Team Leader - Occupational Therapy
Team Leader – Occupational Therapy, Nelson Hospital, Permanent Part-time
- Join our Allied Health leadership team and help shape high-quality, patient-centred care while enjoying the lifestyle benefits of the Nelson Tasman region.
- Embrace a varied role including daily operational oversight with strategic vision and collaboration.
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 Team Leader - Occupational Therapy, you will provide day-to-day operational leadership and management of the Nelson Hospital Acute Occupational Therapy team including registered Occupational Therapists and Allied Health Assistants, ensuring the delivery of a sustainable, responsive, and high-quality service.
You will also provide professional leadership for Occupational Therapy across Nelson Marlborough alongside a second Mental Health professional lead, supporting service development, workforce capability, professional standards, and innovation.
Working as part of the Allied Health leadership team, you'll contribute to strategic initiatives and help drive positive outcomes for our patients, staff, and communities through multidisciplinary collaboration, forward-thinking ideas and a commitment to continuous quality improvement.
Based at Nelson Hospital, this role includes occasional travel within the district to support professional leadership activities.
This is a permanent, part-time role working 64 hours per fortnight (0.7 FTE), Monday to Friday , between 7.30AM to 5.30PM.
Please view the position description for further information.
About the Team/Service/ Location
At Nelson Marlborough, we foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. You'll have the opportunity to influence service delivery, support workforce development, and make a meaningful difference for our community.
Nestled between mountains, rivers, national parks, and stunning coastlines, Nelson Tasman offers an exceptional lifestyle. Enjoy a vibrant arts and café culture, year-round sunshine, and easy access to outdoor adventures, all while maintaining a fantastic work-life balance.
For more information on living and working in Nelson click here
About you
You'll be a registered Occupational Therapist with at least seven years of clinical experience and a strong commitment to professional excellence. You'll bring:
- Demonstrated leadership and/or management experience;
- Experience working within multidisciplinary teams;
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills;
- The ability to inspire, motivate, and support others;
- A commitment to delivering equitable, person-centred care;
- A passion for developing people, services, and professional practice.
Most importantly, you'll be a leader who creates a positive team culture where staff feel valued, engaged, and empowered to perform at their best.
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 06 November 2026. Applications via email will not be considered. If you have any questions about the role, please contact
Sonja Rae (Recruitment) at Sonja.Rae@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz OR
Nicole McHaffie (Associate Director Allied Health) at Nicole.Mchaffie@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz .
Job ref: R1N26-307
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.
Permanent/Part Time
Job no: R1N26-307
Location: Nelson Hospital
Closing Date: Friday, 6 November 2026