Primary Triage & Dispatch Manager

Ko wai mātou - About us:

Hato Hone St John has been serving New Zealanders and working to save lives since 1885. As well as providing Ambulance Services, our programmes and team of over 11,000 staff and volunteers are helping to build strong, resilient communities across the motu; supporting everyone in Aotearoa to live healthier, happier and longer lives.

He aha te tūranga - About the role:   

• People leadership role
• Operational logistics, problem solving and analytics
• Christchurch location
• Monday- Friday. 

We’re looking for a Primary Triage & Dispatch Manager to join our Integrated Operations Centre (IOC) in Christchurch. This is a unique opportunity to lead teams working at the very heart of our ambulance operations.

Primary Triage is where 111 calls are answered and triaged to ensure patients receive the right care from the start. Dispatch is where ambulance units are allocated and coordinated across the country, ensuring help gets to where it’s needed most.

In this role, you’ll lead and support four Primary Triage Managers and four Dispatch Managers, along with their watch-aligned teams of call-handlers and dispatchers.

As Primary Triage & Dispatch Manager – Christchurch, you’ll bring strong leadership skills and a passion for developing people. You’ll be responsible for delivering high-performing, high-quality services, making effective use of resources, and building a resilient, engaged workforce. Most importantly, you’ll drive continuous improvement and foster the positive culture that enables our teams to thrive.

Ko wai koe - About you:  

To be successful in this role, you will have: 

• At least 5 years Communications Centre management experience (desirable).  
• Experience in a complex performance-led environment (essential). 
• Experience in the Ambulance, emergency or health services sector (desirable).  
• Experience in operating at a strategic level. 
• Strong planning and coordination skills coupled with a genuine commitment to involve, engage and collaborate with managers/colleagues.
• Excellent and demonstrated written, oral and listening skills. 
• Knowledge and appreciation of the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application for Hato Hone St John in the community and health-care environments.

Me pēhea te tuku tono - How to apply

Click “I’m interested” before applications close on Sunday 21 September. 

For further information please contact Melanie Johnson on 027 543 5139 or [email protected] for a confidential discussion. 

At Hato Hone St John, we embrace diversity, welcoming everyone to bring their authentic selves to work. We value unique perspectives, fostering inclusivity to better serve our communities, and we’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone belongs. 

E pōhiritia nei e mātou, te whānau o Hato Hone St John, ngā rereketanga o ia tāngata ki te haramai. E āwhinatia e mātou i ngā whakaaro rereke, kia mahi pai i roto i ngā hāpori katoa. Ko ta mātou nei haepapa, kia hangaia tātahi āhuru mōwai mā tātou, kia mahi haumaru ai.

If you need accommodations for accessibility, please reach out to the recruiter listed for equitable participation in our recruitment process. 

Research shows that women and people from under-represented groups are less likely to apply for roles when their experience doesn’t match the job description perfectly. If you’re excited and think you have what it takes, we want to hear from you! Even if your experience doesn’t align 100%. Please apply or contact the recruitment advisor listed on the advertisement for a kōrero.