General Manager – Te Tai o Poutini | West Coast

Join us and help lead the future of healthcare on the West Coast.

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is seeking an experienced and inspiring leader to join us as General Manager – West Coast on a 12-month fixed-term basis. This is a unique executive leadership opportunity to make a meaningful impact across one of New Zealand's most distinctive and close-knit health communities. The role is based in Te Tai o Poutini West Coast and reports directly to the Group Director of Operations.

About the role

As General Manager, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across West Coast health services, working in partnership with clinical leaders, communities, iwi, and stakeholders to deliver safe, effective and sustainable healthcare services. The role is responsible for leading service delivery, planning, performance, quality improvement, financial stewardship, and workforce development across a complex and diverse health environment

This executive-level role requires a leader who can balance long-term strategy with day-to-day operational excellence while ensuring services remain person and community centred. A key focus will be supporting the ongoing development of rural health services and progressing the rural generalist model across the West Coast

Key responsibilities

• Provide visible, values-based leadership across West Coast services.
• Lead service planning, delivery, monitoring and performance improvement.
• Partner closely with clinical leaders to ensure excellent patient outcomes.
• Drive achievement of health targets, service objectives and budget requirements.
• Build strong relationships with Māori, Pacific, community and health sector partners.
• Champion equity-focused approaches that improve health outcomes for all communities.
• Foster a positive, high-performing culture focused on collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement.
• Provide strategic advice and reporting to the Group Director of Operations.

About you

• Significant senior leadership experience within the health sector.
• At least 8 years' experience in health, including a minimum of 5 years in leadership roles.
• Experience leading large multidisciplinary teams and complex health services.
• Strong financial, operational and performance management expertise.
• Proven experience driving organisational change, service improvement and strategic initiatives.
• Exceptional relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills.
• A commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and improving health equity outcomes.
• A postgraduate qualification in leadership, management or a related discipline, alongside a health-related degree.

Why Te Tai o Poutini West Coast?

The West Coast offers a lifestyle unlike anywhere else in New Zealand. With spectacular landscapes, strong community connections and the opportunity to make a visible difference, this is a role for a leader who values both purpose and impact.

Working at Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is committed to building a diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome and supported. We are dedicated to honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi and achieving equitable health outcomes for Māori.

Join us and help lead the future of healthcare on the West Coast. For any questions please contact Lily Simons on lily.simons@tewhatuora.govt.nz

Position description Apply now

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