Health and Safety Business Partner - National Delivery and Enabling

• There are four roles that can be based at any Health NZ location
• Permanent, full-time positions
• Collaborative team who deliver effective and efficient health and safety support

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is the country's largest employer, delivering universal public healthcare to 5 million New Zealanders. 

We provide essential hospital, specialist, and community health services across 80+ locations - from large urban centres to rural towns and remote communities. 

Our goal is to improve health outcomes for all New Zealanders by delivering equitable, accessible and innovative care. 

About the Role 

Reporting to the Health & Safety Delivery Manager – National Delivery and Enabling, this role provides senior advisory and operational leadership across a wide range of national functions, including Public Health, Infrastructure, Procurement, Digital, Finance, People & Culture, and Clinical Leadership. You'll play a key role in ensuring compliance with Health NZ expectations, legislation, and industry standards, while supporting the delivery of strategic health and safety initiatives across the National Delivery and Enabling (NDE) portfolio.

You'll work closely with district and regional health and safety teams, as well as NDE function leaders, to embed consistent and effective practices, align operational priorities, and deliver meaningful outcomes. The role holds accountability for governance and oversight of health and safety systems, including risk management, performance monitoring, and reporting—using insights to support evidence-based decision-making and continuous improvement.

You may also provide targeted support to districts where NDE functions intersect with local operations, including leading investigations, conducting audits, and implementing initiatives. This is a high-impact role that requires strong collaboration, strategic thinking, and a commitment to building a proactive and inclusive health and safety culture across Health NZ.

About the Team/Service/ Location

This is a national role that can be based at any Health NZ location.

The Health and Safety team plays a vital role in ensuring consistent, high-quality service across all district sites, shifts, and professional groups. Working across the country, team members collaborate to deliver effective and efficient health and safety support tailored to the unique needs of each area. This is a dynamic, purpose-driven team who are committed to maintaining safe environments and supporting services nationally. 

About you 

You'll bring up to 10 years of health and safety delivery experience, including working across complex, multi-functional environments such as healthcare or similar sectors. You're confident leading the implementation of strategic programmes, managing compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, ACC AEP, and ISO45001, and influencing a wide range of stakeholders. You've coached and supported health and safety professionals and operational leaders, and have led investigations into serious incidents, using insights to drive improvement.

You're skilled in risk management, performance monitoring, and using data to inform decision-making. You thrive in complex and changing environments, and are known for your calm, consistent, and collaborative approach. Your strong communication and relationship-building skills allow you to unify teams and influence change effectively.

You also bring a solid understanding of the health sector and demonstrate a commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive practice. You understand the significance of Pae Ora and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and apply these principles meaningfully in your work. With a relevant qualification in Health and Safety (or equivalent experience), you're ready to contribute to national programmes and support the delivery of safe, effective services across Health NZ.

Please refer to the Position Profile for more information on what we're looking for in the successful applicant. 

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 

This is a national role and can be based at any Health NZ location, there is a dedicated section on the application for you to outline your preferred location, please also include your preferred location in your cover letter.

To apply please click “apply now.”  All applications must be submitted through our online careers' portal by midnight 30 November 2025. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Ruth Greening at ruth.greening@tewhatuora.govt.nz

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