Manager Antenatal and Childhood Screening - Prevention - NPHS

• Provide national leadership across three critical Antenatal and Childhood Screening Programmes, helping shape high-quality screening services across Aotearoa.
• Lead programme strategy, quality improvement and innovation, with a strong focus on equitable access and better outcomes for whānau and communities.
• Build influential partnerships with clinical leaders, Te Tiriti partners, screening providers and stakeholders across the wider health sector

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 National Manager Antenatal and Childhood Screening, you will provide national leadership across three vital programmes: antenatal screening for Down syndrome and other conditions, newborn metabolic screening, and universal newborn hearing screening and early intervention. You will lead a team of up to 10 FTE, overseeing programme strategy, change, quality assurance, evaluation and continuous improvement, with whānau at the centre of service delivery.

Working closely with clinical experts, Te Tiriti partners, technical working groups, screening providers and leaders across Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, you will build strong partnerships and support equitable access to high-quality screening services. You will also provide trusted programme advice, monitor emerging evidence and best practice, manage programme funding and lead initiatives that improve outcomes for communities across Aotearoa.

About the Service

The National Public Health Service (NPHS) within Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora works towards Pae Ora (healthy futures for all) by engaging with the wider determinants that impact people's health, focusing on oranga/wellbeing, prevention, protection, and population-level intervention. We are connected across boundaries to deliver public health services that are nationally planned, regionally delivered and locally tailored. 

About you

You'll be an experienced senior leader who brings strong health service management expertise, excellent communication skills and the ability to build trusted relationships across a complex range of stakeholders. You'll be comfortable working across cultural contexts and bring a sound understanding of population-based screening, policy development and government processes. A relevant tertiary qualification, preferably with a health professional background, is essential.

You will bring:  

• Demonstrated senior-level management experience and contemporary health service management knowledge.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, relationship management and communication skills.
• Knowledge and understanding of population-based screening programmes.
• Experience developing, planning and negotiating service contracts.
• Knowledge of policy development, analysis, research methodologies and government structures and processes.
• The ability to deliver results through effective planning, sound judgement and personal accountability.
• A commitment to collaboration, continuous improvement, professionalism and creating an inclusive and safe working environment.
• Ideally, experience putting Te Tiriti o Waitangi into action

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 Monday, 26 October 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Maria Bennett at maria.bennett1@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz