General practice is changing. Help lead what comes next.
thePHO exists to support sustainable, high quality general practice. From day one, we became New Zealand’s second largest Primary Health Organisation, now supporting almost 500,000 enrolled patients across Aotearoa. Practices chose a different way of working, and put their confidence in it.
We’re looking for a National Clinical Director — a registered GP who wants to set clinical direction, strengthen clinical governance, and work alongside practices to improve care for the communities they serve.
This is a rare kind of role: you keep practising, and you help shape the wider system at the same time. Your active clinical practice isn’t a nice-to-have here — it’s what keeps your leadership grounded in the realities of frontline general practice.
About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga mahi
You’ll report directly to the CEO, providing strategic and operational clinical leadership across thePHO as we grow. This is a part-time role, 0.4–0.6 FTE (16–24 hours a week), built around staying clinically active.
You’ll lead clinical governance across the organisation, chair the Clinical and Safety Committee, and work alongside our Regional Clinical Leads to support safe, high quality, equitable care. You’ll represent thePHO in national sector forums, building trusted relationships with practices, clinical leaders and key partners across Aotearoa.
As part of our Executive Leadership Team, you’ll keep every strategic decision honest — grounded in what’s actually happening in general practice, focused on better outcomes for patients and communities.
What you’ll lead | Ngā mahi matua
You’ll provide clinical leadership across thePHO, helping ensure our practices deliver safe, high quality, equitable care. Working closely with the CEO, Regional Clinical Leads and sector partners, you’ll strengthen clinical leadership across one of New Zealand’s largest Primary Health Organisations.
You will:
- Lead and evolve thePHO’s Clinical Governance Framework
- Chair the Clinical and Safety Committee, and advise the CEO and leadership team
- Lead quality improvement across the network, using clinical performance data to find opportunities and support better patient outcomes
- Champion Foundation Standard compliance, working alongside practices to strengthen clinical quality and continuous improvement
- Support and mentor Regional Clinical Leads, building clinical leadership across the organisation
- Represent thePHO in national clinical forums, and build trusted relationships with Health NZ and sector partners
- Provide clinical leadership on the safe, effective use of digital and AI-enabled approaches that improve care and reduce burden for practices
Working at thePHO | Mahi ki tePHO
We work alongside practices and keep our centre lean and purposeful. Equity and Te Tiriti guide how we support care and measure impact.
You’ll join a remote-first organisation that values clinical credibility, practical leadership, collaboration and fresh thinking. We use technology and data to support practices, cut administrative burden, and improve health outcomes — nothing more complicated than that.
About you | Ko wai koe
You’re a registered medical practitioner with a current vocational scope (GP or equivalent) and a current practising certificate, actively practising clinically — this is essential, not preferred. Beyond that, you’re a respected clinician and experienced leader who understands the realities of primary care and can build confidence across the sector.
You bring:
- Registration as a medical practitioner with a current vocational scope (GP or equivalent) and current practising certificate
- Active clinical practice
- Experience in clinical governance, quality improvement, or health system leadership
- A strong understanding of New Zealand primary care clinical governance frameworks
- The ability to build trusted relationships with clinicians, practices and sector partners
- Strong communication, sound judgement, and the confidence to lead through influence
It would be an advantage if you also have:
- Experience in a PHO or other primary care leadership role
- Knowledge of Health NZ quality frameworks and reporting requirements
- Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations within the health sector
- Experience using data and performance information to drive improvement
You’ll share our commitment to equity, to improving Māori health outcomes, and to supporting high quality care across Aotearoa.
If you don’t meet every criterion but believe you have the leadership and clinical grounding to succeed in this role, we’d still welcome your application.
Eligibility to work
Applicants must have the legal right to work in Aotearoa New Zealand at the time of appointment, and hold the professional registration and practising certification required for the role.
Ready to help shape the future of primary care? | Kua rite koe?
How to apply | Me pēhea te whakauru
If this sounds like you, apply online. No cover letter needed — just your CV. We’ll ask a small number of application questions about your interest, motivation and fit for the role.
Applications are reviewed as they come in, so early applications are encouraged.
While advertised in Auckland, this is a remote-first role. We welcome applications from clinicians based anywhere in Aotearoa New Zealand.
thePHO is committed to building a diverse workforce and an inclusive place to work, where people feel supported and respected. We welcome applications from anyone who can meet the requirements of the role, and we support flexible working arrangements.
