Senior Portfolio Manager, Maternity, Child & Youth

Senior Portfolio Manager, Maternity, Child & Youth

Permanent full-time role, based anywhere across the Northern Region

Influence system-wide change and improve outcomes for communities

Be part of a values-driven organisation committed to equity, innovation, and better health outcomes

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 delivering equitable, accessible and innovative care.

About the Role

This is a strategic leadership opportunity to shape the future of health services and drive system-wide transformation. As a Senior Portfolio Manager, you will lead the oversight and optimisation of a complex portfolio of commissioning contracts and programmes—focused on service redesign, improved outcomes, and sustainable value across the health system.

Working at the intersection of strategy and delivery, you'll guide service and system design, lead commissioning activity, and influence investment decisions that directly impact communities across Aotearoa. You'll partner closely with Māori, providers, clinicians, and stakeholders to design and implement integrated models of care that improve access, equity, and long-term health outcomes.

This role is central to achieving Health New Zealand priorities—bringing together data, insight, and collaboration to drive meaningful, system-level change.

About the Team

You'll be part of the Planning, Funding & Outcomes (PFO) function—working alongside experienced portfolio managers, programme leaders, and system design experts. The team is focused on commissioning and delivering services that are responsive, effective, and equitable.

The environment is fast-paced, collaborative, and purpose-driven. Strong partnerships across the health system underpin the work, with a commitment to innovation, continuous improvement, and embedding Te Tiriti o Waitangi in service design and delivery.

About You

You're a strategic thinker and experienced commissioning leader who thrives in complexity and is motivated by improving outcomes for communities.

• Extensive experience in health commissioning, planning, and funding (5–10+ years), including leading service and investment strategies
• Proven expertise in service and system design, working across sectors to deliver integrated solutions
• Strong analytical and conceptual thinking, with the ability to navigate complex and ambiguous environments
• Demonstrated experience leading large, complex work programmes across the full lifecycle
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, negotiation, and influencing skills across diverse groups
• Strong understanding of machinery of government processes and requirements
• Proven ability to lead change and implement service improvements at scale
• Highly developed communication skills, including writing business cases, reports, and briefings
• Strong commitment to equity and improving outcomes for Māori, Pacific peoples, and priority populations

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 Thursday 2 April 2026. For further information, please contact Lynda Francis on lynda.francis@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.