Operational Finance & Planning Manager

Operational Finance & Planning Manager

Permanent, full-time position based at Auckland Hospital. Applications open to current Health New Zealand employees only. Lead the Hospital & Specialist Services (H&SS) finance function for Te Toka Tumai, Auckland. Lead and develop a team of 25–30 finance professionals, including 10 direct reports, while providing strategic financial leadership across Hospital & Specialist Services. Shape operational and financial decision-making across the Northern Region, helping ensure resources are used effectively to support sustainable, high-quality health services.

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 strategically focused senior finance leadership opportunity, reporting to the Group Manager Finance for Te Toka Tumai Auckland. As the Operational Finance & Planning Manager, you'll lead the finance function supporting Hospital & Specialist Services (H&SS), providing high-quality financial information, strategic advice and business partnering to support operational performance and informed decision-making. You'll have responsibility for compiling the annual H&SS budget, alongside ongoing forecasting, financial reporting, variance analysis and financial performance management. You'll play a key role in ensuring funding is appropriately allocated across services and directorates, while identifying opportunities to improve value, manage costs and support long-term financial sustainability. A significant part of the role is partnering with senior clinical and operational leaders. You'll provide strategic financial advice to the General Director Operations, District Finance Lead and H&SS clinical services, helping translate financial information into practical insights that support service planning, health targets and sustainable service delivery. You'll also be a key member of the Northern Region Financial Leadership team, working across the region on financial stewardship, resource allocation and planning. This includes supporting Financial Sustainability Plan activity, production planning and broader initiatives that contribute to improved operational and financial performance.

About you

We're looking for an experienced senior finance leader who can combine strong technical expertise with strategic thinking, commercial insight and people leadership. You will have: CA status or equivalent membership of a professional accounting association. More than 10 years' experience as a senior financial manager in a leadership position, with a strong track record in managing financial operations. Leadership-level experience across people management, budgeting, forecasting, cost management, organisational risk and compliance. Strong technical accounting and finance expertise, including cost accounting and performance analytics. Experience working in a healthcare or clinical environment, with an understanding of the financial challenges and opportunities within the sector. Demonstrated experience putting Te Tiriti o Waitangi into action. You'll be a confident and credible business partner who can build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders, communicate complex financial information clearly and influence decision-making at all levels. You'll also bring sound judgement, personal accountability and a commitment to continuous improvement, with the ability to lead change, encourage innovation and develop high-performing teams.

Working for 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 Friday 25 September 2026. For further information, please contact Nicole Rickard on Nicole.Rickard@TeWhatuOra.Govt.NZ.

The full position description is available on the Health New Zealand Careers site. We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process before the closing date of this advert.