- Fixed-Term, full-time position available in our Central region until late March 2026
- Role can be based anywhere in our Central region
About the Role
As the Senior Service Development Manager, you will be a member of the Living Well Life Course team, and you will be responsible for making commissioning progress on district, regional and national priorities.
The primary purpose of the Senior Service development manager role is to
- Deliver all aspects of the commissioning cycle across the Central region for specific contracts
- Work within and manage contracts in line with commissioning frameworks
- Manage relationships and contracts with providers
- Participate in improvement programmes within the Central region to support the delivery of improved health outcomes and enhanced equity
In this role, you will be able to hold trusting relationships with Māori, senior sector leaders, clinicians and the wider community to address key strategic and operational issues, negotiate key agreements and steward change, including driving service improvements. In this role, you will be supported by the Living Well Regional Manager, System Design Managers and wider commissioning team members, including support with subject matter expertise, contract management and performance reporting and quality/service improvement.
The Senior Service Development Manager will always act in a way that seeks to respond to the health needs of the communities, achieve equity across population groups and improve Māori Health equity.
About the Team & Service
Our team is made up of clinicians, relationship managers, programme managers and support roles with the responsibility to design and implement system improvement. We work in partnership with health providers to ensure implementation and service delivery is relevant and appropriate for the regional communities through strong, collaborative, cohesive ways of working.
About you
You will have strong relationship management and influence skills, where you are able to negotiate & manage contracts through strong provider and sector relationships. You will have experience in contributing to the development of investment strategies, business cases, funding proposals and other reports as required.
You will have experience in:
- Understanding of good practice commissioning and contract management within the public sector
- Demonstrate relationship management experience and skills with the ability to foster good relationships with a variety of stakeholders of different levels through consultation and partnership
- Leading service change as well as experience in the development of high-quality and timely investment planning strategies and initiatives.
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 11:59PM Sunday 14 September 2025. For further information, please contact Nicole Rickard on nicole.rickard@tewhaturora.govt.nz.
Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change, affected kaimahi will be given preference and priority for this position.
We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process before the closing date of this advert.