Programme Manager, Rheumatic Fever

Programme Manager, Rheumatic Fever

Fixed term (two years), full-time role, location flexible across New Zealand. Drive coordinated system delivery that improves outcomes for children and young people most impacted by rheumatic fever. Work alongside passionate and highly skilled clinical, operational and programme leaders.
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
As Programme Manager – Rheumatic Fever, you will lead programme delivery and provide oversight of the Rheumatic Fever Care Coordination System (RFCCS), ensuring effective governance, monitoring, reporting and system coordination across Health NZ national, regional and district teams. Working closely with clinical leaders, rheumatic fever services, digital teams and sector partners, you will lead the programme of work required to deliver a coordinated, high-quality national response to rheumatic fever prevention and management.
Key responsibilities include:
lead programme planning and delivery of the RFCCS, including establishing governance, monitoring, reporting and ensuring alignment with Rheumatic Fever Roadmap priorities
establish and support the national Rheumatic Fever Governance Group, including preparation of high-quality governance papers and advice
develop and maintain programme governance, reporting and risk management frameworks to support effective delivery and outcomes
work collaboratively with rheumatic fever sector partners across national, regional and district teams to deliver consistent, equity-focused approaches and shared objectives
deliver high-quality reports, briefings, business cases and performance monitoring products
build strong relationships across Health NZ teams, clinicians, Māori and Pacific stakeholders, and community partners
support nationally consistent service delivery by aligning programme activity, data, and system performance expectations.
This is a unique opportunity to lead delivery of a nationally significant programme and contribute to eliminating rheumatic fever as a preventable disease in Aotearoa New Zealand.
About the Team/Service
The National Starting Well team works at a national level to drive service improvement, policy implementation, clinical leadership and system performance across a range of priority programmes. Through strong partnerships with clinicians, communities, Māori and Pacific health leaders, and regional teams, the team is focused on delivering equitable, high-quality health services that improve lifelong health outcomes. The Rheumatic Fever programme is a key priority within the team, supporting the implementation of the Rheumatic Fever Roadmap 2023–2028 and the ongoing success of the national Rheumatic Fever Care Coordination System to ensure consistent, coordinated and equitable care for those affected by rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease.
About you
You are a highly skilled programme leader who drives delivery in complex environments and brings people together to achieve meaningful outcomes. You will bring:
relevant tertiary qualifications, preferably in health, programme management, project management, leadership or a related discipline
proven experience leading complex programmes and managing competing priorities using recognised programme management methodologies
proven experience delivering complex programmes on time, within scope and budget
demonstrated success establishing and supporting effective governance structures and decision-making processes
proven ability to build trusted relationships and influence stakeholders across health, government and community sectors
strong strategic thinking, problem-solving and systems leadership capability
excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear advice and recommendations
experience working collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams and organisational boundaries
a demonstrated commitment to equity and improving outcomes for Māori and Pacific communities
the ability to navigate complexity, manage ambiguity and drive progress through influence and collaboration.
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 11:59PM Monday 13 July 2026. For further information, please contact Lynda Francis on Lynda.Francis@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz
Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change, affected kaimahi will be given preference and priority for this position. We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process before the closing date of this advert.