Clinical Leader

We’re lucky to have the opportunity to connect with the majority of Aotearoa’s whānau during their child’s first five years. Our clinical teams work alongside whānau to support the health and wellbeing of pēpē and tamariki, build parenting confidence and help every child achieve the best possible start in life.

We’re seeking a Clinical Leader to lead, support and develop our clinical team in Hawkes Bay regionon a full time permanent basis. We are open to experienced clinical leaders or those looking to step up into a new role. This is an opportunity to combine your clinical knowledge and leadership experience to strengthen service delivery and improve health outcomes for whānau in the communities we serve.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

Reporting to the Clinical Services Manager, you’ll provide visible and supportive leadership to a team of clinical professionals. You’ll create an environment where people are clear about what is expected of them and have the knowledge, skills and support needed to deliver safe, effective and culturally responsive services.

In this role, you will:

• Lead the delivery of clinical services and contractual requirements across your area.
• Set clear direction, build alignment and create a collaborative and high-performing team culture.
• Coach, develop and support team members to achieve their goals and strengthen their clinical practice.
• Lead competency assessment and performance development across the team.
• Monitor service performance and ensure clinical standards, policies and processes are consistently applied.
• Manage budgets, resources and operational priorities within delegated authority.
• Contribute to regional and local business planning and the implementation of organisational initiatives.
• Lead change and identify opportunities to improve services for whānau.
• You’ll also help ensure our services respond to the needs of local communities and strengthen connections between clinical teams, community services and volunteers.

He kōrero mōu | About you

You’ll be an experienced clinical leader who knows how to bring out the best in others. You’re comfortable navigating complexity, balancing competing priorities and making sound decisions while keeping whānau and quality outcomes at the centre of your work.

You will bring:

• A current Nursing Council of New Zealand Annual Practising Certificate.
• A Postgraduate Certificate in Primary Health Care Specialty Nursing Well Child/Tamariki Ora.
• Experience managing budgets, resources, performance and service delivery.
• Knowledge of national health strategies, policies and frameworks relating to clinical services.
• Strong planning, organisational and project-management skills.
• A current driver licence and the ability to travel when required.

You’ll take a relationship-based approach to leadership and be confident addressing difficult issues constructively. You’ll also bring a sound understanding of tikanga Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, together with a genuine commitment to improving equity and outcomes for Māori whānau.

Ngā hua mahi o Te Whānau Āwhina | What we offer

At Whānau Āwhina Plunket, your work will have a meaningful impact on the lives of pēpē, tamariki and whānau across Aotearoa. We will support you with:

• The opportunity to lead an experienced and passionate clinical team.
• A role where you can influence service quality and equitable health outcomes.
• Ongoing learning, leadership and professional-development opportunities.
• Support for continued postgraduate study in health or management.
• A collaborative national network of clinical and operational leaders.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

For any specific questions, contact Debs Higgins, Clinical Services Manager [email protected]

Applications must be made online and close on 13th October 2026. Please note, we will consider applications as they are received and may close this advert early if we find a suitable candidate.

He huanui oranga mo ngā mokopuna whakatipuranga roto i ngā hapori hekeiho,heke iho

Setting the path of wellness in our communities for the early years, for generations to come

Whānau Āwhina Plunket is committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of pēpi, tamariki and their whānau/family. We have committed to adopting a pro-equity approach where we give life to the Treaty principles of tino  rangatira tanga, partnership, active protection, equity and options in our mahi/work to ensure healthy tamariki, confident whānau and connected communities