Programme Director

Location: Wellington Regional Hospital

Contract: 12 months fixed-term, full-time (40 hours per week)

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is dedicated to serving all New Zealanders. Through integration and collaboration, we're building a health system underpinned by partnership, equity, sustainability, whānau-centred care, and excellence.

About the Role

This is a leadership role responsible for supporting the Hospital Specialist Services (HSS) Leadership Group to deliver on their key improvement priorities across five key acute flow work streams. You'll work closely with clinical and operational leaders, project managers, and national and regional stakeholders to ensure alignment with Te Whatu Ora's strategic goals and Government health priorities.

This pivotal role will shape the future of hospital and specialist services across our district, with a particular emphasis on improving performance against the Shorter Stays in Emergency Departments (SSED) target. Your role will:

• Lead and coordinate multiple projects to deliver strategic outcomes across HSS.
• Establish and manage governance, reporting, and risk management processes.
• Collaborate with national and regional acute flow teams to align district priorities.
• Drive equity-focused improvements in health outcomes for Māori and underserved communities.
• Lead and support a team of project managers to deliver high-impact initiatives.

About the Team/Service Location

Reporting directly to the Group Director Operations, this position works closely with the leadership team who work across the Capital Coast & Hutt Valley District to ensure service needs are met.

Our District embraces diversity and welcomes applications from all people, including all gender identities, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, disability and religions. A workforce that is diverse and inclusive means that we are better positioned to understand and serve our community. We are a pro-equity health organisation, with a particular focus on Māori, Pacific Peoples, and the Disability Community.

To find out more about us, go to the following link:

Capital Coast & Hutt Valley District

About you

The successful candidate will be a champion of change, growth and development and will be responsible for encouraging, fostering and supporting a multi-disciplinary and collaborative approach to the management and development of health services across our District, regional and national health systems.

You will be a confident and collaborative leader with:

• A tertiary qualification and/or significant experience in a related field.
• Proven experience in programme or project management (certification preferred).
• Strong understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a commitment to equity.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience in healthcare or hospital environments (preferred).
• A passion for system improvement, innovation, and achieving ambitious goals.

Working at Health New Zealand

Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Health New Zealand are committed to being good employers and honouring our equal employment opportunity obligations.

Join us and:

• Be part of a transformative journey in New Zealand's health system.
• Work in a supportive, values-driven environment that prioritises equity, collaboration, and innovation.
• Make a tangible impact on the health and wellbeing of over 445,000 people across the Wellington region.
• Lead a high-performing team and contribute to national health priorities.

How to Apply

To apply please click 'apply now.' All applications must be submitted through our online careers' portal by 12th November. If you have any questions about the role, please contact

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