13th March, 2026
About Pohlen Hospital
Pohlen Hospital is a respected, 100% community‑owned charitable trust that has served the Matamata district for more than 60 years. Established through the extraordinary generosity of Arthur Edward Pohlen, the hospital was built as a gift to the people, a legacy that continues to guide our purpose and our commitment to exceptional, person-directed care.
Today, Pohlen Hospital provides:
• Hospital-level care
• A trusted maternity service
• Respite and transitional care
• Tenanted specialist and allied health services, enhancing access for the wider community
We are proud to be the only not-for-profit health service of our kind in Matamata, reinvesting surplus funds directly into improving care, facilities and community outcomes.
Pohlen Hospital is governed by the Pohlen Hospital Trust Board, supported by the Pohlen Foundation Trust, which ensures long-term sustainability, supports capital development and strengthens community partnerships. Together, they provide strong, connected, future-minded leadership and are driven by core values of Compassion / Te Aroha, Respect / Te Whakaute, Stewardship / Te Kaitiakitanga, Hospitality / Te Manaakitanga, Innovation / Te Tangongitanga and Teamwork / Te Mahi Tahi.
About the Role
This is a senior executive leadership role with responsibility for the overall strategic, operational and financial performance of Pohlen Hospital, with a strong emphasis on community relationships. Accountable to the Trust Board through the Chair, the General Manager provides strong, visible leadership across all services, ensuring safe, high‑quality care, financial sustainability, regulatory compliance and a strong profile for the hospital within both the community and the wider health sector. The role carries accountability for an annual operating and capital budget of approximately $5 million and operates within Board-approved delegations of authority.
Key focus areas include:
- Implementing the Trust Board’s strategic vision
- Lead the operational, financial and strategic performance of the hospital
- Lead and support a high-performing senior management team
- Ensuring safe, high-quality, person-directed care and strong clinical governance assurance
- Ensure regulatory compliance with all legislative, quality and audit requirements
- Positive engagement with staff, residents, whānau, iwi, regulators, funders and community partners
- Promote and uphold Pohlen Hospital’s profile across the community and health sector
What We’re Looking For You are a seasoned senior leader with the capability, credibility and confidence to lead a complex health service in a highly regulated environment. You bring strong strategic and financial acumen, a deep commitment to person-directed care and the ability to balance compassion with commercial realism.
- A relevant tertiary qualification, with commitment to ongoing professional development
- Minimum 5 years’ senior leadership experience in a hospital, health, or aged‑care environment
- Proven operational, financial and people leadership capability
- Experience working effectively with Boards, funders, regulators and community stakeholders
- Strong understanding of clinical governance, quality systems, health & safety and risk management
- Knowledge of person-directed care models and their operational application
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Demonstrated interpersonal skills and the ability to build, nurture and develop positive relationships with all connections and stakeholders
- Understanding of Tikanga Māori and commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi
- A leadership style that is collaborative, credible and values-driven
Desirable
- Postgraduate qualification in management or leadership
- Experience in a community-based, or not‑for‑profit health services
Why This Role Matters This is a rare opportunity to lead a deeply respected hospital with a proud history and make a significant contribution to the community. You will:
- Lead a values-driven organisation with a strong community focus
- Make a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of residents, families and staff
- Lead a dedicated and loyal team in a warm, community‑centred environment
- Shape the future direction of a respected and evolving community hospital
How to Apply If this opportunity excites you, please apply by uploading your CV and a cover letter outlining why you’re the right person to lead Pohlen Hospital. For confidential discussion call Linley Steele on 021 837 123. Only applicants with the legal right to work in New Zealand will be considered.
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