Manager Health Science at Ministry of Health - Manatū Hauora

Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

09 Jun, 26

Salary

164561.0

Posted On

11 Mar, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Health Science, Research, Evidence-based Practice, Leadership, Stakeholder Influence, Policy Advice, Financial Management, Risk Management, Capability Building, Matauranga Informed Practice, Library Services Management, Strategic Thinking, Communication, Collaboration, Continuous Improvement, Government Priorities Alignment

Industry

Government Administration

Description

Wellington based | Permanent | Full-time System‑level impact Senior influence and purpose‑driven leadership Midpoint of $164,561, dependent on experience Ko tōu ake mahi - What you’ll do Bring research, evidence and insight to the centre of decision‑making. As Manager, Health Science, you’ll lead a trusted team that strengthens the evidence base across the Ministry’s work programmes, providing health science advice, shaping health research system priorities, and delivering modern library services that enable great policy and operational outcomes. Working closely with the Chief Science Advisor and Group Manager, you’ll set a clear direction for an impactful work programme, influence stakeholders across the Ministry and wider sector, and ensure high‑quality, timely advice that helps deliver on Government priorities. This is a hands‑on leadership role where strategy meets delivery and where your evidence driven approach will help embed robust Matauranga informed practice throughout the policy and programme lifecycle. Set direction and run the business: Lead work planning, reporting, financial management and fit‑for‑purpose business processes for the Health Science team. Deliver priority programmes of work: Drive a cohesive work programme aligned to Government priorities and Ministry strategy. Provide science leadership that shapes decisions: Influence policy regulation and monitoring decision‑making with high‑quality scientific and evidence advice across the Ministry and health sector. Lead research-system advice and relationships: Provide advice on health research priorities and the research system reforms by engaging with the wider government research system. Lead the library service and modernise practice: Manage resources, keep pace with evolving library and information management practices, and review and improve library policies and procedures as needed. Lift quality, capability and risk management: Ensure timely, high‑standard outputs; identify emerging risks early; build team capability and role‑model the Ministry’s culture and values, including responsibilities to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Ko ngā pūkenga ōu - What you’ll bring Deep subject‑matter expertise: Postgraduate qualification (or equivalent experience) in health research or science, with a strong understanding of health systems and the machinery of government. Proven people and programme leadership: Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary teams and complex work programmes grounded in research, science and evidence‑based practice. Strategic and systems‑focused thinker: Strong capability in quality frameworks and continuous improvement, aligning evidence and delivery to organisational priorities. Influential advisor and collaborator: Excellent relationship‑building, communication and influencing skills, able to translate complex scientific and technical information for diverse audiences. Values‑led and resilient leader: Proactive in risk management, adaptable in complexity and change, and committed to embedding Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations in leadership practice. Ngā hua o tō mātou whare - What we bring Discover a world of opportunities for personal and professional growth. We're not just a workplace; we're a whanau that values your well-being and the importance of work-life balance. At Manatū Hauora, we value the authentic ‘you’, ensuring that every voice is heard and every perspective matters. Your wellness is our priority, with comprehensive support and resources to keep you thriving. Join us today and be part of a team dedicated to improving healthcare. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful environment, welcoming applicants from diverse backgrounds. We value the unique perspectives and experiences each individual brings. Please contact us if you require any support to ensure the recruitment process is accessible. Me pēhea te tono mai - How to apply Applications close on Wednesday 25th March. Please note that you must have permanent working rights and be based in Wellington to be eligible for this position. Click here to view the position description. Please follow the online process at our Careers Website to apply. Please ensure you upload a CV and covering letter with all applications. If you have any questions, email the recruitment team at recruitment@health.govt.nz. The Ministry of Health is steward of the New Zealand health system and the lead advisor to Government on health. Our overarching goal is for all New Zealanders to live longer and in better health to have an improved quality of life. As steward, we set the direction across the health system so we and others can make informed decisions and prioritise resources accordingly. We advise the Government on health policy, and regulate and monitor the health system, to ensure all New Zealanders have access to health care for better health outcomes. Our role is to create an environment where all New Zealanders are supported to stay well and where all parts of the health system are supported to operate at their best.

Responsibilities

The Manager, Health Science will lead a team to strengthen the evidence base across the Ministry’s work programmes by providing health science advice, shaping research priorities, and delivering modern library services. This role involves setting clear direction, influencing stakeholders, and ensuring high-quality, timely, evidence-driven advice to support policy and operational outcomes.