Manager Government & Advisory Services

• Lead governance, ministerial servicing and advisory services across Te Waipounamu
• Provide trusted strategic advice to regional executives and senior leaders
• Build a high-performing team that delivers timely, accurate and politically astute advice

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is the country's largest employer, delivering universal public healthcare to more than 5 million people. With services spanning more than 80 locations, we are committed to building a health system that is accessible, equitable and focused on better outcomes for all New Zealanders.

About the role

As Manager Government & Advisory Services, you will lead a high-performing team responsible for delivering governance, ministerial servicing, stakeholder engagement and business advisory services across the South Island | Te Waipounamu region.

Working closely with the Executive Regional Director, Regional Director and regional leadership team, you will oversee the preparation and delivery of high-quality, timely and accurate:

• Strategic advice, executive papers and regional reporting
• Board and committee papers, reports and briefings
• Official Information Act requests and parliamentary questions
• Ministerial briefings, information requests and select committee material
• Governance arrangements and stakeholder engagement activities

You will act as a key connection between the regional office and national teams, helping ensure consistent systems, practices and standards across Health New Zealand.

A significant part of the role will involve leading responses to complex, high-profile and politically sensitive matters. You will identify emerging issues and risks, provide considered advice to senior decision makers and coordinate appropriate action across district, regional and national teams.

You will also:

• Provide strategic advice and thought leadership on complex and sensitive issues
• Maintain oversight of regional priorities, work programmes, deliverables and performance
• Lead the identification, management and escalation of organisational and reputational risks
• Develop governance arrangements that support effective regional decision making
• Strengthen quality assurance, information management and reporting processes
• Guide authors to produce clear, concise and decision-ready papers
• Build trusted relationships with Ministers' offices, government agencies, sector representatives and delivery partners
• Promote high standards of accountability, continuous improvement and service excellence

This is an influential leadership opportunity for an experienced government services professional who can bring together people, information and advice to support effective regional leadership and better outcomes for the communities we serve.

About you

You are a highly experienced governance, government relations or ministerial servicing leader with an excellent understanding of the machinery of government.

You are confident advising executives and senior leaders on complex, sensitive and politically significant matters. You exercise sound judgement, maintain a no-surprises approach and can translate complex information into clear, practical and robust advice.

You are also an experienced people leader who can build a high-performing and inclusive team. You create clarity, support professional development and establish the systems and standards needed to deliver consistently high-quality work in a fast-paced environment.

What you'll bring to the role

• A tertiary qualification in a relevant field
• At least 10 years' senior-level experience in governance, ministerial servicing, government relations or a similar field
• Extensive knowledge of the machinery of government or experience operating within a regulated environment
• Leadership experience, including managing people, resources and a complex portfolio of work
• Experience overseeing Official Information Act requests, parliamentary questions, ministerial briefings and executive reporting
• Demonstrated experience providing strategic advice on complex and sensitive issues
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor complex material for executives, boards, Ministers and other audiences
• Experience preparing clear, robust and decision-ready papers, reports and briefings
• Strong political awareness and the ability to manage sensitive or high-profile issues
• Proven analytical, problem-solving, planning and prioritisation skills
• The ability to identify trends, risks and opportunities using data, evidence and organisational insights
• Experience building and influencing relationships across government, health, community or other complex sectors
• Experience developing effective partnerships with Māori and Pacific peoples, organisations and stakeholders
• A strong commitment to quality assurance, effective information management and continuous improvement
• An understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the ability to apply its principles meaningfully in your work
• A commitment to improving access, equity and outcomes for the communities we serve

Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and complex programmes of work within a large organisation would be an advantage.

Why join us?

At Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, you will have the opportunity to shape governance and government services across Te Waipounamu and provide advice that directly supports regional and national decision making.

You will work closely with senior leaders, government agencies and health sector partners, leading a skilled team and helping the region respond effectively to complex issues, risks and opportunities.

If you are an experienced government services leader who brings sound judgement, political awareness and a commitment to high-quality public service, we would welcome your application.

Working for Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is committed to delivering excellent healthcare for all New Zealanders. We embrace diversity and inclusion so that our workforce reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled and rainbow communities.

We are also committed to creating an environment where people can contribute their ideas, challenge the way things are done and continuously improve how we work.

How to apply

To apply, please click “Apply now.”

All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal by 11:59 PM Tuesday, 17^th November.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact Ash Mohan at ash.mohan@tewhatuora.govt.nz.