Project Lead - Project Pihi Kaha

• Full-time, fixed term role throughout the lifecycle of the project
• Lead the operational commissioning of a major health infrastructure project that will shape future healthcare delivery in Te Tai Tokerau
• Influence clinical, workforce and operational transformation while working alongside senior leaders and key partners

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders.

About the Role

As the Project Lead, you will provide strategic leadership across the clinical, operational and workforce workstreams supporting Project Pihi Kaha. You will translate the approved business case into practical service, workforce and operational solutions, helping ensure the new facility is ready to deliver its intended models of care, service performance and wider system benefits.

Working in partnership with project, clinical and operational leaders, you will lead commissioning, workforce transition and migration planning, including the change management, training and resourcing required to successfully operationalise the facility. You will integrate input from multiple stakeholders, oversee benefits realisation, manage complex risks and provide high-quality strategic advice and reporting to senior leadership and project governance groups.

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About the Team/Service/Location

Project Pihi Kaha sits within Hospital and Specialist Services and forms part of Health New Zealands wider health infrastructure programme. Based at Whangārei Hospital, you will work alongside senior operational, clinical, infrastructure and digital leaders, as well as iwi, community representatives, government agencies, consultants, contractors and suppliers.

This is an opportunity to contribute to sustainable, equitable and future-focused health services for Te Tai Tokerau, while ensuring local delivery remains aligned with national strategy, policy, standards and Te Tiriti obligations.

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About you

You will be a credible and influential senior leader who can navigate complexity, build trusted relationships and bring together clinical, operational and workforce perspectives. You will also bring:

• At least five years leadership experience supporting clinical transformation or health infrastructure projects valued at more than $100 million, or significant leadership experience in a clinical operational, service delivery or management role
• A relevant degree or postgraduate qualification in health leadership and management, healthcare administration or a related discipline
• Project management certification or equivalent project deliver experience, together with experience applying change management methodologies
• Strong knowledge of New Zealands health sector and clinical service environments, with the credibility to engage senior clinical leaders, governance groups and external stakeholders
• Proven senior-level experience managing complex risks, competing priorities, budgets, resources and delivery timelines across large programmes of work
• An understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations and the ability to apply Te Tiriti principles meaningfully in your leadership practice

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 18 November 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Michelle Apetera at NL-Jobs@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz

We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.