Improvement Lead

Improvement Lead

• Canterbury
• 1 FTE (40 hours a week), Permanent role

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 have an exciting opportunity for an experienced and motivated Improvement Lead to join the Office of the Group Director of Operations (GDO) in Canterbury.

The Improvement will lead, coordinate, and deliver hospital-wide improvement initiatives that enhance patient flow, access, and operational performance. You will be responsible for managing complex programmes that drive better outcomes for patients, whānau, and staff by enhancing hospital flow, ensuring effective transitions and supporting local and national health priorities.

Working collaboratively with clinicians, operational leaders, and service managers, you will champion continuous improvement, change management, and data-informed decision making. This role is pivotal in building improvement capability across teams and fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.

About the Service

The Improvement Lead will play a key role in supporting our vision for a connected, equitable, and high-performing health system. This role ensures that operational improvement initiatives align with national health priorities and Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles.

Our work is guided by Te Mauri o Rongo – The New Zealand Health Charter, which embodies our shared values of Wairuatanga (working with heart), Rangatiratanga (leadership and accountability), Whanaungatanga (teamwork), and Te Korowai Āhuru (safety and wellbeing).

About you

We are seeking a dynamic, strategic, and solutions-focused leader who can bring people together to achieve measurable improvement in hospital performance and patient flow.

You will have:

• At least five years’ experience in health operations, improvement, or service redesign
• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to influence across multidisciplinary teams
• Strong data analysis and reporting capability
• A demonstrated understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a commitment to equitable health outcomes

You will also be:

• A confident communicator and relationship builder
• Skilled in navigating complexity and leading change
• Motivated by making a tangible difference for patients, whānau and staff
• Committed to fostering an inclusive, equity-focused culture