Head of Operations and PFO Performance

Play a critical leadership role at the centre of New Zealand's health system 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 As the Head of Operations & PFO Performance , you will provide strategic leadership and trusted advice to the National Director PFO, ensuring the effective delivery of operations, governance, and organisational performance. Operating in a highly complex and politically sensitive environment, you will lead the provision of high-quality management services, anticipate emerging issues, and enable informed decision-making. This role is responsible for driving operational excellence, continuous improvement, governance, risk management and leadership while fostering strong relationships across Ministers' offices, central agencies, senior leaders and system partners. You will lead a high-performing team, champion a culture of collaboration and accountability, and ensure the PFO is recognised as a credible, responsive and high-performing function that supports the delivery of national health priorities. About the Team and Location The Head of Operations & PFO Performance is a key member of the PFO leadership team, working closely with the National Director, SLT, and other senior leaders across Health New Zealand. The team operates at the heart of decision-making, providing strategic coordination, governance and operational leadership to support the organisation's national priorities. This role offers the opportunity to work alongside experienced public sector leaders in a fast-paced, high-impact environment where your work will directly influence organisational performance and the delivery of better health outcomes for communities across Aotearoa New Zealand. About you You are an experienced senior executive with extensive leadership experience in complex government environments. You have a strong understanding of public sector governance, ministerial processes and the New Zealand health system, and are recognised for your strategic thinking, sound judgement and ability to lead through complexity. You are an exceptional communicator who builds trusted relationships, delivers high-quality advice, and inspires high-performing teams. You will bring: A relevant tertiary or professional qualification. At least 15 years' experience in a complex government or public sector environment, including senior leadership roles. Demonstrated success providing strategic advice to Ministers, Boards and senior executives. Extensive experience leading executive governance, operations or executive support functions. A strong understanding of Cabinet, ministerial and public sector accountability processes. Proven ability to lead high-performing teams and drive organisational performance and continuous improvement. Exceptional relationship management, communication and influencing skills, including experience working with Ministers' offices, central agencies and senior stakeholders. A demonstrated commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, equity, integrity and values-based leadership. 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. Job details Job Reference: Job Reference: HNZ/1938103 Location: New Zealand - All Locations - Work from where you are #J-18808-Ljbffr