Senior Programme Manager - Delivery & Op Readiness
Senior Programme Manager - Delivery & Operational Readiness
National Support Office
Mō te Tūranga | About the Role
At Southern Cross Healthcare, we're investing in the future of healthcare, and we're looking for an exceptional Senior Programme Manager to help bring one of our most exciting and significant expansion programmes to life. Our Hospital Expansion Programme is a major strategic investment that will transform healthcare delivery, increase clinical capacity and enhance the patient experience for years to come. With the programme now in its active delivery phase, this is a fantastic opportunity to take the lead in turning ambitious plans into reality and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of healthcare in Auckland.
In this high-impact role, you'll drive the successful delivery of a complex, multi-year programme, bringing together construction, clinical operations, workforce, technology and facilities to ensure our expanded hospital is ready to deliver exceptional patient care from day one. You'll lead operational readiness, commissioning and activation activities, navigate competing priorities and manage critical milestones, all while ensuring hospital services continue to operate safely and effectively throughout the expansion. From coordinating multiple workstreams and managing risks to overseeing transition planning and go-live activities, you'll be at the heart of making this transformation a success.
Working alongside senior executives, hospital leaders, clinicians and project delivery partners, you'll build strong relationships, influence key decisions and bring clarity, collaboration and momentum to a complex and evolving programme. You'll ensure every aspect of the expansion is aligned, operationally ready and positioned to deliver lasting benefits for our patients, people and communities. This is more than just delivering a programme – it's an opportunity to lead a landmark healthcare transformation and leave a lasting legacy in Aotearoa's healthcare landscape. This is a full-time permanent position based in the Auckland CBD. At times you might be required to travel to our hospitals in Auckland.
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
- Proven programme leadership: 10+ years' experience successfully leading large-scale, complex programmes or projects, bringing together diverse stakeholders to deliver exceptional results.
- A passion for delivery: A strong track record of turning ambitious plans into reality, driving programmes through implementation, execution and successful completion.
- Strategic thinking meets execution: The ability to translate big-picture objectives into practical plans, creating structure, clarity and momentum across multiple workstreams.
- Exceptional stakeholder engagement: A natural ability to build trust, influence decisions and establish credibility with senior executives, clinicians, operational leaders and project partners.
- Strong programme management expertise: Confidence managing complex dependencies, critical milestones, competing priorities and risks while keeping delivery firmly on track.
- A collaborative leadership style: The ability to bring people together, inspire accountability and drive results through influence rather than direct authority.
- Outstanding communication skills: A confident communicator and facilitator, comfortable engaging with senior leadership teams, presenting to governance forums and navigating challenging conversations.
- A solutions-focused mindset: The ability to anticipate challenges, think on your feet and find practical solutions while remaining calm, adaptable and focused under pressure.
- A commitment to delivering results: A proactive, hands-on approach to maintaining momentum, overcoming obstacles and ensuring programmes deliver meaningful operational outcomes.
- Relevant qualifications: A bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline, such as Commerce, or equivalent experience, along with project management certification.
- Healthcare experience would be an advantage: Experience working within healthcare environments, with an understanding of hospital operations, clinical services and service delivery models, would be highly regarded.
- Major infrastructure and commissioning experience: Previous involvement in hospital expansions, redevelopments, construction programmes or complex commissioning projects would be highly desirable.
- Operational readiness expertise: Experience leading operational transitions, service activation, go-live activities or programmes within live operational environments would be a real advantage.
Ngā mea ka taea e mātou te tuku I a koe | What we can offer you:
- Competitive Rewards: Attractive remuneration package and employee referral bonus scheme.
- Health & Wellbeing: Funded health insurance, a comprehensive wellbeing programme, and generous Christmas/New Year breaks.
If you have specific needs or would like to discuss how we can support you, please contact our Talent Acquisition team at careers@schl.co.nz for a confidential conversation.
Applications for this role will take you to the advertisers site.
