National Lead Capability and Assurance

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

This strategic role leads the design and governance of Health NZ's national emergency management assurance and capability systems. It defines future-state needs, develops national frameworks and lessons management processes, and provides evidence-based insights to drive continuous improvement, equity, and system readiness.

About the Team / Service / Location

This role sits within the Health, Wellbeing, Safety & Organisational Resilience team in the People & Culture team and reports to the National Manager Emergency Management. You'll be part of a national network of emergency management professionals, working closely with district leads and regional teams to strengthen our emergency preparedness and response capabilities.

About you

You'll bring proven experience in designing and governing national emergency management capability frameworks, assurance systems, and maturity models. With strong project and programme management skills, you're confident providing strategic, evidence-based advice to senior leaders and embedding lessons management into continuous improvement.

A solid understanding of emergency management legislation and the health sector, supported by relevant qualifications, will set you up for success in this future-focused leadership role.

• Demonstrated experience in the design and governance of national or enterprise-level capability frameworks, assurance systems, and maturity models.
• Proven track record in embedding lessons management into organisational improvement processes.
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with people at all levels
• Relevant tertiary qualification in Emergency Management, Organisational Resilience, Risk Management, or equivalent experience.
• Formal qualification in project / programme management (e.g., MSP, PRINCE2, or equivalent) is desirable, as is audit / assurance-related credential (e.g., ISO 22301 Lead Auditor, RiskNZ accreditation)

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 24 November 2025. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Vivien Smith at

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 :

New Zealand - All Locations - Work from where you are

Job type :

Job type : Permanent Full time

Expertise :

Non-clinical - Emergency Management - Emergency Management

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