Specialist Liaison Lead

OverviewJoin to apply for the Specialist Liaison Lead role at Southern Cross Healthcare.As our Specialist Liaison Lead, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping how patients connect with our specialist services.

You'll be the driving force behind creating timely, efficient, and patient-centred referral pathways by building strong, trusted relationships with internal teams, external referrers, and specialist providers.

This role is also about championing our specialists—supporting their growth, profiling their expertise, and ensuring they are well-positioned to thrive in private practice.

This role is based in our National Support Office and is a 12-month fixed-term, full-time position created to support an exciting new programme of work focused on establishing our specialist engagement and support framework.Working closely with the Head of Specialist Engagement and senior leaders, you'll help design and deliver strategies that strengthen specialist recruitment, retention, and engagement.

From advising GMs and influencing ELT relationships, through to onboarding new specialists and ensuring referrers are well-informed, you'll be at the centre of a dynamic network.

Your impact will go beyond relationships—you'll streamline referral management processes, track and report on referral trends, and drive continuous improvements to elevate the overall experience.

You'll combine strategy, market insights, and practical support to ensure our specialists and patients receive the best possible outcomes.ResponsibilitiesDesign and deliver strategies that strengthen specialist recruitment, retention, and engagement.Advise GMs and influence ELT relationships; onboard new specialists and ensure referrers are well-informed.Streamline referral management processes and track referral trends.Drive continuous improvements to elevate the patient and specialist experience.Collaborate with internal teams and external providers to create timely, efficient referral pathways.Skills and experienceHealthcare & Specialist ExpertiseAt least 7 years' experience in healthcare, specialist services, or referral coordinationProven track record of working directly with medical specialists, including surgeons, in a professional or support capacityKnowledge of private healthcare in New Zealand and how referral pathways operate (desirable)Familiarity with referral behaviours in general practice and allied health (an advantage)Relationship Builder & InfluencerOutstanding interpersonal and communication skillsAbility to manage multiple stakeholders with professionalism and easeSkilled at building trusted, long-lasting relationships across different groupsUnderstanding of the commercial drivers that underpin sustainable specialist practice growthOrganisation & Problem-SolvingStrong organisational abilities with excellent attention to detailProactive and solutions-focused approach to challengesConfidence in resolving issues quickly to keep processes moving smoothlyDigital & Marketing SavvyComfortable using digital systems such as CRM, patient management, or referral softwareQuick to learn new technology and toolsExperience in marketing or profiling clinicians or health services adds real valueQualifications & practicalitiesTertiary qualification in health sciences, business, or a related field to establish credibility in the roleCurrent New Zealand driver's licence, with flexibility for site visits and stakeholder meetingsWhat we can offer youCompetitive Rewards : Attractive remuneration package.Health & Wellbeing : 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.Our OrganisationAt Southern Cross Healthcare, our purpose is clear : to advance quality healthcare across Aotearoa New Zealand.

Our values shape everything we do : Care First – We lead with compassion, delivering care that's deeply human through genuine manaakitanga.Better Together – Collaboration is our strength.

We unite diverse skills and perspectives to create better outcomes for all.Pursue Excellence – We strive to improve, innovate, and excel every day—never settling, always aiming to deliver our best.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.

Driven by a strong 'for purpose' ethos, we think beyond financial quarters—planning for generations to come.Equity, diversity, and inclusionTo matou whakahaere ki te tika, te rereketanga, me te whai wahi mai.

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

• for a confidential conversation.Application and contactJoin us, and together, each of us can be part of something important, helping people live their best lives by reimagining healthcare.For more information or to view the position description, please contact us or apply through the provided channels.

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