Head of National Delivery

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.

This is a rare opportunity to lead the national delivery of some of New Zealand's most significant health infrastructure investments, playing a pivotal role in shaping hospital environments, supporting frontline services and delivering long-term benefits for patients and communities.

About the role

Reporting to the National Director of Infrastructure, you will lead the delivery and oversight of a nationally significant, multibillion-dollar portfolio of high-risk projects, including major hospital redevelopments and programmes delivered across multiple regions. You will work closely with regional infrastructure leaders, specialist functions, clinical stakeholders, government agencies, consultants and the construction market to ensure projects are delivered safely, predictably and with a clear focus on public value.

The Head of National Delivery role is complex and deeply meaningful, helping create safe, fit-for-purpose facilities that support patients, staff and the health services that New Zealanders rely on.

This role will suit a senior infrastructure leader who can operate across strategy and delivery, bring sound judgement to complex projects, and build confidence with a diverse range of stakeholders. You will connect the key parts of delivery, including design, procurement, commercial management, construction, commissioning and operational readiness so risks are identified early and projects stay on track.

You will also help develop the organisation's national delivery framework and build a centre of excellence. This includes strengthening common ways of working, increasing standardisation, sharing lessons across programmes, and supporting modern methods of construction where they improve quality, pace and value for money.

The role leads a sizeable national function, including seven direct reports and a wider team of approximately 64 people. A key priority will be to develop leadership capability, create clear and consistent ways of working, and build a collaborative culture where national and regional teams operate as one integrated delivery system.

You will maintain a detailed understanding of critical projects while providing portfolio-level oversight. Success will require the judgement to know when to challenge, support or intervene without slowing delivery. The position carries national responsibility and will require regular travel to major project and hospital sites across New Zealand.

About the team, service and location

The Infrastructure and Investment Group (IIG) leads high-impact infrastructure investment that supports the transformation of New Zealand's health system.

The group provides support, oversight and assurance across projects and programmes, recognising that safe, fit-for-purpose health facilities, sites and equipment are essential to a well-functioning health system. This national role works across project, regional and national teams, and with a broad range of clinical, operational and technical stakeholders.

About you

We are seeking an infrastructure delivery executive with the leadership presence, practical experience and resilience to operate successfully in a complex and high-profile environment.

You may come from health infrastructure or from another sector delivering major projects where safety, public value, technical quality and stakeholder confidence are critical. Suitable candidates may also have experience in aviation, rail, energy, oil and gas, marine, defence, advanced manufacturing, or other major public infrastructure.

You will be practical, calm and resilient, with the patience to navigate complex decision-making processes and the confidence to act decisively when delivery outcomes are at risk. Integrity, diplomacy and a genuine commitment to working as part of a wider leadership team will be fundamental.

You will bring:

• Significant senior leadership experience delivering major, complex infrastructure projects or portfolios

• A strong track record across vertical or technically complex infrastructure environments

• Experience overseeing multiple concurrent projects, programmes or a substantial capital portfolio

• The ability to move confidently between detailed project issues, portfolio-level performance and strategic system leadership

• Strong knowledge of project delivery, construction management, commercial strategy, procurement and delivery models

• Proven capability in governance, assurance, risk management and executive-level reporting

• Experience building high-performing teams, developing capability and leading improvements in delivery practice

• Exceptional stakeholder skills, including the ability to communicate clearly with boards, government agencies, operational leaders and technical specialists

• A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent senior-level experience

Why this role?

The role offers a rare combination of scale, complexity and public impact. You will shape how nationally significant health infrastructure is delivered, while leading work that has a real and lasting effect on patients, communities, staff and the wider health system.

• A nationally significant executive leadership opportunity

• Responsibility for a major portfolio of complex infrastructure investments

• The opportunity to improve how critical public infrastructure is delivered across New Zealand

• Scope to shape a national delivery framework and build enduring organisational capability

• A high level of engagement with senior public-sector, industry and construction leaders

• The chance to lead and develop a substantial national team

• A flexible New Zealand location, in Wellington, Auckland or Christchurch

Working for Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce so that we are better positioned to understand and serve our community.

How to apply

To apply, please click “apply now.” All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal by 18th November 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Shannon Elder at shannon.elder@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz.

Please note: Health NZ is partnering with executive search firm Archway to manage the appointment process for the Head of National Delivery role. By submitting your application, you consent to Health NZ sharing your details with Archway for the purposes of recruitment and assessment.

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