Chief of Psychiatry | SMHS, Waitaha Canterbury

• Lead the strategic direction of one of New Zealand's largest specialist psychiatry services.
• Full-time executive leadership role with flexibility to support work-life balance.
• Drive transformation through clinical leadership, innovation and service development.
• 3 Year Fixed Term, 0.8 FTE

About the Role

We are seeking an exceptional Psychiatrist and clinical leader to join Specialist Mental Health Services as our Chief of Psychiatry, based at Hillmorton Hospital in Christchurch.

This is an opportunity to lead one of New Zealand's largest specialist psychiatry services at a time of significant transformation, influencing clinical strategy, workforce development and innovative models of care that will shape the future of mental health services across Waitaha Canterbury.

Reporting to the General Manager, and professionally to the Chief Medical Officer, you will work in partnership with the General Manager as part of the Divisional Leadership Team to provide collaborative clinical leadership across Mental Health and Addiction Services. You will partner with Clinical Directors, the Director of Nursing, Service Managers, and Nursing, Allied Health, Hauora Māori, Lived Experience and Operational Leaders to shape the future direction of services and deliver safe, high-quality, equitable and sustainable care for the people of Waitaha Canterbury.

As Chief of Psychiatry, you will champion a partnership-based, holistic approach to leadership, recognising that outstanding mental health care is achieved through strong relationships, shared decision-making and integrated models of care. You will foster a culture of clinical excellence, collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement while ensuring our medical workforce is supported to thrive.

You will provide professional leadership to Consultant Psychiatrists, Fellows and Resident Medical Officers, overseeing clinical governance, workforce planning, professional development, wellbeing, credentialling and service innovation.

While primarily an executive leadership position, there is scope for the successful candidate to maintain a limited clinical practice within their area of expertise. We recognise the value that continued clinical engagement can bring to senior medical leadership, and the structure of this component can be discussed with the successful candidate.

About the Team / Service / Location

Hillmorton Hospital is the hub of Specialist Mental Health Services for Waitaha Canterbury, providing a comprehensive range of adult, older persons, forensic, rehabilitation and community mental health services across the region.

You will join an experienced and highly collaborative leadership team dedicated to delivering integrated, recovery-focused and person-centred mental health care while driving innovation, education, research and service excellence.

Based in Christchurch, the role offers the opportunity to build a rewarding leadership career while living in a well-connected city with easy access to the wider Canterbury region and its outdoor and recreational opportunities.

About You

As an experienced Consultant Psychiatrist and respected clinical leader, you will bring:

• Fellowship of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) (or equivalent recognised specialist qualification) and eligibility for vocational registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand.
• A proven track record of successful clinical leadership within a complex healthcare environment.
• A collaborative leadership style that values partnership, relationship-building and a holistic approach to service delivery.
• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary teams and fostering an inclusive, positive and high-performing workplace culture.
• Strong clinical governance, quality improvement and service development experience.
• Demonstrated ability to influence, build trusted relationships and work collaboratively across professional groups, services and organisational boundaries.
• A commitment to improving equity of health outcomes for all communities.
• Excellent communication, strategic thinking and change leadership skills.
• A passion for developing people, supporting medical workforce wellbeing and building future clinical leaders.

Leadership qualifications or formal training in management, coaching or organisational leadership would be advantageous.

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 serve our communities.

We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled and rainbow communities.

At Health New Zealand you will have the opportunity to:

• Lead meaningful change that improves mental health outcomes for our communities.
• Work regionally within Te Waipounamu.
• Work alongside experienced clinical and operational leaders.
• Influence strategic service planning and innovation.
• Enjoy ongoing leadership development and professional growth.
• Benefit from a full-time leadership role with flexibility in how the role may be structured, including the opportunity to discuss maintaining a limited clinical practice.

How to Apply

To apply, please click "Apply now."

All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal.

For further information and a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact Chief Medical Officer: Dr Alan Pithie : Alan.Pithie@cdhb.health.nz or Amy Walker | Recruitment Specialist – Senior Medical Officers at Amy.Walker@tewhatuora.govt.nz.

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

Statement of Accountability available upon request.

Apply now

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