National Education Lead – Development

About the role

As the National Education Lead – Development, you will take a leading role in setting the direction for clinical excellence across Southern Cross Healthcare. You will design, roll out, and continually refine the Pathways to Excellence stream within the Clinical Academy, building clear and meaningful development pathways that acknowledge and reward strong clinical practice.

This national leadership position will see you guide major initiatives such as the Professional Development Recognition Programme (PDRP), career progression pathways, the SCHL Clinical Development Fund, and international certification programmes. Partnering with clinical leaders, educators, professional bodies, and internal stakeholders, you will help create modern development programmes that support workforce capability, engagement, and retention while staying aligned with organisational strategy, values, and regulatory expectations.

You will also be responsible for driving change and continuous improvement efforts that foster a culture of ongoing learning, professional excellence, and innovation across the network. This includes contributing to digital learning platform optimisation, development tracking improvements, and communication strategies that encourage participation and growth. The role is full-time, at 0.8–1 FTE, permanent, and is preferably based at the National Support Office in Auckland CBD.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic development, implementation, and ongoing enhancement of the Pathways to Excellence pillar within the Clinical Academy.
• Oversee key programmes including PDRP, career progression pathways, the SCHL Clinical Development Fund, and international certification initiatives.
• Work with clinical leaders, educators, professional bodies, and cross-organisational stakeholders to strengthen development frameworks.
• Promote innovative and future-focused approaches to learning and professional growth.
• Support change initiatives and continuous improvement across clinical development activities.
• Help improve digital learning tools, tracking systems, and communication approaches that drive engagement.
• Contribute to workforce capability, retention, and long-term clinical excellence across the organisation.

Requirements

• Background in clinical education, professional development, or workforce capability, with the ability to encourage growth and raise clinical standards.
• Experience leading large-scale or national development programmes, including PDRP, certification models, or capability-building initiatives.
• Strong understanding of regulatory and professional practice frameworks, including NCNZ and MSCNZ standards.
• Proven ability to lead change, influence stakeholders at all levels, and achieve measurable results in complex settings.
• Current registration as a health professional with an active Annual Practising Certificate.
• Postgraduate qualification in Nursing, Education, Health Leadership, or a related area; a Master’s qualification is preferred.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to align development activity to organisational goals and future workforce needs.
• Collaborative leadership style with strong relationship-building and stakeholder management skills.
• Interest in modern learning methods, digital enablement, and continuous improvement in clinical education.
• Strong programme management and delivery capability focused on high-quality, sustainable outcomes.

What we can offer

• Attractive remuneration, relocation support, and an employee referral bonus scheme.
• Funded health insurance, a broad wellbeing programme, and generous Christmas/New Year leave.
• Flexible working options and access to a Nursing Council of New Zealand-approved PDRP.
• Discounts through a range of partner offers and the chance to join the Employee Network.

Our organisation

Southern Cross Healthcare exists to improve the quality of healthcare across Aotearoa New Zealand. Its values are central to how the organisation works:

• Care First – leading with compassion and delivering genuinely human care through manaakitanga.
• Better Together – bringing people and perspectives together to achieve stronger outcomes.
• Pursue Excellence – continuously improving, innovating, and striving to do the best work possible.

Additional information

If you have particular requirements or would like to talk about the support available, you can contact the Talent Acquisition team at careers@schl.co.nz for a confidential discussion.

Join Southern Cross Healthcare and help shape better healthcare experiences and outcomes for people across Aotearoa New Zealand.