Associate Director of Operations

Associate Director of Operations - Supporting the Group Director of Operations Fixed Term for 6 months 1 FTE Based in South Canterbury - Timaru About the Company Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is committed to the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and aims to provide comprehensive healthcare to all New Zealanders. We are focused on building a health system that emphasizes partnership, equity, sustainability, whanau-centered care, and excellence through integration and collaboration. About the Role In this role, you will report directly to the Group Director of Operations South Canterbury (GDO). You will work closely with the GDO to ensure the delivery of equitable, safe, and effective hospital and specialist services. Your efforts will contribute to creating a high-performing healthcare system. You will play a key role in supporting the implementation of local, regional, and national priorities by collaborating with clinical leadership to drive change initiatives and manage resource allocation effectively in your area. Your leadership will be essential in developing high-performing hospital and specialist service delivery systems that align with the expectations of Te Whatu Ora, the New Zealand Health Plan (Te Pae Tata), and the Pae Ora legislation. About You We are looking for an experienced leader with significant health sector experience in New Zealand. You should have a strong background in clinical service provision and care delivery improvement, along with expertise in leading quality improvement and change management initiatives. To succeed in this role, you will need sound decision-making and problem-solving skills, particularly in complex and ambiguous situations. You should be able to provide clear operational guidance to teams and possess experience in financial oversight of budgets. Understanding the nuances of local hospitals and communities will be crucial for addressing their unique challenges. Excellent interpersonal skills and an approachable manner are essential for influencing and motivating others. The position is based in Timaru and is open to candidates with the right to work in New Zealand. Working at Health New Zealand At Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, we are dedicated to "the weaving of wellness" and ensuring high-quality healthcare for all people in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Our Equity Work Programme encourages everyone in the health system to prioritize equity in their work while fostering the cultural changes needed to achieve equitable health outcomes. Our people are at the core of our mission. We are committed to being good employers and upholding our obligations to equal employment opportunities. How to Apply To apply for this vacancy, please visit our careers portal at https://scdhb.careercentre.net.nz. If you have any questions regarding this role, please reach out to Human Resources at 03 687-2230. Close Date: 25 August 2025