Service Manager | General Surgery

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is dedicated to serving all New Zealanders. Through integration and collaboration, we - re building a health system underpinned by partnership, equity, sustainability, whānau-centred care, and excellence.

About the Role

Are you a dynamic and strategic leader with a passion for healthcare management? We are seeking a Service Manager to lead and support the General Surgery service at Christchurch Hospital. This is a pivotal role for an experienced manager who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is committed to delivering high-quality patient care.

As the Service Manager - General Surgery, you will be responsible for the operational management of the service, ensuring seamless care delivery and driving continuous improvement. You will collaborate closely with clinical leaders, multidisciplinary teams, and key stakeholders to align service delivery with our strategic goals while maintaining the highest standards of patient care.

This role requires a leader who can foster a positive and collaborative work culture, support staff performance, and effectively manage financial and operational priorities.

Key Responsibilities

•  Lead and manage the General Surgery service at Christchurch Hospital, ensuring high-quality, patient-centred care.
•   Drive operational excellence, including workforce planning, service development, and process improvement.
•   Work closely with clinical and administrative leaders to develop and implement strategies that enhance service delivery.
•   Manage budgets, business cases, and financial performance, ensuring resources are used effectively.
•   Maintain and develop strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including clinicians, primary healthcare providers, and government agencies.
•   Oversee quality assurance, risk management, and compliance with healthcare standards.
•   Promote a culture that values equity, inclusion, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles in healthcare delivery.

 About You

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

•   Tertiary qualification in healthcare management, business, or a related field.
•   Proven leadership experience (5+ years) in a healthcare setting.
•   Strong financial and business acumen, with experience managing budgets and service planning.
•   Project and contract management expertise to support service development initiatives.
•   Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
•   A commitment to equity, diversity, and patient-centred care.

Working for Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is - the weaving of wellnesses. We're dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of Aotearoa/New Zealand. The Equity Work Programme at Health NZ focuses on helping everyone in the health system think about equity when they do their work. It also promotes the cultural change needed for the whole system to reach equity in health outcomes.

Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Health New Zealand are committed to being good employers and honouring our equal employment opportunity obligations.

Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

• We want to see the real you in your application and welcome the real you on board if you come and work with us. Skills are gained across many areas of our life, not just in formal employment. If you can demonstrate the skills listed in the ad, but the experience was gained through whānau life, community or mahi aroha (volunteering) we encourage you to apply and share your story with us in your cover letter.
• We particularly welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

If you are a strong leader with a strategic mindset and a passion for improving healthcare services, we want to hear from you!

If you have any questions about the role, please contact:

Amy Walker, Recruitment Partner for Senior Medical Officers Amy.Walker@Tewhatuora.govt.nz