Manager – Quality, Patient Safety & Risk

Manager – Quality, Patient Safety & Risk, Nelson Hospital, Fixed Term Full-time

• Join a dedicated and highly supportive team committed to improving patient care, strengthening clinical quality systems, and driving continuous improvement across Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora – Nelson and Marlborough. Help us to navigate an exciting time of change and opportunity to strengthen the connection of all staff to doing things better for our patients and whanau.
  
• This is a fixed term role with the ability to help set the direction for the local functions of clinical governance as we navigate changes within Health NZ. You will join a highly competent team willing and able to support whatever the future will bring.

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

We are seeking an experienced and collaborative Manager – Quality, Patient Safety & Risk to lead and coordinate the Clinical Governance Support Service at Nelson Hospital.

In this pivotal role, you will provide operational and strategic support to the Clinical Governance service, ensuring governance systems, processes, and initiatives are effectively managed and delivered. No two days are the same – you'll work across a broad range of quality and safety activities, connecting with clinicians, managers, and stakeholders to solve problems, improve systems, and drive positive outcomes for our patients and communities.

Your strong organisational skills, relationship management capability, and understanding of healthcare quality systems will enable you to successfully oversee a diverse portfolio while supporting the smooth functioning of the Clinical Governance Support Team.

This is a fixed term role for 12 months, working 80 hours per fortnight (1.0 FTE), Monday to Friday.  No on-call is required.

Please view the position description for further information.

About the Team/Service/ Location

The Clinical Governance Support Team plays a critical role in enhancing the quality and safety of healthcare services across Nelson Marlborough. Our team is responsible for:

• Managing feedback and complaints relating to our services;
• Coordinating responses to regulatory and external agencies;
• Supporting reportable event systems and processes;
• Facilitating clinical audit programmes;
• Managing governance-related information systems;
• Driving continuous quality improvement initiatives across the organisation.

We are a collaborative and supportive team that values innovation, integrity, and a shared commitment to delivering the best possible outcomes for our communities.

For more information on living and working in Nelson click here

About you

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Experience and a sound understanding of the healthcare environment;
• Proven experience in audit, quality assurance, compliance, or governance functions;
• Demonstrated leadership and management experience within a large and complex organisation;
• Strong knowledge of current quality improvement, patient safety, and clinical governance principles;
• Exceptional organisational and time management skills, with the ability to adapt to changing priorities and meet competing deadlines;
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to provide, receive, document, and present both routine and complex information verbally, electronically, and in writing;
• Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders;
• A commitment to Health New Zealand's Māori Health aspirations and the ability to incorporate Māori perspectives into service development and quality improvement initiatives

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

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 30 July 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact

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

Joanne Gibbs (Group Director Operations) at Joanne.Gibbs@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz .

Job ref: R1N26-209

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

Share