Nurse Lead

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University of Auckland is seeking a Nurse Lead to provide clinical leadership and operational oversight for the UHCS nursing team as part of the Senior Leadership Team. This role blends hands-on clinical practice with people leadership, covering acute assessment, immunisations, chronic disease management, mental health support and health screening, while driving clinical governance and quality improvement in a culturally responsive way. Key to success will be mentoring staff, strengthening workforce planning and collaborating across teams to deliver integrated, equitable care aligned with Te Tiriti o Waitangi. 37.5 hours per week, permanent; salary $98,700 to $121,900 pro rata. Apply online with a CV and cover letter by 21 July 2026; highlight governance leadership and equity in your cover letter.

Company Description

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

Within Te Kāhu Tauira | Student & Scholarly Services, the University Health and Counselling Service (UHCS) provides high-quality, accessible healthcare and wellbeing support to students across the University. Our multidisciplinary team is committed to delivering exceptional care, promoting wellbeing, and helping students thrive throughout their university journey.

Job Description

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

We are seeking an experienced and inspiring Nurse Lead to provide clinical leadership and operational oversight for our dedicated nursing team.

This is an exciting opportunity to combine hands-on clinical practice with people leadership in a purpose-driven healthcare environment. As Nurse Lead, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping the delivery of high-quality primary healthcare services while supporting and developing a team of skilled nurses committed to improving student health and wellbeing.

Working as a key member of the UHCS Senior Leadership Team, you'll help drive clinical excellence, champion continuous improvement, and contribute to strategic initiatives that enhance healthcare delivery across the service. You'll work collaboratively with our Medical Lead, Counselling Lead, and General Manager to ensure students receive integrated, equitable, and culturally responsive care.

If you're passionate about leadership, quality improvement, and creating positive health outcomes for young people, this is a fantastic opportunity to make a meaningful impact within one of New Zealand's leading universities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing clinical leadership, professional supervision, and day-to-day coordination for the UHCS nursing team
• Delivering high-quality nursing care, including acute assessment, immunisations, long-term condition management, mental health support, and health screening
• Leading clinical governance, quality improvement initiatives, and promoting evidence-based, culturally responsive practice
• Contributing to strategic planning and service development as a member of the Senior Leadership Team
• Mentoring, coaching, and developing nursing staff while fostering a collaborative and high-performing team culture
• Supporting workforce planning, recruitment, performance development, and operational coordination of the nursing service
• Building strong partnerships across multidisciplinary teams and with external healthcare providers to deliver seamless, student-centred care
• Championing equity, Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles, and initiatives that improve access and health outcomes for diverse student communities

This is a unique opportunity to influence the future of student healthcare while continuing to deliver meaningful clinical care in a supportive and collaborative environment.

This is a full-time role, 37.5 hours per week, on a permanent contract. The remuneration is $98,700 - $121,900 per annum (pro rata), depending on skills and experience.

For more information, please review the Position Description.

He kōrero mōu | About you

You are an experienced Registered Nurse and confident clinical leader who is passionate about delivering exceptional healthcare and empowering others to succeed.

You bring strong leadership capability, sound clinical judgement, and a collaborative approach to working with multidisciplinary teams. You enjoy mentoring and developing others, driving service improvements, and creating positive experiences for both patients and colleagues.

Most importantly, you're committed to delivering equitable, culturally responsive care and are motivated by the opportunity to improve the health and wellbeing of a diverse student community.

Ngā pūkenga motuhake | Important skills and experience

• Current New Zealand Registered Nurse Annual Practising Certificate and postgraduate nursing qualification
• At least five years' post-registration clinical experience, ideally within primary care or general practice
• Demonstrated leadership experience in a clinical environment, including mentoring and developing teams
• Strong understanding of clinical governance, quality improvement, and patient-centred care
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and stakeholder management skills
• A commitment to equity, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and culturally responsive healthcare

The following would be beneficial:

• Authorised Vaccinator, Qualified Cervical Smear Taker, or Nurse Prescriber credentials
• Experience working within student health, youth health, or university healthcare services
• Experience leading quality improvement initiatives or accreditation programmes

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

The University of Auckland provides a supportive, people-centred working environment where your wellbeing and professional development are genuinely valued. As part of our team, you’ll enjoy:

• Flexible employment practices
• Up to 6.75% employer superannuation contribution
• Five weeks’ annual leave
• A wide range of professional development opportunities
• Generous parental leave provisions
• Access to staff discounts, recreation facilities, wellbeing initiatives, and discounted parking
• The opportunity to combine clinical practice with leadership in a rewarding university healthcare environment
• The chance to make a lasting impact on the health, wellbeing, and success of thousands of students

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications must be submitted online to be considered. Please submit your application by 21 July 2026. Please include your cover letter and CV outlining how your skills and experience align with this role.

For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Tania Abernethy-Jones - [email protected].

Please note that applications sent via email will not be accepted.

Additional Information

Equity

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment.  For further information on services for Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQIATakatāpuiMVPFAFF+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other personal circumstances go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz