Group Director Operations – Lakes

• Senior operational leadership role with accountability for hospital and specialist services across the Lakes District (Rotorua & Taupō), serving diverse communities and two hospital sites.
• Key leadership position driving delivery of national health targets, Pae Ora reform, and equitable outcomes in partnership with clinical and community leaders.
• Opportunity to lead large-scale teams and complex health services at a time of system reset and transformation within Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is reshaping how healthcare is delivered across Aotearoa New Zealand, with a focus on equity, access, and improved outcomes for patients, whānau and communities. This is a pivotal opportunity to join the Te Manawa Taki region as Group Director Operations – Lakes, reporting directly to the Executive Regional Director.

You will play a critical system leadership role, responsible for the performance and delivery of hospital and specialist services across the Lakes District, including Rotorua and Taupō hospital sites and a workforce of more than 1,800 staff. Working closely with clinical leaders, iwi partners and regional peers, you will contribute to regional and national priorities while shaping services that respond to local community needs.

THE ROLE

As Group Director Operations, you will provide strategic and operational leadership to deliver safe, effective, and equitable hospital and specialist services aligned to the Health Delivery Plan, national health targets, and Pae Ora legislation.

Key accountabilities include:

• Overall clinical and operational performance of Hospital and Specialist Services across the Lakes District, including community-based services such as mental health, addiction and rehabilitation.
• Leading and embedding a high-performing, values-led culture aligned to Te Mauri o Rongo – the New Zealand Health Charter.
• Driving service delivery improvement with patient and whānau experience at the centre.
• Stewardship of financial sustainability, risk, compliance and infrastructure priorities across the district.
• Partnering with clinical leaders to lead change programmes and system improvements.
• Collaborating with other Group Director Operations to achieve regional and national objectives.
• Ensuring strong governance, data-informed decision making, digital enablement and workforce capability.

THE CANDIDATE

You are an experienced senior leader with a strong track record of delivering outcomes in complex healthcare environments.

You will bring:

• Extensive leadership experience within hospital, specialist or broader healthcare settings, including leading large, diverse teams through change.
• Demonstrated success in achieving performance targets, managing risk and ensuring financial sustainability.
• Strong strategic, operational and people leadership capability, with the ability to influence across clinical, executive and stakeholder groups.
• A sound understanding of Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act 2022 and the obligations and practical application of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, with a commitment to equity and outcomes for Māori and other priority populations.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the confidence to operate in ambiguity and complexity.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications, including a bachelor’s degree and postgraduate qualification.

This role will suit a values-driven leader who combines operational discipline with humanity, cultural competence and a deep commitment to public health service.

For a confidential discussion, please get in touch with:

David Price
​HG National Manager, New Zealand
​M. +64 (0)21 0239 2211 | E. dprice@hardygroupintl.com

HOW TO APPLY

The closing date for applications is Monday, 1 June 2026

The reference number to include in your application is H26_5509.