Service Manager | Core Services

Christchurch – Canterbury Health Laboratories

Permanent, Full-time, working 40 hours per week

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

Canterbury Health Laboratories (CHL) is the largest medical laboratory in the South Island, serving a population of around 600,000 locally and up to 1.2 million regionally. We also provide national and international testing services for selected specialties.

We are seeking an experienced and inspiring Service Manager – Core Services to join our leadership team. Core Services encompasses Specimen Reception, the Ashburton Laboratory, Automated Chemistry, Blood Test Centres and Haematology.

In this key position, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across the services under your care, working in close partnership with the Clinical Director and Divisional Lead.

You will lead by example, demonstrating the values of manaakitanga (respect, generosity, care) and empowering teams to deliver high-quality, sustainable services that meet the needs of our communities.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and develop high-performing teams

Oversee daily operations and service delivery

Manage budgets, reporting, and resource planning

Foster stakeholder relationships and environmental stewardship

Drive innovation and continuous improvement

About you

To be eligible for the role of Service Manager – Core Services, you should possess:

Essential

Proven leadership and strategic planning

Strong communication, relationship-building, and influencing skills

Change management and project coordination

Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and inclusive practice

Knowledge of NZ healthcare policy

Desired

5–7 years’ leadership in health or lab settings

Experience in IANZ-accredited labs

Registered Medical Laboratory Scientist

Tertiary qualification in business, management, or related field

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 career’s portal.  If you have any questions about the role, please contact Kerri McCarthy at Kerri.McCarthy@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz

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