (ED) Acute Flow is a key contributor to improving emergency care across Te Toka Tumai Auckland. As part of the Planning & Performance team, you will support system‑wide initiatives that reduce ED wait times, improve Shorter Stay in ED (SSED) performance, and enhance patient flow from arrival through assessment, treatment, admission, or discharge.

Working closely with ED, the Adult Emergency Department/Clinical Decision Unit (AED/CDU), the Children’s Emergency Department (CED), and inpatient services, you will lead targeted improvement actions that strengthen front‑door performance and reduce delays. The role involves data analysis, strong relationship‑building, and rapid cycle improvement to deliver measurable outcomes within a defined 12‑month period.

Please visit the position description here.

About the Team/Service

At Te Toka Tumai Auckland, we’re not just hiring — we’re building the future. Aotearoa’s health system is in an exciting period of transformation, underpinned by the vision of Pae Ora / Healthy Futures. Together, we’re creating a more equitable, accessible, and people-centred health system that works for everyone.

About you

You will bring:
Essential:

• Commitment to biculturalism and achieving equitable outcomes for Māori
• Tertiary qualification or equivalent experience
• Recognised project management training and formal improvement methodology training (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma)
• Experience leading clinical improvement, quality improvement, or ED/acute flow projects
• Understanding of Emergency Department (ED) operations, patient flow, and drivers of Shorter Stay in ED (SSED) performance
• Strong relationship‑building skills with clinical and operational leaders
• Excellent communication, analytical and organisational skills
• Proficiency with relevant information systems and clinical data

Desirable:

• Postgraduate qualifications in quality improvement, healthcare management, or related fields
• Health or clinical experience
• Experience with ED streaming, admission avoidance, Acute Assessment Unit (AAU) interfaces, or Front‑Door models of care
• Experience using data dashboards and ED flow metrics such as:
  • Shorter Stay in ED (SSED)
  • ED Length of Stay (ED LOS)
  • Time to Assessment
  • ED‑to‑Ward Transfer Time
  • Did‑Not‑Wait (DNW) rates

About the location

For more information on living and working in Auckland click here.

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. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Belinda Peddie – belinda.peddie@tewhatuora.govt.nz

Following an initial 7‑day advertising period, Health New Zealand reserves the right to close this vacancy and progress with the recruitment process earlier than the stated closing date, subject to application volume and candidate suitability.