Programme Manager - Nursing

• Lead priority national nursing programmes that will shape the future of nursing across Aotearoa
• Drive the co-design and implementation of a national nursing career framework
• Influence at a national level, connecting nursing strategy, workforce priorities and clinical practice.

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 Manager, you will provide trusted clinical, operational and strategic advice to the National Chief Nurse and lead the delivery of priority national nursing programmes. A key focus will be the co-design, development and implementation of a national nursing career framework, working in partnership with national workforce colleagues, District Chief Nurses, nursing leaders, education providers and professional stakeholders.

You will translate national policy, professional standards and workforce priorities into practical solutions that can be implemented across diverse health services. Working across organisational boundaries, you will build strong relationships, influence without direct authority and ensure programmes are evidence-informed, achievable and responsive to clinical realities, while advancing Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations and equitable outcomes for Māori.

About the Service

The National Clinical Leadership team comprises the National Clinical Chiefs, Pacific Health, National Clinical Networks, Quality and Patient Safety, Safe Staffing Healthy Workplaces and the Resident Doctor Support Services teams.  This role is located in the Clinical Leadership Office, who provide support across the wider team in the areas of government services, executive and board level requirements (including reporting), project and programme management and oversight of the team's wider work programme. 

About you

You are a senior nursing leader who brings significant operational experience alongside strong programme leadership and strategic capability. Comfortable working in complex environments, you can turn policy and strategy into practical implementation, build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders and navigate changing priorities with sound judgement and discretion.

You will bring:

• Current registration as a Registered Nurse with a practising certificate
• At least five years' senior nursing leadership and operational management experience within complex health services
• A relevant postgraduate qualification at master's level in nursing, health management or leadership
• Demonstrated experience leading complex programmes, service change or implementation across multiple teams or organisations
• Proven ability to build partnerships and influence senior clinical, operational, workforce, quality and patient safety leaders
• Strong analytical and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex issues into clear advice and achievable plans
• A commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, equity, cultural safety and the development of the nursing workforce
• Ideally, experience in nursing career pathways, professional development frameworks or workforce initiatives, and/or experience working at a national or system level.

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, 15 November 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Maria Bennett via maria.bennett1@tewhatuora.govt.nz