Chief Medical Officer- South Canterbury

• Permanent Part Time 0.5FTE
• Shape the future of healthcare in South Canterbury

We are seeking an experienced, values-driven and highly respected senior medical professional to join Timaru Hospital as Chief Medical Officer.

This is a significant leadership opportunity for someone passionate about clinical excellence, strong medical engagement and delivering safe, high-quality and equitable care. Working in partnership with executive, clinical and operational leaders, you will have the opportunity to influence the direction of local health services and make a meaningful difference for the people and communities of South Canterbury.

About the role

As Chief Medical Officer, you will provide strategic clinical leadership and expert medical advice, playing a pivotal role in strengthening clinical governance and championing quality, safety and continuous improvement across our services.

You will work closely with executive and clinical leaders to support service improvement, strengthen medical engagement and ensure clinical perspectives are at the heart of decision-making. Building trusted relationships will be central to your success, as you engage with clinicians, key stakeholders and partner organisations to support excellent patient care and health outcomes.

This is an opportunity to combine your clinical expertise with strategic leadership in a role where your contribution will be visible and meaningful.

About you

We are looking for a highly credible senior medical leader who brings sound judgement, strategic thinking and a collaborative approach to leadership. You will be comfortable working across professional and organisational boundaries, building trusted relationships and bringing people together around a shared commitment to safe, high-quality and equitable patient care.

You will bring:

• Current vocational registration and eligibility to practise in New Zealand
• Significant senior clinical and medical leadership experience
• A strong understanding of clinical governance, quality improvement and patient safety
• The ability to provide considered and credible medical advice at an executive level
• Proven ability to influence, engage and build strong relationships with diverse stakeholders
• Strategic thinking, complemented by the ability to translate strategy into operational outcomes
• A collaborative and inclusive leadership style, with the ability to lead and influence through change
• A strong commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, health equity and improving outcomes for patients and whānau

Working for Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is ‘the weaving of wellnesses. We're dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of Aotearoa/New Zealand. The Equity Work Programme at Health NZ focuses on helping everyone in the health system think about equity when they do their work. It also promotes the cultural change needed for the whole system to reach equity in health outcomes.

Why Timaru?

This role offers the opportunity to make an impact professionally while enjoying everything South Canterbury has to offer.

Based at Timaru Hospital, you can build a rewarding senior leadership career while enjoying a strong sense of community and an enviable South Canterbury lifestyle. It is an opportunity to lead in an environment where relationships matter, your contribution can make a tangible difference, and your leadership can help shape the future of healthcare locally.

If you are an experienced medical leader looking for an opportunity to influence, lead and make a lasting difference, we would love to hear from you.

How to Apply

To view the position description and/or apply for the role please click “apply now.” All applications must be submitted through our online career's portal. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Rachel Mills- Group Director of Operations email: rmills@scdhb.health.nz          

Please note, we will be reviewing applications when received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.