Clinical Director, Primary & Community - PFO

• Permanent, full-time position 
• Shape the Future of Health
• Crucial, high-impact role 

Are you a visionary clinical leader passionate about system-wide improvement and health equity? Do you thrive on translating strategic goals into tangible, community-focused outcomes? We are seeking a highly experienced and influential Regional Clinical Director, Primary and Community Care to provide senior clinical leadership and governance across our region. 

This is a crucial, high-impact role that will drive clinical quality, enhance patient safety, and ensure our commissioning activities are clinically robust and responsive to the needs of our diverse communities.  

About Planning, Funding & Outcomes (PFO) – Te Manawa Taki 

The PFO team is responsible for the commissioning of all funded primary, community, and mental health services across the Te Manawa Taki region, which spans Taranaki, Waikato, Lakes, Bay of Plenty, and Tairāwhiti. 

About the Role: Regional Clinical Director, Primary and Community Care  

You will be the senior clinical voice, leading a team of Clinical Advisors and serving as a key interface between regional PFO (Planning, Funding, and Outcomes) leadership, Hospital & Specialist Services (H&SS), and the wider healthcare sector. 

Key Responsibilities Include: 

• Clinical Leadership & Governance: Provide senior clinical advice and leadership for the design, implementation, and evaluation of new models of care within primary and community settings. Establish and maintain robust clinical governance frameworks and lead the development of clinical guidelines. 

• Strategy and Service Development: Drive the strategic direction for primary, community, and mental health services, ensuring alignment with national priorities. Lead initiatives to integrate care pathways between general practice, community services, and H&SS. 

• Quality & Equity Champion: Ensure all service planning and delivery explicitly focuses on improving health equity and reducing health inequalities. Champion a culture of continuous quality improvement and evidence-based practice. 

• Collaboration and Influence: Build and sustain strong, high-trust relationships with key stakeholders, including PHOs, GPs, Iwi/Māori health providers, NGOs, and H&SS clinical leads to achieve consensus and co-design regional service changes. 

• Operational Leadership: Lead, develop, and motivate a multidisciplinary team of clinical advisors, fostering a culture of collaboration, high performance, and innovation. 

What You'll Bring to the Role 

You are a seasoned leader with a deep commitment to improving health outcomes and a proven track record in complex commissioning environments. 

Essential Requirements: 

You must be a registered primary & community health professional with post-qualification experience and a deep understanding of clinical practice and governance. 

• 5+ years of demonstrated experience in a clinical management role. 

• Extensive experience in or a comprehensive understanding of healthcare commissioning, service delivery, and the wider health system. 

• Proven ability to lead on complex clinical issues, influence a wide range of stakeholders, and build consensus. 

• A comprehensive understanding of clinical governance principles and demonstrated experience in a clinical governance role. 

• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, capable of articulating a clear clinical vision to diverse audiences. 

• A strong commitment to improving health outcomes and promoting equitable access to care. 

This is your opportunity to be instrumental in shaping the future of primary and community care for our region. You will play a vital role in translating strategic goals into tangible health improvements on the ground, making a real difference in the lives of our community members. 

If you are based in the region and ready to take on a challenging yet highly rewarding leadership position that focuses on innovation, quality, and equity, we encourage you to apply. 

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.      

Apply now with your CV and cover letter.  If you would like more information on the position, please contact Helene.carbonatto@tewhatuora.govt.nz 

Applications close: Midnight 24 November 2025 

Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change, affected employees will be given preference and priority for this position.