Manager – Policy and Strategic Support

• Visible, hands-on leader driving policy and supporting strategic direction
• Develop secondary legislation and standards for professional practice
• Central Wellington office with harbour views

About the role

Reporting to the Director of Strategy and Engagement, you’ll lead and manage the Policy and Strategic Support team at Te Kaunihera Rata o Aotearoa | Medical Council of New Zealand, supporting the development and delivery of policy and strategic programmes and initiatives.

You’ll be responsible for the development and ongoing review of secondary legislation, standards and guidelines for the professional practice and ethical conduct of doctors and physician associates (PAs). You’ll ensure projects and work programmes align with the Council’s strategic mission and priorities, while providing high-quality strategic and policy advice to guide decision-making. You will:

• Lead and contribute to policy and standards development, and project delivery
• Deliver strategic initiatives in line with the strategic plan and set clear project goals and deliverables
• Proactively manage risks, interdependencies, and quality assurance across policy and programme work
• Facilitate meaningful engagement with internal teams, senior leadership, doctors and PAs, government agencies, and sector partners.
• Represent the team in cross-organisational and sector forums
• Build strong stakeholder relationships and bring others along the journey

Supported by a small team of direct reports, you will inspire and support your team, fostering a structured, delivery-focused, solutions-oriented, and forward-thinking culture. You’ll guide your team through projects and initiatives, balancing regulatory requirements, practical considerations, and organisational priorities.

You’re a skilled policy analyst, preferably with a strong background in regulatory policy, able to turn complex information into clear insights and actionable recommendations. You excel at monitoring sector trends, spotting risks and opportunities, and ensuring policies and projects are fit-for-purpose. You thrive on supporting your team to deliver meaningful outcomes, with your work directly contributing to the Medical Council’s mission of protecting public safety and improving health equity across New Zealand.

What we’re looking for:

• Proven leadership and management experience in a policy environment, ideally in a health setting with a demonstrated commitment to protecting public safety and advancing health equity and improved health outcomes nationally
• Experience providing strategic advice at senior level and supporting executive or governance decision-making
• Strong understanding of legal and regulatory frameworks and policy documentation processes with experience in overseeing the drafting of secondary legislation and its implementation
• Strong policy development expertise, with a sound understanding of policy ethics, implementation, and impact analysis
• Effective people leadership capability, with the ability to inspire, coach, motivate, and enable high-performing teams
• Demonstrated stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills
• Strong analytical thinking and excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience leading projects and/or programmes, ensuring successful implementation and supporting stakeholders through change
• Ability to manage project scopes, plans, budgets, timelines, and deliverables, including coordinating multiple workstreams and managing risks, issues, and interdependencies
• Collaborative, adaptable, and solutions-focused, with a continuous improvement mindset
• Demonstrated understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Why join the Medical Council?

Te Kaunihera Rata o Aotearoa | Medical Council of New Zealand is a regulatory authority established under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 (HPCA Act). Its principal purpose is to ensure the health and safety of patients and protect the public interest by registering doctors, setting and promoting professional standards, monitoring competence and fitness to practise, and taking appropriate action when concerns arise.

The Council’s 100 staff enjoy a light-filled Wellington CBD office with harbour and city views, generous staff benefits, flexible working arrangements, and a welcoming and collaborative team culture. The team embraces genuine flexibility with most staff working from home two days a week, depending on their arrangements.            

If you’re a strategic, action-oriented leader who thrives on challenges, has expertise in regulatory policy, excels in policy and standards development, consultation, and project management, and is genuinely passionate about protecting public safety and advancing health equity, this is the role for you.

How to apply

Attention your CV and a cover letter to Ngan Nguyen by Tuesday 31 March 2026.           

A position description is available on our website at mclaren.co.nz or call us on 04 499 1069.

Once applications have closed, we will commence the shortlisting process, which can take up to two weeks. We will be in touch with you regarding your application during this time.    

View the position description by copying this link into your browser:  https://mclaren.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/Medical-Council-PD-Manager-Policy-Strategic-Support-17.3.2026.pdf