Research Office Manager - Central Region

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey. North Island - Wellington - Wellington Central, North Island Permanent Full-time role based in Wellington for the Central region Lead and develop a high-performing Research Office team growing strong sector and stakeholder relationships Work within a nationally connected team, influencing system-wide priorities and initiatives 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 a significant leadership opportunity to shape and strengthen research across Health NZ, driving impact at both a regional and national level. As a senior leader within the national research team, you will manage and support a regional research office function, ensuring high-quality, efficient research governance, review, and study approval processes. You will lead a district team supporting the investigator faculty in growing research activity and attracting new opportunities for patient participation in research. The role will provide support for the wider Central region working in collaboration with other Health NZ based research sites and staff, while also contributing to national programmes and priorities that build research capability across the system. You will work closely with senior leaders, including the GM Research, Māori Research leadership, Clinical Lead and hospital clinical services to implement policy, improve processes, and ensure research activity aligns with strategic priorities. This role is highly collaborative, requiring strong engagement with researchers, universities, Iwi Māori Partnership Boards, commercial partners, and internal stakeholders. You will also play a key role in shaping a future-focused, nationally connected research model that supports innovation and the translation of evidence into better health outcomes. About the Team You will be part of a nationally connected, purpose-driven research function committed to enabling high-quality, impactful health research across Aotearoa. The position requires management of large stakeholder networks and relationships both international and national to include Industry, Biotech, Charities, Government funding bodies, and regulators. The position additionally has some responsibility for oversight of the multi-specialism Clinical Trials Unit. The role has a strong focus on equity and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and partners to ensure research reflects the needs of the communities we serve. Collaboration, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement are central to how we work. You will be supported by a network of experienced peers across the motu, including the Research Office Managers Alliance, and will contribute to building a cohesive, high-performing national research system. About you You are an experienced research leader who brings a high level of operational expertise, with the ability to lead teams and influence across a complex health environment. You will bring: A relevant postgraduate qualification and at least five years' experience in research management Proven senior leadership experience, including managing teams to deliver on strategic and operational objectives Strong understanding of research governance, ethics review processes, and the regulatory environment within the NZ health sector Experience supporting researchers, managing research activity, and building partnerships with external stakeholders and sponsors Excellent communication and relationship management skills, with the ability to influence at senior levels You will also demonstrate a strong commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and improving equitable health outcomes, particularly for Māori and Pacific communities. Your ability to navigate complexity, build consensus, and drive continuous improvement will be key to your success. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr