Programme Director - Funded Sector

• This is a rare opportunity for an experienced senior health leader to influence national strategy, drive system-wide improvement, and deliver better value from one of New Zealand's largest public investments.
• Lead transformational change across Aotearoa New Zealand's health system and help shape the future of primary and community care.
• Permanent full-time role based in Wellington

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

As Programme Director, you'll provide strategic leadership across commissioning strategies, funding priorities, and major programmes of work. You'll work closely with senior leaders, Ministers, the Health NZ Board, funding managers, regional teams, and sector partners to develop future-focused solutions that deliver measurable impact for communities across Aotearoa.

You will:

• Lead the development and implementation of commissioning strategies and plans across primary and community services
• Drive value-based healthcare outcomes and identify opportunities for greater efficiency, productivity, and innovation
• Provide thought leadership and strategic advice to executive leaders, the Health NZ Board, and Ministers
• Lead complex programmes of work that improve service integration, equity outcomes, and system performance
• Build strong partnerships across Health NZ, government agencies, regional providers, and sector stakeholders
• Champion Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and support Māori and Pacific-led approaches to service design and delivery
• Influence long-term planning and future models of care across the funded health sector

About the Team

The team sits at the centre of strategic commissioning and health system improvement, working collaboratively across Health NZ, government agencies, regional teams, and sector partners to shape the future of healthcare delivery in Aotearoa. Focused on driving better value, stronger integration, and equitable health outcomes, the team leads complex programmes of work that influence national funding priorities and service design across primary and community care. It is a highly collaborative, intellectually stimulating environment where strategic thinking, innovation, and partnership are valued, and where people are united by a shared commitment to improving outcomes for all New Zealanders.

About you

You are a highly credible and strategic health sector leader with extensive experience operating at senior advisory or executive level. You bring a strong understanding of healthcare funding, commissioning, and system transformation, along with the ability to navigate complexity and influence at the highest levels.

You will bring: 

• A postgraduate qualification in public health, health economics, or a related discipline
• More than 10 years' experience in senior healthcare delivery, advisory, or commissioning roles
• Exceptional ability to analyse complex issues and present compelling recommendations to Boards and Ministers
• Proven experience leading large-scale improvement programmes and driving measurable outcomes
• Strong relationship management and stakeholder engagement capability across government and the health sector
• A demonstrated commitment to equity and improving health outcomes for Māori and Pacific communities
• The ability to balance strategic thinking with practical delivery and implementation

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 11:59PM Sunday 14 June 2026. For further information, please contact Lynda Francis on Lynda.Francis@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz

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

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