Practice Manager - Specialist Centre

Southern Cross Hospital – Wellington City, North Island

Southern Cross Wellington Hospital is a modern private surgical facility offering integrated specialist consulting services and advanced care. With five operating theatres, day procedure units, advanced diagnostics, and an intensive care unit, it supports a wide range of procedures, including complex elective surgeries. Established in 1992, the hospital provides comprehensive services across Orthopaedics, Neurosurgery, Oncology, and more—and is currently expanding to increase surgical capacity and enhance healthcare access across the Wellington region.

As our Practice Manager, you’ll take the lead in driving the operational excellence, strategic direction, and continued growth of our Specialist Centre. You’ll ensure the Centre runs efficiently, safely, and in alignment with best practice, while fostering a culture of collaboration, professionalism, and care. You’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the Centre’s success — optimising processes, supporting both clinical and administrative teams, and championing a patient-centred service that reflects our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and organisational values.

Your leadership will focus on maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and efficiency. You’ll oversee daily operations, ensuring sustainability and compliance with healthcare regulations and accreditation standards. With a proactive and solution-focused approach, you’ll drive continuous improvement initiatives, contribute to strategic planning and business development, and embed systems that deliver a seamless and high-quality patient experience. A key focus will be on promoting clinical excellence, supporting staff to work to the top of their scope, and ensuring safe, effective, and compassionate care for every patient.

A natural leader and collaborator, you’ll empower and develop a high-performing team that thrives on professionalism, innovation, and shared purpose. You’ll inspire enthusiasm and accountability, manage performance with fairness and clarity, and ensure ongoing training and development to build capability across the Centre. By nurturing strong relationships with medical specialists, referrers, and partners, you’ll enhance the Centre’s reputation and help it grow as a trusted, patient-focused hub for specialist healthcare — where excellence and empathy meet every day.

• Proven leadership experience – at least two years in a progressive leadership role, with a strong track record of energising teams and driving high performance.
• People-focused leadership style – able to inspire accountability, nurture a caring and safe culture, and manage performance with empathy and professionalism.
• Operational and change management expertise – experienced in leading change, improving processes, and ensuring smooth, efficient service delivery.
• Strategic mindset – contributes to and drives strategic direction, translating organisational goals into practical actions and measurable outcomes.
• Commercial and business acumen – understands how to balance quality care with operational efficiency and sustainable growth.
• Strong interpersonal skills – confident working with a variety of personalities and building positive relationships across multidisciplinary teams.
• Commitment to excellence – dedicated to continuous improvement, professional development, and fostering learning within your team.
• Healthcare experience – experience or understanding of healthcare environments and the development or implementation of models of care is an advantage.
• Qualifications – holds a relevant tertiary qualification; a formal qualification in healthcare management is desirable.
• Competitive Rewards : Attractive remuneration package, relocation allowance, and employee referral bonus scheme.
• Health & Wellbeing : Funded health insurance, a comprehensive wellbeing programme, and generous Christmas / New Year breaks.
• Flexibility & Growth : Flexible working arrangements and a Nursing Council of New Zealand-approved PDRP.
• Perks & Community : Discounts from a range of partners and the opportunity to join our Employee Rainbow Network.

Ko wai matou | Our Organisation

At Southern Cross Healthcare, our purpose is clear : to advance quality healthcare across Aotearoa New Zealand. We’re proud to bring together over 4,000 skilled professionals—including 2,000 nurses and anaesthetic technicians—working alongside more than 1,200 specialists, surgeons, anaesthetists, and allied health experts. Together, we’re one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest and most trusted healthcare providers.

If you have specific needs or would like to discuss how we can support you, please contact our Talent Acquisition team at

Join us, and together, each of us can be part of something important, helping people live their best lives by reimagining healthcare.

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