Operations Director

• Waikato Hospital
• Permanent 80 hours per fortnight
• An exciting opportunity to lead and manage patient flow and access to quality health care in a dynamic 24/7 environment.

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader to join our Waikato Hospital and Specialist Services leadership team. Reporting to the Group Director of Operations, this role is pivotal in shaping the delivery of safe, high-quality, and effective healthcare across the District.

As Operations Director, you will be a key member of the leadership team, working collaboratively to manage patient access and flow across Waikato Hospital and Specialist Services, including Waikato Hospital, Thames Hospital and the three Southern Waikato Rural Hospitals. You will oversee the day-to-day operations of your service, ensuring care is delivered safely, effectively, and within allocated resources. This includes leading operational planning, monitoring performance, and driving continuous improvement.

Collaboration is key, you will work with community providers across the Waikato District to strengthen integration and continuity of care, while partnering with professional leaders across medical, nursing, midwifery, allied health, and technical disciplines to foster a positive, inter-professional environment that supports excellence in patient care and team wellbeing.

In addition, youll have accountability for the 24/7 Integrated Operations Centre, playing a critical role in maintaining sustainable patient flow across the district to achieve the best outcomes for patients and staff.

Click here to view the position description.

About Hamilton

Waikato Hospital is a major regional hospital in Hamilton and is a leading tertiary teaching hospital located in Hamilton, New Zealand, serving as the regional hub for the Midland area, which includes the Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Lakes, Tairawhiti, and Taranaki districts. With around 722 inpatient beds, 22 operating theatres, and a dedicated outpatient clinic and procedure centre, Waikato Hospital provides comprehensive hospital services, including radiology, laboratory, and pharmacy. As a major teaching hospital with affiliations to the University of Auckland, University of Waikato, and Wintec, it offers a dynamic learning environment and access to research opportunities. The hospital is equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities located on the Waiora Waikato Hospital Campus, with both road and air ambulance support.

Hamilton, where Waikato Hospital is situated, is a vibrant city nestled alongside the scenic Waikato River, offering a perfect mix of nature and culture. Explore the stunning Hamilton Gardens, home to themed gardens from Italy to Asia, or visit the Waikato Museum to delve into the region's rich history. The city also boasts the Hamilton Zoo, where you can walk through an aviary filled with native birds. Hamilton is a lively hub, with a variety of cafes, restaurants, and bars, along with events like rugby, cricket, and the famous National Agricultural Fieldays and Balloons over Waikato festival. With its vibrant atmosphere and proximity to outdoor adventures, Hamilton is an ideal place to live and work.

For more information on living and working in Waikato click here

About you

To be successful in this position you will need to demonstrate:

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage with others and provide clear direction.
• A `can do attitude and ability to problem solve.
• Ability to work and respond in a dynamic fast-paced hospital environment.
• Ability to balance clinical risks and confidently determine resource allocation.
• Proven experience in emergency and/or incident management.
• Experience in working collaboratively with other sectors, such as NZ Police.

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 online or apply via our Waikato Careers website by clicking here.

All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal before 11:59 pm on 10 December 2025. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Robyn Payne at

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

Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change, affected employees will be given preference and priority for this position.