Principal Service Development Manager, Maternity

• Based Anywhere in New Zealand | Permanent Full-time position with a hybrid model – 3 days in the office
• Lead national maternity service design and commissioning that improves access, experience and outcomes for whānau across Aotearoa
• Bring your clinical maternity expertise and strategic leadership to shape sustainable, equitable services at a national level

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 Principal Service Development Manager, Maternity, you will help shape the future of maternity care across Aotearoa. This senior role leads and contributes to the design, commissioning, implementation and improvement of maternity services and funding arrangements, turning national priorities into practical solutions that strengthen access, quality, safety and whānau experience.

Working alongside the System Design Manager, regional teams, providers, maternity clinicians, Māori, Pacific and community partners, you will lead service reviews, investment proposals and implementation planning, support provider sustainability, and use performance data, equity insights and whānau feedback to drive continuous improvement. Your clinical credibility and understanding of contemporary maternity practice will ensure commissioning and policy decisions are grounded in the realities of care delivery.

About the Team and Location

You will join the Kahu Taurima Maternity and Early Years national team within Maternity, Child, Youth and Prevention, Planning, Funding and Outcomes. This is a highly collaborative role with national reach, connecting with regional teams, Hauora Māori, Pacific and disability teams, maternity providers, professional groups and community partners. The role can be based anywhere in New Zealand.

About you

You will be a credible senior health professional with deep knowledge of the Aotearoa maternity system and the ability to turn complex strategy, policy and funding settings into practical, sustainable service improvements. You will bring:

• A relevant tertiary or professional qualification and current annual practising certificate
• Significant senior-level experience in health service planning, commissioning, funding, service design, implementation or provider management
• Strong knowledge of the Aotearoa maternity system, including primary and facility-based services, funding arrangements and system challenges
• Experience leading complex maternity programmes, service redesign or commissioning initiatives
• A demonstrated ability to apply Te Tiriti o Waitangi and equity frameworks to service development and commissioning decisions
• Trusted relationships with maternity providers, clinicians, Māori partners and sector stakeholders
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing advice, briefings, investment proposals and implementation plans for senior leaders
• Sound judgement, personal accountability and the ability to lead change collaboratively in complex government, public sector or regulated environments

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 Tuesday, 06 October 2026. For further information, please contact Jenita Spencer on Jenita.Spencer@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz.

The full position description is available on the Health New Zealand Careers site.

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