- Surgery and Anaesthesia Directorate, Waikato Hospital
- Permanent Contract, 80 hours per fortnight
- With a diverse workforce we are committed to delivering high-quality, equitable care that reflects the communities we serve.
Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders.
About the Role
As Operations Manager, you will report to the Operations Director and lead the operational delivery of Critical Care Services. You will be responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and high-quality delivery of services within allocated resources, while fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
This is a pivotal leadership role requiring close partnership with clinical leaders across medical, nursing, midwifery, allied health, and technical disciplines. You will play a key role in strategic planning, service development, and performance management, ensuring services are responsive to the needs of both local and regional populations.
Click here to view the position description.
About the Directorate
The Surgery and Anaesthesia Directorate delivers a comprehensive range of services, including:
- Surgical Services: Acute and elective surgical interventions across multiple specialties
- Anaesthesia: Tertiary-level anaesthetic support for surgical, medical, and specialty services
- Critical Care: Intensive care for critically unwell or injured patients
- Sterile Services: Centralised reprocessing and sterilisation of surgical instruments and equipment
About Hamilton
Waikato Hospital is a major regional hospital in Hamilton and is a leading tertiary teaching hospital located in Hamilton, New Zealand, serving as the regional hub for the Midland area, which includes the Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Lakes, Tairawhiti, and Taranaki districts. With around 722 inpatient beds, 22 operating theatres, and a dedicated outpatient clinic and procedure centre, Waikato Hospital provides comprehensive hospital services, including radiology, laboratory, and pharmacy. As a major teaching hospital with affiliations to the University of Auckland, University of Waikato, and Wintec, it offers a dynamic learning environment and access to research opportunities. The hospital is equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities located on the Waiora Waikato Hospital Campus, with both road and air ambulance support.
Hamilton, where Waikato Hospital is situated, is a vibrant city nestled alongside the scenic Waikato River, offering a perfect mix of nature and culture. Explore the stunning Hamilton Gardens, home to themed gardens from Italy to Asia, or visit the Waikato Museum to delve into the region's rich history. The city also boasts the Hamilton Zoo, where you can walk through an aviary filled with native birds. Hamilton is a lively hub, with a variety of cafes, restaurants, and bars, along with events like rugby, cricket, and the famous National Agricultural Fieldays and Balloons over Waikato festival. With its vibrant atmosphere and proximity to outdoor adventures, Hamilton is an ideal place to live and work.
For more information on living and working in Waikato click here
About you
To thrive in this role, you will bring:
- 5–7 years’ experience in operational and strategic leadership within a complex healthcare environment
- A proven track record of building and sustaining collaborative relationships across diverse professional groups
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead through influence and inspire high-performing teams
- Experience managing complex service dynamics, including workforce, resource, and stakeholder challenges
- Strong capability in negotiation, conflict resolution, and driving positive cultural change
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.
How to Apply
To apply please click “Apply online” or apply via our Waikato Careers website by clicking here.
All applications must be submitted through our online careers’ portal before 11:59 pm on 27 October 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Rachael Devey at Rachael.Devey@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz
We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process before the closing date of this advert.
