Specialist- Maxillofacial- Waikato

• Waikato Hospital – Hamilton, New Zealand
• Permanent, Full Time – 40 hours per week
• Salary details as per ASMS SECA

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.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Specialist to join our Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMS) department at Waikato Hospital, Hamilton.

As a successful Specialist you will play a key role in providing regional acute, elective and outpatient OMS Services, as part of a team of OMS specialists.

There is a varied acute workload (e.g. odontogenic infections, facial trauma), along with elective operating which includes dento-alveolar, complex benign pathology and TMJ surgery. While an interest in cleft and orthognathic surgery would be beneficial, we welcome applications from all qualified candidates.

You will be part of a multidisciplinary team delivering complex head and neck oncology care, working closely with colleagues in ORL Head and Neck Surgery, Plastic Surgery, and Medical/Radiation Oncology. The Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMS) service at Waikato Hospital is one of the few in New Zealand where OMS surgeons perform both ablative procedures and microvascular free flap reconstruction. This work is led by two dedicated OMS Head and Neck surgeons.

This is a permanent, full-time (1.0 FTE) position. The role includes participation in a 1-in-4 after-hours on-call roster. You will be well supported by junior medical staff, including house officers and registrars. With trainees regularly rotating through the service, you will also have opportunities to contribute to their teaching and development, alongside hosting medical and dental students.

Key responsibilities of the role:

• Efficient and effective assessment and management of patients that follow accepted professional guidelines.
• Effective documentation and communication of all treatment provided to patients.
• Attends regular meetings of the service to collaborate with colleagues and, as required, with management.
• Provides clinical supervision and teaching for medical officers assigned to the service.

Click hereto view the position description.

About the Service

The department provides a tertiary service to the Central North Island of New Zealand. Hamilton is a level 1 major trauma centre and one of the largest tertiary teaching hospitals with over 700 inpatient beds and 22 operating theatres. Waikato is the major trauma centre for the region serving a catchment population of approximately 1 million.

The successful candidate will have the unique opportunity to grow and develop the OMS service and will complement three colleagues to develop the full range of the specialty. They will be encouraged to develop a specialist interest to complement the service which currently covers surgical treatment of oncology, reconstruction, TMJ, deformity, and cleft as well as all maxillofacial trauma.

About You

This is a challenging role, which demands outstanding professional skills and commitment to the specialty. We are looking for someone with the vision to provide a team-based service founded on excellence in all aspects of the Maxillofacial service and complement the workload of the colleagues with ideas to develop the specialty and the department.

You will:

• Hold or be eligible for registration as a specialist OMS surgeon with the Medical Council and Dental Council of New Zealand.
• Experience in implementing Te Tiriti o Waitangi in action
• Hold a current full driver’s license

About Waikato Hospital - 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.

The Waikato District is a dynamic mix of stunning scenery and cultural richness, providing a variety of experiences for every age. Whether you're catching epic surf, discovering breathtaking underground wonders, or immersing yourself in the magic of a famous movie landscape, there's something for everyone to enjoy. 

For more information on living and working in Waikato click here

Working for 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

Please click ‘Apply online’ or apply via our Waikato Careers Website by clicking here All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal. 

If you have any questions about the role, and for comprehensive information and support with the MCNZ registration and relocation process, please contact Rachel Spencer, Senior Recruitment Advisor- Rachel.Spencer@tewhatuora.govt.nz

Closing date: 23 October 2025

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