Principal Clinical Service Planner - Planning, Funding and Outcomes

Principal Clinical Service Planner - Planning, Funding and Outcomes

Work from Christchurch or Wellington – 4 days in the office | Permanent, full-time role

Shape the future of national hospital and specialist services across Aotearoa. Bring advanced system-level planning expertise to a role that drives equitable, nationwide impact.

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 taking a people and place approach to delivering equitable, accessible and innovative care.

About the Role

As a Principal Clinical Service Planner in the hospital funding team, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the nationwide planning and design of clinical services within our local, regional and nationwide specialist services network. Working at an advanced level, you will lead analytical work, provide high-level service planning advice, and guide system-wide thinking that influences national service delivery networks.

You will synthesise data and insights, develop planning frameworks, and produce high-quality analysis to inform senior decision-makers. You will work closely with Regional teams, Clinical Leadership, Clinical Networks, Insights and Analysis, and key partners across the system to ensure planning is evidence-based, equitable, and aligned with national priorities.

You will also provide quality assurance, mentor colleagues, and support capability uplift by leading peer review processes and championing continuous improvement.

About the Team/Service/Location

This role sits within Planning, Funding & Outcomes – Funding, Hospitals, reporting to the Manager Specialist Planning and Purchasing and works closely with other clinical service planners within the hospital funding team. You will collaborate with regional and district teams, Hauora Māori, Clinical Networks, Manatū Hauora, Infrastructure & Investment, Health Analytics, and Digital Services. Refer to the position description for more information.

About You

You will bring advanced analytical capability and a strong strategic mindset to support the development of nationwide clinical service planning and delivery networks. You will be experienced in working with complex health system information and translating it into clear insights that support decision-making across the organisation. You will be also bring strong relationship management skills, enabling you to work collaboratively with clinical leaders, analysts, and stakeholders across the health system to improve service planning and delivery.

• At least 5+ years' experience applying critical thinking and sound judgement to complex operational or policy work, including analysing issues, developing options, and providing well-reasoned advice to support decision-making.
• Strong experience working with health sector data, healthcare processes, or service planning, including the ability to interpret and synthesise complex technical information and translate it into clear, concise insights for a range of audiences.
• Proven ability to prepare high-quality written analysis and advice, including reports, briefings, and other documentation for senior leaders and stakeholders, and the ability to communicate complex issues in a clear and accessible way.
• Experience reviewing and improving the quality of analytical work produced by colleagues, providing constructive feedback and supporting team capability through mentoring and knowledge sharing.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, working collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams and navigating differing perspectives to support shared outcomes.
• A strong understanding of the New Zealand health system and public sector environment, with the ability to contribute to nationwide planning approaches and system-level thinking.
• A relevant graduate and postgraduate qualification, with a commitment to continuously developing professional expertise and staying informed of sector trends and leading practices.

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 Tuesday, 08 September 2026. For further information, please contact Jenita Spencer on Jenita.Spencer@TeWhatuOra.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.