Senior Clinical Service Planner - Planning, Funding and Outcomes

• Hybrid | Auckland, Christchurch or Wellington preferred | Permanent Full-time

• Shape nationwide clinical service planning that drives equitable health outcomes for all New Zealanders.

• Work at a senior level alongside clinical leaders, sector experts and national stakeholders, influencing strategy and decision-making across the health system.

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 taking a people and place approach to delivering equitable, accessible and innovative care.

About the Role

As a Senior Clinical Service Planner in Hospital & Specialist Services (H&SS), you will sit at the heart of nationwide health system transformation. Working closely with our local, regional and national hospital and specialist network. You will lead and contribute to the development of clinical service and service delivery network planning that supports the Pae Ora vision.

A typical day in this role involves synthesising complex clinical and operational information, collaborating with technical experts to ensure planning is informed by robust data, and advising senior leaders on system‑wide planning implications. You will contribute to key organisational reports, Cabinet papers, OIA responses, briefing material, and broader national planning workstreams.

This role offers the opportunity to influence system design at a national level and help shape equitable health outcomes for Māori, Pacific peoples, and communities across Aotearoa.

About the Team, Service and Location

This role sits within Planning, Funding & Outcomes – Funding, Hospitals, reporting to the Group Manager Clinical and Campus Planning and working closely with the Principal Clinical Service Planners. You will collaborate with regional and district teams, Hauora Māori, Clinical Networks, Manatū Hauora, Infrastructure & Investment, Health Analytics, and Digital Services. Refer to the position description for more information. Auckland, Christchurch or Wellington location preferred.

About you

As a senior clinical service planning professional, you will bring strategic insight, advanced analytical capability, and a deep commitment to achieving equitable health outcomes across Aotearoa New Zealand. You will be confident operating at a senior level, providing trusted advice and contributing to nationwide clinical service and network planning.

• 3–5+ years' experience providing high-quality advice in complex operational or policy environments, using sound judgement and critical thinking.

• Relevant graduate and post-graduate qualification, with proven health sector and/or service planning experience (clinical background desirable).

• Demonstrated ability to translate complex data and technical information into clear, concise advice for senior leaders and diverse audiences.

• Strong stakeholder management skills, with experience working across multidisciplinary teams and navigating competing interests.

• Track record of delivering written outputs such as briefings, performance reports, and strategic planning documents to a high standard.

• Improvement-focused and adaptable, with the confidence to work at pace and influence decision-making at a senior level.

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 now.”  All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal by 11:59PM Monday, 16 November 2026. For further information, please contact Jenita Spencer on Jenita.Spencer@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz.

The full position description is available on the Health New Zealand Careers site.

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