Permanent, Full-time

Manage national workforce contracts and help deliver future-focused health capability

A key role shaping workforce education, training and service outcomes across Aotearoa

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is Aotearoa New Zealand's largest employer, delivering universal public healthcare to over 5 million New Zealanders. We are transforming the health system through the Pae Ora – Healthy Futures reforms, with a strong focus on equity, access and long-term sustainability of the health workforce.

Our work is guided by Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Te Mauri o Rongo – the New Zealand Health Charter, which set the expectations for how we work together to support our people and communities.

About the Role

As a Portfolio Manager within Workforce Planning and Development (People & Culture), you will be responsible for managing a national portfolio of workforce education and training contracts across their full lifecycle.

This role ensures Health New Zealand achieves best value and desired workforce outcomes from contracted activity. You will lead contract negotiation, relationship management, performance monitoring and reporting, working closely with internal stakeholders and external providers to deliver high-quality, outcome-focused services.

You will also contribute to the groups wider work programme, supporting projects and work programmes across the function, ensuring all contracting activity aligns with government procurement rules, organisational policy, and Health New Zealand's strategic workforce priorities.

About You

You are an experienced contract and portfolio manager with strong judgement, stakeholder management skills and a system-wide perspective. You will bring:

• Experience in contract procurement, negotiation and performance management, ideally within health, education or social services
• Strong knowledge of New Zealand Government Procurement Rules and public sector contracting frameworks
• Proven ability to manage provider relationships and deliver value-for-money outcomes
• Sound analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to develop strategic options and advice
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and confidence working across complex stakeholder environments
• A relevant tertiary qualification; experience applying Te Tiriti o Waitangi in practice is highly desirable

Working at Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora

We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive and values-led workforce where people feel supported and empowered to do their best work. We welcome applications from our Māori, Pacific, disabled and rainbow communities, and encourage candidates who share our commitment to equity and Pae Ora outcomes.

How to Apply

To apply, please click “Apply Now.” All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal by 11:59pm, Sunday 10th May 2026.

For further information, please contact Cherushka Pillay at Cherushka.Pillay@tewhatuora.govt.nz

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

Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change, affected kaimahi will be given preference and priority for this position.
Applications may be reviewed as they are received, and we may progress candidates prior to the closing date.