Group Director Operations - Nelson Marlborough
- Make a real difference in our communities
- Pursue excellence in this senior executive position
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
Delivering care to approximately 166,000 of New Zealand's population in a region known for its high proportion of sunny days, the Nelson Marlborough Group Director Operations (GDO) reports to the Te Waipounamu Executive Regional Director. The role is responsible for delivering equitable, safe and effective hospital and specialist services that align with and deliver against the Health Delivery Plan and Health Targets.
A member of the Te Waipounamu regional leadership team, the role supports the delivery of the Hospital & Specialist Services (H&SS) local, regional and national priorities by working with clinical leadership to lead change programmes and manage resource allocation in their area.
The position is accountable for H&SS clinical, operational and financial performance in the Nelson Marlborough District. This includes community-based care provided by Health NZ employed staff in areas such as mental health and addiction, and rehabilitation. Collaborating with other GDOs in the region to achieve the Health Delivery Plan and regional health targets at a system level is critical.
About you
You will be a passionate leader with an executive level track record of success in strategic leadership and operational excellence, who thrives in collaborative environments. Your experience should include a strong background in healthcare leadership with a focus on delivering exceptional services.
You will bring:
- Extensive senior executive health sector experience in varied environments (approx. 10-15 years)
- Minimum 10 years Hospital or specialist service delivery experience at a senior level
- Proven experience successfully leading diverse teams through change and achieving improved results
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, 17 May. 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.

Job details
| Job Reference: | HNZ/1920793 | ||
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| Job type: | Permanent Full time | ||
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| Closes: | 17-May-2026 | ||
| Attachments: | HNZ-Position-Description Group Director Operations - Nelson Marlborough.pdf (PDF, 268KB) Job Description |