National Operations Manager - Procurement, Supply Chain & Health Technology Management

• Full-time, permanent position
• Work from any Health New Zealand office location nationwide 

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

This National Operations Manager leads national supply chain operations for clinical product distribution to the Health New Zealand network, overseeing 3PL/4PL operations, inventory strategy, governance, and vaccine distribution. It drives operational performance, cost efficiencies, and strategic supply chain optimisation across all regions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage national supply chain and distribution provider performance, acting as contract owner and overseeing issue escalation.
• Lead national 3PL budgeting, monitor supplier cost adherence, and drive cost‑saving initiatives with supply chain partners.
• Develop and lead the National Supply Chain Operations function, including strategy, governance, and optimisation projects.
• Oversee coordination with National Public Health to ensure the successful distribution of the full vaccine delivery programme.
• Reduce waste and product obsolescence within National Reserves (NRS) to deliver cost avoidance across the network.
• Provide strategic and operational guidance to Regional Partnership roles.

About the Team/Service 

The Procurement, Supply Chain and Health Technology (PSC&HTM) team at Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora are a national function with a vast and complex scope. They play a critical role in ensuring the availability, safety, and efficiency of clinical and non-clinical goods and services across the health system. Responsible for managing and influencing over $9 billion in annual spend, the team are central to delivering high-quality patient outcomes and standardising product usage across regions.  

About you

You are an accomplished people leader with proven experience in supply chain, logistics, and distribution management. A confident and articulate communicator, you excel at building and maintaining relationships across various stakeholder groups. You value diversity and recognise its importance in creating inclusive, effective solutions, demonstrating strong cultural competence and respect for tikanga Māori in your daily practice.

You will also have:

• 10–12 years of experience in Supply Chain and Operations, including managing small‑ to medium‑sized teams
• Proven capability in performance management and contract oversight
• A strong track record in large‑scale supply chain optimisation and delivering cost‑saving initiatives
• Highly developed analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills, with experience in the health sector considered advantageous

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 by 27 March 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Zerissa Ong on zerissa.ong@tewhatuora.govt.nz

Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change affected kaimahi (staff) will be given preference and priority for this position.