Senior Service Development Manager, Primary Care

• Permanent, full-time position based anywhere in New Zealand

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.

Primary care is the foundation of our health system. Join our national team and play a crucial role in enhancing access to high-quality primary care for people in New Zealand.

You will help lead out work to implement Government priorities for primary care to improve access to care, including the oversight of the new online GP service and workforce development priorities.

About the Role

The Senior Service Development Manager will lead and support the implementation of innovative service delivery models and agreements aimed at enhancing access to primary care. This role involves negotiating and managing contracts through strong relationship-building with Māori, sector leaders, health providers and our regional colleagues.

A key focus will be progressing strategic and tactical improvements in primary care with a focus on online services, workforce development and service improvements.

About the Team & Service

You will join the Primary Care team, who are the leads for services and developments related to community pharmacy, general practice, PHO, digital enablers and other essential portfolios that underpin strong, accessible primary and community care across New Zealand. In your national role, reporting to the GM Primary Care, you will collaborate with colleagues to influence health development and drive meaningful improvements in health outcomes for people and whānau throughout the country.

About you

You will hold a relevant graduate-level qualification and bring 5–10 years of commissioning experience across diverse environments. Your background includes leading the development and delivery of service and investment strategies, overseeing full commissioning within a life course portfolio, and managing health service funding, procurement, and provider relationships at a senior level. You'll also have a strong track record in service design and delivering high-quality, timely investment planning initiatives.

Your ability to build and influence partnerships across sectors, particularly with Māori and Pacific Peoples will be essential. You think strategically, anticipate long-term and financial impacts, and develop effective responses in collaboration with stakeholders. You're a confident communicator, skilled at conveying complex ideas to senior leaders, boards, and Ministers, and you're experienced in navigating the machinery of government or regulated environments.

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 13 November 2025. For further information, please contact Nicole Rickard on

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.