Operations Manager | Specialist Mental Health Services

Location
Christchurch, Canterbury
 
Full job description
Hillmorton Hospital Campus, Christchurch
Fixed term, full-time opportunity (1FTE), until 17th May 2026
Extensive senior leadership experience in Mental Health service delivery
Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders.
About the role

Reporting to the GM, as the Operations Manager, you will work alongside the SMHS Divisional Leadership Team to support delivery of quality, safe, effective specialist mental health and addictions service within the district. This role will have line management responsibility for the Service Manager group.

You will be responsible for:

In conjunction with the Interim General Manager, you will be responsible for:

Supporting and managing the operational delivery of SMHS services;
Supporting service leaders to manage division wide operational and service delivery issues to ensure consistency of approach and connectedness across services to meet the needs of the people accessing SMHS.
Providing positive leadership and operational management in conjunction with the Interim General Manager and Divisional Leaders to ensure safe, effective and professional services.
Supporting Service Leadership Teams to meet their accountabilities around consumer service provision, financial targets, and the overall strategic direction of the district and the broader health system
Building strong collaborative relationships with external agencies for positive patient and community outcomes.
Skills and experience

Hold a Postgraduate qualification, or be working towards, related to health management and leadership
Extensive senior experience in mental health service delivery
Have senior experience in operational management
Display excellent interpersonal skills and leadership qualities
Demonstrate cultural competencies
Display excellent written and oral communication skills
Have a broad knowledge of the health and disability sector
Maintain registered health professional status.
Excellent financial skills
Strong human resources skills and experience
Well-developed negotiation, problem solving and innovations skills
Emergency Management (CIMS operating experience)
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 Thursday 31st July. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Natalie Gaunt at natalie.gaunt@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz

We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.