Regional Integrated Operations Lead

• Work from anywhere in Te Manawa Taki
• Permanent, Full Time
• Work alongside clinical and operational teams to improve access for patients and ensure best use of resources for excellent patient care.
• Support Te Manawa Taki Regional Clinical Service Networks to deliver high quality, equitable and whanau-centred care.

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 purpose of the Regional Integrated Operations Lead (RIOL) role is to drive a connected, efficient, and equitable health system across Te Manawa Taki. This position is instrumental in improving end-to-end patient flow by leading the integration of governance, planning, response, and review processes. Reporting to the Regional Programme Manager for HSS Priorities, the RIOL will ensure that operational decisions are aligned across national, regional, and district levels to deliver better health outcomes and a seamless patient experience.

In this role, you will work closely with District IOC Directors/Manager, Group Directors of Operations, Clinical and Operational Leads, and primary care partners to implement national strategies—particularly those focused on achieving the Shorter Stays in ED (SSED) health target. You will engage with Hospital Performance teams, Planning Funding and Outcomes, and the National Acute Care team to align regional initiatives with national service delivery models. You will lead the standardisation and integration of care delivery across the region, enhancing consistency, equity, and quality of care. A key focus will be establishing systems for real-time visibility and situational awareness to support proactive, informed decision-making.

Success in this role requires a strategic, collaborative leader with a clinical background who can build strong relationships across the health system. The ability to build and manage relationships with a wide range of stakeholders is essential. Strategic alignment with national healthcare priorities and structures is also critical to ensuring consistent, high-standard care delivery across the region.

Click here to view the position description.

About the Team

This role will be working alongside other Regional Programme Managers in the Te Manawa Taki regional office who will provide collegial support and will report to the Regional Programme Director, Hospital and Specialist Services Priorities. The team is located across the region so regular touch points will be established.

About you

• You are a seasoned healthcare leader with over 10 years’ experience in hospital operations management within complex, multifaceted environments.
• You hold relevant graduate and postgraduate qualifications, including clinical credentials, and bring a strong understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its practical application in healthcare.
• Your strategic mindset is matched by your ability to translate vision into actionable plans, ensuring services evolve to meet population health needs.
• Your leadership style is collaborative and performance-driven, with a proven track record of engaging teams, managing change, and delivering results.
• You bring expertise in operational and capacity planning, service development, and quality improvement, supported by strong business acumen and analytical skills.
• Experience with CIMS Level 4, programme and project management methodologies, and working in confidential environments further strengthens your capability.
• Your systems-thinking approach enables you to integrate strategy, operations, and stakeholder engagement effectively.

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 13 July 2025. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Rachael Devey at Rachael.Devey@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz.

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