Operations Manager - Blood, Cancer and Palliative Care

Location: Wellington Regional Hospital (main location), Porirua, Hutt Valley 

Contract: Permanent, full time

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 

We are seeking a driven and experienced Operations Manager to lead the operational delivery of services across Ward 5 North (Oncology/Haematology and Renal), the Wellington Blood and Cancer Centre, Hospital Palliative Care Services, and Pharmacy.

In this leadership role, you’ll balance the demands of day-to-day service delivery with strategic system improvements, supporting a high-performing, whānau-centred care environment. Working alongside the Group Manager and Clinical Service Director, you’ll contribute to planning, decision-making, and performance across a complex portfolio of services, with a strong commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and equity outcomes.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading operational planning and performance across a diverse portfolio.
• Supporting and embedding service improvement, innovation, and Te Tiriti-based practice.
• Ensuring safe, sustainable care that meets targets and improves patient outcomes.
• Managing staffing, resources, budgets, and operational risks across services.

You will help shape a health system grounded in equity, partnership, and excellence, playing a pivotal leadership role at the heart of specialist and regional services that make a daily difference in people’s lives.

About the Services

Ward 5 North is a 40-bed inpatient ward for oncology, haematology and renal care, offering acute assessment, intensive chemotherapy, and supportive treatments.

Wellington Blood and Cancer Centre is a regional and supra-regional centre delivering Radiation Oncology, Medical Oncology and Haematology services across central New Zealand.

Hospital Palliative Care Service is a consultative multidisciplinary team supporting inpatient teams across the hospital with specialist palliative care.

About you 

You’re a seasoned health leader with a passion for equitable, effective care and service excellence. Your strengths include strategic planning, service delivery, staff leadership, and systems improvement. You value collaboration and can confidently lead in a complex and changing environment.

We are looking for:

• A relevant business or health qualification (or equivalent experience)
• Experience in senior operational leadership in health
• Proven ability to manage complex services and lead change
• Commitment to improving Māori health outcomes and embedding Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• Strong communication, analytical and technological skills

This is a rare opportunity to join a dedicated and forward-thinking leadership team in a high-impact role. You'll contribute directly to the health and wellbeing of patients across the region while growing your own career in one of Aotearoa’s most dynamic healthcare environments.

Working at Health New Zealand 

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is ‘the weaving of wellness’. We're dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of Aotearoa/New Zealand. 

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. We embrace diversity and welcome application from all people, including all gender identities, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and disability. A workforce that is diverse and inclusive means that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We are pro-equity health organisation, with a particular focus on Māori, Pacific Peoples, and the Disability Community. 

How to Apply 

To apply please click “apply now.” All applications must be submitted through our online careers’ portal by 6th July. If you have any questions about the role, please contact recruitment@ccdhb.org.nz

We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advertisement.