General Manager Surgical & Perioperative Services

General Manager Surgical & Perioperative Services, Nelson Marlborough, Permanent Full-time

• Lead strategic and operational performance across Surgical and Perioperative Services
• Create a collaborative culture in partnership with clinical leaders
• Lead strategic improvement initiatives to enhance the delivery of care

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 a General Manager Surgical and Perioperative Services, you will:

• Provide a single point of accountability for strategic and operational leadership across a large portfolio of services;
• Ensure services deliver safe, high-quality care, meet performance expectations, and operate sustainably.

A core focus of the role is service development, workforce planning, financial performance, interdepartmental coordination, and supporting the delivery of health targets. You’ll be responsible for fostering a strong culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and accountability across service areas, partnering closely with clinical leaders to ensure that operational decisions are clinically informed and patient-centred.

This is a permanent, full-time role working 80 hours per fortnight (1.0 FTE), Monday to Friday.

The successful candidate may be based in Nelson or Blenheim. Regular travel between Nelson and Marlborough sites is required, with some travel to other Health NZ locations from time to time to contribute to South Island | Te Waipounamu and national initiatives.

Please view the position description for further information.

About the Directorate

The Surgical and Perioperative Services directorate is responsible for delivering inpatient, outpatient and community services across the Nelson and Marlborough regions. Key service locations include Nelson Hospital, Wairau Hospital, Murchison Hospital and Alexandra Hospital (Richmond).

About the Location

For more information on living and working in Nelson / Tasman and Marlborough click here

About you

As a General Manager Surgical and Perioperative Services, you will:

• Have experience leading a large, multi-service portfolio, with substantial experience in people leadership, workforce management and operational delivery;
• Have successfully led large-scale organisational change, service redesign or culture shift initiatives;
• Demonstrate extensive experience working in genuine partnership with clinical leaders across a wide range of healthcare professions;
• Have a leadership style that prioritises psychological safety, trust and the development of others;
• Demonstrate the ability to balance service improvement with staff wellbeing ;
• Have sound financial management experience and a proven ability to deliver safe, high quality and equitable healthcare.

The successful candidate must be eligible to work in New Zealand or hold a valid NZ visa at the time of applying.

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 04 October 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact

Sonja Rae (Recruitment) at sonja.rae@tewhatuora.govt.nz  OR

Philip Wheble (Group Director Operations) at Philip.Wheble@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz .

Job ref: R1N26-294

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

Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change, affected employees will be given preference and priority for this position.

Position description Apply now

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