Engineering Lead

• This role can be based in either Hamilton, Tauranga, or Rotorua
• Full time, Permanent

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is dedicated to serving all New Zealanders. Through integration and collaboration, we're building a health system underpinned by partnership, equity, sustainability, whānau-centred care, and excellence.

About the Role

As an Engineering Lead for the Te Manawa Taki Region, you will play a critical role in shaping the future of health infrastructure across the region. This is a senior technical leadership position within our Infrastructure and Investment Group (IIG), responsible for overseeing the engineering integrity, performance, and compliance of all building systems, plant, and equipment across hospital sites and health facilities.

You'll lead the development of engineering standards, preferred equipment lists, and safe operating procedures, while supporting energy management, operations and maintenance documentation, continuous improvement and innovation across the region.

About the Team/Service/ Location

The IIG team are focused on delivering high-impact infrastructure investments that support the transformation of New Zealand's health system. Giving support, oversight and assurance across projects and programmes, they understand that safe, fit for purpose health facilities, sites and equipment are essential for a well functioning health system that improves the health of all New Zealanders.

Serving over 1 million people, a fifth of New Zealand's population, and stretching across the middle of the North Island from the east to the west coasts, Te Manawa Taki means ‘the heartbeat'. The name reflects the geographical position of the region which includes five districts – Taranaki, Waikato, Lakes, Bay of Plenty and Tairāwhiti.   Across the five districts, IIG manages infrastructure spanning 14 sites and more than 100 buildings.

About you

You're someone who thrives on solving complex problems and making things work better within infrastructure and systems that support people's health and wellbeing. You have extensive experience in the design, construction, and maintenance of building systems, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire safety, and medical gas systems and are confident overseeing both planned and reactive maintenance programmes.

You're technically sharp, a great communicator and collaborator and you have an extensive background in asset lifecycle planning, risk assessment, and compliance management, and you understand how to align engineering practices with organisational goals and health sector standards.

You know how to mentor and motivate teams, foster a culture of safety and excellence, and build strong relationships across technical, clinical, and operational stakeholders ensuring sustainability, and that our buildings and systems are fit for purpose now and into the future.

You will bring:

• A degree in engineering (civil, electrical, mechanical, or construction management)
• 10+ years' experience in senior engineering roles
• Proven experience in health infrastructure or large-scale plant and equipment programmes
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and leadership skills
• Experience working in multicultural and diverse environments, with a strong understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act 2022

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

To apply please click “apply now.”  All applications must be submitted through our online careers' portal by 29th August 2025 at 11.59pm. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Shannon Elder at shannon.elder@tewhatuora.govt.nz

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

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