Senior Portfolio Manager - Central - Pacific Health

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is the country's largest employer, delivering universal public healthcare to 5 million New Zealanders. We provide essential hospital, specialist, and community health services across 80+ locations from large urban centres to rural towns and remote communities.Our goal is to improve health outcomes for all New Zealanders by delivering equitable, accessible and innovative care.

About the Role

We have a full-time permanent opportunity as a Senior Portfolio Manager within our Central Regional team in Pacific Health. Reporting directly to the Pacific Planning & Funding Lead Central.

The primary purpose of the Senior Portfolio Manager is to :

• Lead key elements of the end-to-end commissioning cycle
• Negotiate and manage contracts for the Pacific Health Group. Contracts will be developed within commissioning frameworks.
• Lead and manage a portfolio of programmes within Health New Zealand to support the delivery of improved Pacific health outcomes.
• Track the Pacific Group Budget.
• Manage contracts and relationships with providers.

This role is located in the Central Region and requires the successful candidate to be living in that region to support the requirements of the role.

About the Team / Service / Location

This role sits within the Pacific Health planning and funding team at Health New Zealand, based in the Central region. The team is dedicated to improving health outcomes for Pacific communities through strategic planning, effective funding allocation, and strong partnerships with providers and stakeholders. As part of this collaborative and impact-driven team, you will contribute to initiatives that support equitable access to healthcare and culturally responsive services. Reporting to the Pacific Planning and Funding Lead, you will play a key role in shaping Pacific health strategies and ensuring that resources are directed where they are needed most. This is an opportunity to be part of a team committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of Pacific peoples across the region.

About you

You are a strategic and collaborative leader with expertise in contract management or commissioning. With a strong background in contract management, funding streams, and accountability frameworks, you excel at building high-quality relationships with provider organizations and stakeholders to foster innovation and shared learning.

Your proven experience in policy development, thought leadership, and change management ensures the successful design and implementation of projects and programs. Known for your excellent communication skills, sound judgment, and ability to work under pressure, you contribute to the continuous improvement of processes, tools, and frameworks within the team.

• Significant understanding of good practise procurement and contract management within the public sector
• Demonstrable relationship management experience and skills with ability to foster good relationships with a variety of stakeholders of different levels through consultation and partnership
• Can demonstrate previous successful partnership with Pacific people and communities
• Significant experience in contract negotiation, implementation, governance and performance management, ideally with health or other social service providers

Working for 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 Tuesday, 21 October 2025. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Anesha Pillayat

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

Job details

Job Reference :

Job Reference : HNZ /

Location :

North Island - Wairarapa - All values

North Island - Manawatu / Whanganui - All values

#J-18808-Ljbffr