Health & Safety Delivery Manager, South Canterbury & Southern

• Permanent, full time
• Based in South Canterbury or Southern Districts

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 position reports to the GM Health and Safety and provides senior leadership for health and safety operations across South Canterbury and Southern districts. The Health and Safety Delivery Manager ensures compliance with Health NZ expectations, legislation, regulations, and industry standards, and drives the implementation of national and district health and safety initiatives.

The role provides strategic advice and support to the District Group Director Operations and other Operations Managers, fostering strong collaborative relationships to ensure consistent and effective service delivery. It also provides recommendations to the GM, Health and Safety, Regional Health and Safety Manager, and relevant Health and Safety Programme Business Partners on the delivery of strategic initiatives.

The Health and Safety Delivery Manager leads members of the Health and Safety Delivery teams within the South Canterbury and Southern districts, working closely with District Occupational Health Managers to embed best practice, operational excellence, and continuous improvement. The role demonstrates Health NZ's expected behaviours and values, enabling the effective implementation of national and district health and safety initiatives.

The position is responsible for local engagement with key external stakeholders, including WorkSafe, ACC, and union partners, and ensures active participation of workers in health and safety matters. It provides governance, oversight, and leadership to support a strong culture of health and safety across the South Canterbury and Southern districts.

About you 

You bring over 10 years' experience in health and safety, with at least five years operating in a leadership capacity. You have a strong track record of leading, coaching and influencing teams of health and safety professionals, ideally within healthcare or a similarly complex, high-risk environment.

You are highly experienced in the local implementation and ongoing compliance of New Zealand's health and safety legislative framework, including the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and associated regulations. You also have hands-on experience managing requirements under the ACC Accredited Employer Programme (AEP) and implementing ISO45001 at an operational level.

You are confident translating organisational and strategic health and safety programmes into practical, locally delivered initiatives that drive meaningful outcomes. Just as importantly, you are passionate about developing people - with demonstrated experience training, mentoring and coaching Health and Safety Advisors, Senior Advisors, and Health and Safety Business Partners to lift capability and performance.

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 Sunday, 8 February. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Matt Kelly at matt.kelly@tewhatuora.govt.nz 

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