Regional Integrated Operations Lead - Te Manawa Taki

• Hamilton based
• Permanent, full time

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 

The purpose of the Regional Integrated Operations Lead (RIOL) role is to drive a connected, efficient, and equitable health system across Te Manawa Taki. This position is instrumental in improving end-to-end patient flow by leading the integration of governance, planning, response, and review processes. Reporting to the Regional Programme Manager for HSS Priorities, the RIOL will ensure that operational decisions are aligned across national, regional, and district levels to deliver better health outcomes and a seamless patient experience.

In this role, you will work closely with District IOC Directors/Manager, Group Directors of Operations, Clinical and Operational Leads, and primary care partners to implement national strategies—particularly those focused on achieving the Shorter Stays in ED (SSED) health target. You will engage with Hospital Performance teams, Planning Funding and Outcomes, and the National Acute Care team to align regional initiatives with national service delivery models. You will lead the standardisation and integration of care delivery across the region, enhancing consistency, equity, and quality of care. A key focus will be establishing systems for real-time visibility and situational awareness to support proactive, informed decision-making.

Success in this role requires a strategic, collaborative leader with a clinical background who can build strong relationships across the health system. The ability to build and manage relationships with a wide range of stakeholders is essential. Strategic alignment with national healthcare priorities and structures is also critical to ensuring consistent, high-standard care delivery across the region.

About you 

You are a seasoned healthcare leader with over 10 years' experience in hospital operations management across complex, multifaceted environments. You hold relevant graduate and postgraduate qualifications, including clinical credentials, and bring a strong understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its practical application in healthcare.

You combine a strategic mindset with the ability to translate vision into clear, actionable plans, ensuring services continue to evolve to meet population health needs. Your leadership style is collaborative and performance-driven, with a proven track record of engaging teams, leading change, and delivering measurable results.

You bring deep expertise in operational and capacity planning, acute flow improvement methodology,  service development, and quality improvement, underpinned by strong business acumen and analytical capability. With a systems-thinking approach, you are able to integrate strategy, operations, and stakeholder engagement to deliver cohesive, high-performing services.

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 Thursday, 21 May. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Matt Kelly at matt.kelly@tewhatuora.govt.nz 

Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change, affected employees will be given preference and priority for this position.