- Northern based
- Permanent, Full-time
About the Role
The Practice Lead (Network & Communications, Northern) plays a critical role in shaping and driving the successful implementation of delivery practices across the Digital Operations team. This position is accountable for ensuring that methodologies, frameworks, and toolsets are consistently applied to enhance scalability, resilience, and operational efficiency. With a strong focus on quality and continuous improvement, the Practice Lead supports the development of high-performing teams by guiding onboarding, professional growth, and career development. The role also involves monitoring and evolving delivery practices using performance data to maintain alignment with organisational goals and emerging technology trends. In addition, the Practice Lead fosters a vibrant practitioner community, promoting collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the adoption of best practices across the national delivery portfolio.
About the Team/Service/ Location
The Practice Lead (Network & Communications, Northern) sits within the Network and Communications team, part of the Digital Operations function under the wider Digital Services group. Reporting into the Manager Network & Communications, this team is responsible for delivering fast, reliable, and secure communication channels across corporate and healthcare facilities. Their work enables seamless voice and data exchange, supports collaboration, and underpins national standardisation efforts to ensure consistent and equitable digital access across the organisation. The team plays a vital role in maintaining the digital infrastructure that supports efficient, connected healthcare services.
About you
You will be an experienced digital leader with deep expertise in network and communications infrastructure. You'll bring a practical understanding of delivery methodologies, fostering consistent, high-quality outcomes while supporting team growth and engagement. You will have familiarity with the New Zealand health system and relevant privacy regulations, alongside your project management and financial management experience, ensures you can navigate complex delivery environments with confidence.. You will also have the following skills and experience to support your success in the role:
- Extensive experience (7–10 years) in network and communications technologies, and a strong understanding of enterprise-scale infrastructure (e.g. Cisco routing and switching, Wireless, firewalls, Network cabling and power, Legacy PABX and Cisco Voice)
- Demonstrated leadership experience (3–5 years), including mentoring, managing, and developing technical teams.
- Proven ability to implement and improve delivery practices in complex, large-scale environments, with a strong focus on performance monitoring and data-driven decision-making.
Working for Health New Zealand
Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is ‘the weaving of wellness'. 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.
Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Health New Zealand are committed to being good employers and honouring our equal employment opportunity obligations.
Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
- We want to see the real you in your application and welcome the real you on board if you come and work with us. Skills are gained across many areas of our life, not just in formal employment. If you can demonstrate the skills listed in the ad, but the experience was gained through whānau life, community or mahi aroha (volunteering) we encourage you to apply and share your story with us in your cover letter.
- We particularly welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.
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 careers portal before 11:59pm on Thursday 31st July 2025. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Tegan Gutry at tegan.gutry@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz.
Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change affected kaimahi will be given preference and priority for this position.