Principal Advisor, Contracting Systems and Processes

• Work from anywhere in New Zealand with a hybrid model – 3 days in the office | Permanent, full-time role
• Shape nationally consistent contracting systems and processes that support better health outcomes.
• Make a nationwide impact through expert advice, collaborative improvement and capability building.

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

Help shape how health services are contracted across Aotearoa. As Principal Advisor, Contracting Systems and Processes, you will provide national leadership for contracting frameworks, systems and contract management practice across Health New Zealand's commissioning functions. This is an opportunity to turn complex challenges into practical, consistent approaches that strengthen contract performance, compliance and value for money, supporting better health outcomes for communities.

Working alongside regional and national colleagues, you will simplify contracting templates and processes, lead the development of a Contract Management Framework, and provide expert advice on complex negotiations and contractual matters. You will partner with legal, digital and business teams to improve systems, strengthen risk management and make contracting more effective. Through guidance, coaching and communities of practice, you will help commissioning colleagues build the confidence and capability to put these improvements into action.

About the Team and Location

You will join the national Funding and Investment Team within Planning, Funding and Outcomes, reporting to the Manager, National Contracting and Procurement. With a national remit, you will work across regional and national commissioning and contracting teams, Sector Operations and the Legal Team. Together, you will develop fit-for-purpose, outcome-focused contracting arrangements aligned with organisational priorities. The role is national; the specific work location is to be confirmed.

About you

You are an experienced contracting professional who combines strategic thinking with a practical approach to improvement. You can translate complex contractual issues into clear advice, build trusted relationships and bring people together to deliver consistent ways of working. A relevant tertiary qualification, ideally including contract law, is preferred. You will bring:

• Significant experience, typically eight or more years, in commissioning, contract management, procurement, commercial management or a related field.
• Experience developing, negotiating and managing health or social services contracts, particularly outcomes agreements.
• Expertise in contracting systems, templates, processes and guidance, with experience of the nationwide services framework or a similar framework.
• Experience developing frameworks, standards or operating models and leading organisational change and business improvement.
• Sound judgement and the ability to use performance data and risk insights to inform strategic advice and decisions.
• Clear, persuasive communication and the ability to influence senior leaders and build trusted partnerships across teams and organisations.
• Experience coaching and training colleagues in contract drafting, negotiation and management, supported by practical tools and guidance.
• Experience navigating government or regulated environments, with a commitment to applying Te Tiriti o Waitangi and improving health outcomes.

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 Wednesday 04 November 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.