Coordinate multi-workstream readiness to ensure safe activation of health facilities

Programme Manager Operational Commissioning

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

As Programme Manager Operational Commissioning, you will lead the delivery and coordination of operational commissioning and readiness activities across major health infrastructure programmes within the Infrastructure and Investment Group (IIG). Reporting to the Head of Facility Planning & Commissioning, you will oversee commissioning activities across multiple projects, ensuring facilities, services, systems and teams are ready for safe and successful activation.

This role sits at the critical point between project delivery and operational readiness. Working closely with Project Directors, operational leaders, clinical stakeholders and delivery teams, you will coordinate activities across operational, clinical, digital, workforce and facilities workstreams to ensure new and redeveloped health facilities transition smoothly into service.

You will provide programme-level leadership across multiple operational commissioning projects, managing readiness plans, programme schedules, governance reporting, risks, dependencies and stakeholder engagement. You'll also support service activation, decanting and migration planning, operational testing, and go-live readiness activities that contribute to successful healthcare outcomes for communities across Aotearoa.

About the Team/Service/Location

The Infrastructure and Investment Group (IIG) is focused on delivering high-impact infrastructure investment that supports the transformation of New Zealand's health system.

Providing support, oversight and assurance across projects and programmes, the group recognises that safe, fit-for-purpose health facilities, sites and equipment are essential to a well-functioning health system. This is a national role, working across project, regional and national teams and with a broad range of clinical, operational and technical stakeholders.

About You

You are an experienced programme or commissioning professional who has worked in complex environments and can confidently coordinate multiple workstreams, stakeholders and priorities. Your background may include operational commissioning, operational readiness, healthcare infrastructure delivery, transition management, service activation or large-scale programme delivery.

You can bring together clinical, operational and project teams, manage competing priorities and provide clear direction while maintaining focus on programme outcomes. You are confident working with governance groups and senior stakeholders and can translate complex information into practical plans and meaningful reporting.

Collaborative and improvement focused, you are passionate about delivering successful operational outcomes. You bring sound judgement, adaptability and a commitment to continuous improvement, while maintaining a strong focus on safety, quality and organisational objectives.

You will bring:

  • A relevant degree in health, project management, operational commissioning, infrastructure delivery or a related discipline.
  • Significant experience in operational commissioning, operational readiness, transition management, service activation or infrastructure programme delivery.
  • Experience coordinating multidisciplinary readiness activities across large and complex programmes or projects.
  • Strong understanding of healthcare operational environments, commissioning processes and operational transition requirements.
  • Proven stakeholder engagement, facilitation, communication and coordination skills.
  • Experience in governance reporting, programme coordination and risk management.
  • Experience supporting healthcare facility activation, operational transition activities or public sector health infrastructure programmes would be advantageous.

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 serve our community.

How to Apply

To apply, please click "apply now." All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal by 15th October 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Shannon Elder at shannon.elder@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz.

We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process before the closing date of this advert.

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