• Lead significant transformation
• Pivotal leadership role in values-based organisation
• Drive operational efficiency and financial sustainability

Mōu | For you

At Harbour Hospice our values are at the heart of everything we do. We welcome applications from all backgrounds who share our values of aroha (compassionate), tautikanga (professional), and mō te katoa (inclusive).

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) plays a mission-critical role, driving transformation in technology, operational strategy and financial sustainability. With a big mandate for change and as part of a highly dedicated and collaborative senior leadership team, you will play a pivotal role to significantly alter Harbour Hospice’s trajectory.

If you thrive in complex environments, embrace values-based leadership, and bring a mix of strategic foresight and operational discipline – this role is for you.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

As COO, you will lead in four key areas:

• Operational leadership: Optimise contract management, asset and facilities management, and infrastructure processes and systems to deliver efficiency, reliability, cost savings, and long-term value.
• Financial strategy, risk, and forecasting: Be the key conduit between management and the Board on financial matters. Drive sustainability through robust planning and cost management, working with the Finance Manager to ensure clear reporting, meaningful forecasting, and insightful interpretation for decision-making.
• Strategic project execution and change management: Drive transformation and support our leaders in delivering change through high-impact cross-functional initiatives.
• IT strategy and digital transformation: Drive major efficiency gains and service improvements through technology by championing smarter use of existing systems, and investing strategically in solutions that deliver value.

Reporting to the CEO, this is a full-time position based at Hibiscus Hospice with travel to other sites as needed.

He kōrero mōu | About you

As an experienced executive and operational leader, you bring a track record of successfully leading operational teams to drive through strategic programmes of work and deliver value for money. You bring an exciting mix of solid operational problem solving and analytical skills, coupled with commercial savvy and innovative ideas.

As a people leader, you foster positive and inclusive environments with your naturally curious and open communication style. You lead with a values-based approach which results in high engagement and performance.

Your success will be built on exceptional collaboration and relationship-building skills. You thrive on working in partnership with others, engaging seamlessly across all levels of our organisation and with key external stakeholders. You understand that true success in this role isn’t just about delivering outcomes – it’s about bringing people on the journey with you.

Your background also includes:

• Deep experience in operational management (asset and facilities management, contract oversight, BCP)
• Proven leadership in complex, multi-faceted organisations
• Strong financial acumen with the ability to interpret financial reports, understand budgeting and forecasting, and communicate insights confidently to the Board
• Demonstrates strong commercial acumen by understanding financial drivers, market dynamics, and operational levers to make decisions that improve efficiency, deliver value, and support long-term organisational sustainability
• Experience leading organisation-wide strategic projects and process optimisation initiatives
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal abilities
• A background in health and/or not-for-profit preferred but not a pre-requisite

Ko mātou tēnei | About us

Harbour Hospice is one of the largest hospices in Aotearoa caring for people across the North Shore, Hibiscus Coast and Warkworth/Wellsford regions. We support and provide holistic care to people in their homes, in one of our two inpatient units, or in community programmes offered at each of our three sites. We are a progressive organisation that puts each tūroro, patient, whānau and family, our community and our people, at the heart of everything.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Click on the link to submit your CV and cover letter through our careers site. Tell us your motivation for applying and how your work and life experience align with our values and the role you are applying for.

Don’t hesitate to email Peggy Newton, Recruitment Specialist peggy.newton@harbourhospice.org.nz with any questions, or to arrange a kōrero (chat) before you apply.

You must have the right to live and work in Aotearoa New Zealand. Background and pre-employment checks including health screening where applicable, are part of our recruitment process.