Portfolio Manager, Mental Health & Addictions

Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora – Auckland, North Island Permanent Full-time role, based anywhere across the Northern Region Be part of shaping future-focused, integrated models of care Grow your career in a complex, meaningful, and purpose-led environment 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. About the Role This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of community and mental health services across your portfolio. As a Portfolio Manager, you'll play a key role in planning, funding, and improving services that directly impact the health and wellbeing of communities. Working alongside Senior Portfolio Managers and System Design Managers, you'll lead and support service design, commissioning, and performance management across a range of services. From developing investment strategies and leading procurement processes, to managing provider relationships and monitoring outcomes—you'll be central to ensuring services are effective, sustainable, and aligned to national and regional priorities. This is a dynamic and influential role where you'll bring together data, insights, and strong partnerships to drive service improvements, enhance access, and deliver better outcomes for patients and whānau. About the Team You'll be part of the Planning, Funding & Outcomes (PFO) function, working in a collaborative and purpose-driven environment alongside experienced commissioning and system design professionals. The team partners widely across Health NZ, providers, clinicians, and communities to design and deliver integrated, high-quality services. A strong focus on equity, innovation, and continuous improvement underpins the work, with a commitment to ensuring services meet the needs of diverse populations across Aotearoa. About you You're a motivated and analytical professional with a passion for improving health outcomes and working across complex systems. Experience in health planning, funding, or commissioning (3-5+ years), including service and investment strategies Strong understanding of the commissioning cycle, including service design and provider management Proven ability to analyse data and translate insights into meaningful action Experience working with diverse stakeholders, including clinicians, providers, and community groups Strong relationship management, negotiation, and influencing skills Sound project/programme management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report and business case writing Understanding of machinery of government processes and requirements A commitment to equity and improving outcomes for Māori, Pacific peoples, and priority populations 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. Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change, affected kaimahi will be given preference and priority for this position. #J-18808-Ljbffr