National Manager
Professional Advisory Services
CANDIDATE INFORMATION PACK
Enable New Zealand
Executive Summary
- Lead a nationally recognised team of allied health professionals and specialist advisors, shaping professional practice across New Zealand's disability sector.
- Influence the future of disability services through innovation, strategic leadership and the thoughtful application of technology and AI.
- Join an organisation with genuine purpose, improving outcomes for disabled people and their whānau while contributing to one of Aotearoa's most important community services.
The Opportunity
This is an opportunity to redefine a nationally important leadership role.
Enable New Zealand (NZ) is entering an exciting period of organisational evolution, creating an opportunity for an experienced senior leader to shape the future of Professional Advisory Services and influence how disability support services are delivered across Aotearoa.
Reporting to the Chief Operations Officer, you will build on strong professional and clinical foundations while leading a national team through a period of growth, innovation and continuous improvement. This role requires a leader who can inspire and develop people, identify future opportunities, and help position the service to respond to changing customer, funder and sector needs.
Leading a national team of professional advisors, you will strengthen capability, foster collaboration, support the adoption of new technologies and ways of working, and ensure Professional Advisory Services continues to deliver high-quality, customer-centred outcomes while contributing to Enable's long-term success.
If you're energised by transformation, enjoy challenging conventional thinking, and want to make a meaningful impact on the future of disability services, this is a rare leadership opportunity.
The Role
As National Manager – Professional Advisory Services, you'll provide strategic leadership to Enable's national professional advisory function, shifting the focus from day-to-day professional oversight to organisational leadership, service innovation and future capability.
Working across the organisation, you'll identify opportunities to improve efficiency, redesign ways of working and strengthen organisational performance while ensuring professional advice continues to support high-quality outcomes for disabled people and their whānau.
You'll work closely with colleagues to drive organisational priorities, support commercial growth, lead change across geographically dispersed teams and build a culture that embraces continuous improvement, innovation and technology-enabled service delivery.
This is a highly influential leadership role for someone who enjoys looking beyond today's challenges to create tomorrow's opportunities.
The Candidate
We're seeking an accomplished senior leader with experience leading transformational change within complex health, disability or human services environments.
While an allied health background, (particularly Occupational Therapy or Physiotherapy), is highly regarded, we're equally interested in leaders who have successfully moved beyond professional practice into enterprise leadership.
You'll be recognised for your ability to inspire people through change, bring clarity to complexity and create high-performing teams that are engaged, adaptable and future-focused.
Above all, you'll be excited by the opportunity to challenge traditional ways of working, leverage innovation and technology to improve services, and contribute to the continued growth and evolution of one of New Zealand's most respected disability organisations.
For a confidential discussion, please get in touch with:
We invite you to discuss this exceptional leadership opportunity with Pete Carter from the HardyGroup.
M. +61 0448 729 077 | E. pcarter@hardygroupintl.com
Under the Human Rights Act 1993 discrimination based on disability is unlawful. Enable New Zealand Limited will make all reasonable efforts to provide a safe and healthy workplace for all, including persons with disability. Please let Pete Carter know if any of our processes pose a barrier for you, or if there is any support or assistance that would facilitate your participation in the application process.
ENABLE NZ
About Us
Enable NZ is the leading supplier of disability equipment, information and modifications services in Aotearoa New Zealand.
In 2025, Enable NZ provided disability equipment and services to over 170,000 New Zealanders. These services help people remain with their families and connect with their communities.
See the website link below for more information about what we do. https://www.enable.co.nz/about-us/what-we-do
Our locations
Enable NZ operates primarily out of our four locations:
- Head Office (Palmerston North)
- Refurbishment Centre (Palmerston North)
- Refurbishment Centre (Christchurch)
- Refurbishment Centre (Hamilton)
Enable NZ’s Key Services
- DSS-MSD Equipment and Modification Service
(all areas south of the Bombay Hills) - ACC Managed Rehabilitation Equipment Services and Housing Modifications Service
throughout New Zealand - Disability Information and Advice
- Children’s Spectacle Subsidy (all areas)
- Hearing Aids Service (all areas)
- Palliative Care Equipment Service
(Canterbury DHB region)
Role Specification
The National Manager Professional Advisory Services provides national leadership of Enable NZ’s professional advisory functions, ensuring advice is consistent, high quality, evidence-based, and aligned with organisational objectives and funder expectations. The role:
- Leads and develops professional advisory teams to ensure the right capability, capacity, and expertise.
- Ensures efficient, equitable, and sustainable service delivery.
- Establishes and maintains professional standards, frameworks, and guidance.
- Provides expert advice on complex, high-risk, and high-cost matters.
- Oversees professional education, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement.
- Contributes professional expertise to organisational policy and strategic insights.
- Drives efficiency, innovation, automation, and the responsible use of emerging technologies to support organisational growth and adaptability.
Strategic Leadership
- Provide national leadership of Professional Advisory Services.
- Participate in organisational strategic and business planning.
- Develop and deliver the Professional Advisory Services Annual Plan.
- Contribute professional expertise to organisational strategy, policy, and service development.
Professional Advisory Management
- Establish professional standards, frameworks, and guidance.
- Act as the organisation’s senior professional authority.
- Provide expert advice on complex, high-risk, or high-cost matters.
- Ensure service quality, consistency, and evidence-based practice.
People Leadership
- Lead and develop a high-performing team.
- Manage performance, capability development, coaching, and mentoring.
- Ensure appropriate workforce capability, capacity, and succession planning.
- Contribute to Operations leadership team decision-making.
Stakeholder and Relationship Management
- Build strong relationships across Enable New Zealand.
- Maintain partnerships with funders and contracted providers.
- Manage issues affecting organisational reputation, credibility, and stakeholder confidence.
Business and Financial Management
- Support contract performance and value for money.
- Develop and monitor business plans, service plans, and budgets.
- Identify opportunities for service enhancement and growth.
- Ensure efficient allocation of resources.
Continuous Improvement and Innovation
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives.
- Use data and evidence to identify risks and opportunities.
- Drive innovation, process improvement, automation, and scalable service models.
Reporting and Governance
- Provide regular reporting to the Chief Operations Officer.
- Ensure data collection and reporting requirements are met.
- Provide expert professional and policy advice when required.
Health, Safety, Wellbeing and Equity
- Promote compliance with health and safety requirements.
- Apply Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and equity considerations in practice.
- Support a safe and inclusive workplace.
View the associated key responsibilities, and the required skills, experience and knowledge in the Position Description.
Qualifications and Experience
- Minimum 3+ years in a leadership role.
- New Zealand registered allied health professional with a current and/or recent practising certificate. (Desirable)
- Experience working with people with disabilities, preferably in community settings.
- Strong knowledge of assistive technology and disability support services.
- Understanding of environmental support eligibility and rehabilitation services.
- Broad knowledge of specialised assessor roles.
- Knowledge and understanding of bicultural issues.
- Practical experience using integrated business systems.
Skills and Attributes
- Strong commitment to quality and customer service.
- Excellent leadership and people management capability.
- Strong time management and organisational skills.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
- Relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and influencing skills.
1. Strategic Leadership and Innovation
Proven ability to think strategically, identify future opportunities and drive innovation, including the adoption of technology, automation or AI to improve organisational capability, efficiency and service delivery.
2. People Leadership
An inspirational and authentic people leader with a track record of building high-performing teams, developing capability and creating a culture of engagement, accountability and continuous improvement.
3. Transformational Leadership
Demonstrated success leading significant organisational or service transformation, including redesigning services, improving organisational performance and successfully leading people through change.
4. Commercial and Operational Acumen
Demonstrated ability to improve organisational performance through sound operational leadership, strategic resource management and identifying opportunities for sustainable growth and service innovation.
5. Organisational Influence and Stakeholder Engagement
Exceptional relationship-building and influencing skills, with experience working collaboratively across leadership teams, government agencies, funders and key sector partners.
6. Health and Disability Sector Experience
Strong understanding of New Zealand's health and disability sectors and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments. An allied health background is desirable but not essential.
The National Manager Professional Advisory Services reports directly to the Chief Operations Officer (COO).
Internal:
- Chief Operations Officer
- Enable New Zealand managers and people leaders
- Operations and clinical staff
- Finance team
External:
- Disability Support Services (Ministry of Social Development)
- Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC)
- Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora
- Peak body organisations
- Professional body organisations
- Contracted partners and service providers
To be discussed with HG consultant
Service Location: Palmerston North Office
The closing date for applications is Wednesday, 12th August 2026
The reference number to include in your application is H26_5552
Note: Please use the online platform to submit your application. It will not be accepted via email.
If you require assistance in submitting your application online, please get in touch with Executive Search Coordinator, Aldie Zuñiga: M: +61 (0)49 410 1082 / E: azuniga@hardygroupintl.com
Your application must include:
- Cover letter addressed to the Principal Consultant;
- A written response addressing the key selection criteria; and
- An up to date copy of your Curriculum Vitae.
It Is standard practice for HardyGroup to acknowledge receipt of your application no later than the next business day. We request that if you do not receive the acknowledgement, you contact the search coordinator listed above as soon as possible after the 24-hour business period and arrange to resend your application if necessary.
For a confidential discussion, please contact:
Pete Carter
HG Principal Consultant
M. +61 (0)448 729 077 | M. +64 (0)27 287 5937
E. pcarter@hardygroupintl.com
LIVING AND WORKING IN PALMERSTON NORTH
Palmerston North is home to approximately 91,00 people (according to the Stats NZ 2025 census data), making it New Zealand’s eighth largest urban area by population. Palmerston North offers a relaxed urban lifestyle coupled with a strong sense of community and is often described as having the ideal combination of vibrant city life and incredibly accessible rural activities.
Often referred to as "Palmy" by the locals, Palmerston North is known for its fresh green landscapes and a friendly, laid-back vibe. A growing cultural scene, the lovely network of parks and gardens and cycleways, and student-centric nightlife make it a popular spot for both residents and visitors.
Where Is Palmerston North Located?
Palmerston North is located in the Manawatū-Whanganui region of the lower North Island of New Zealand. Nestled in the Manawatu plains, Palmerston North’s central location makes it a strategic hub for access to both the west and east coasts, as well as being a convenient stop for travel between Wellington and Auckland.
Cost Of Living In Palmerston North
Is it expensive to live in Palmerston North? Compared to larger cities like Auckland and Wellington, Palmerston North generally offers more affordable housing both for renters and buyers. Average daily living costs are broadly similar to the rest of New Zealand.
Essential services such as electricity and internet are readily available with a range of providers and plans. These services are typically charged at comparable rates across New Zealand.
Palmerston North Demographics
The average age of people living in Palmerston North is approximately 32.7 years (median age according to the Palmerston North City Council). Slightly younger than the national median age of 38.1. This is potentially influenced by the city's significant student population.
Palmerston North is a diverse city with a mix of ethnicities, reflecting New Zealand's multicultural population. Major ethnic groups include European, Māori, Asian, and Pacific Peoples, among others.
Palmerston North Weather And Climate
Palmerston North experiences mild to warm summers and cool winters in general. Summers typically see average temperatures ranging from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius, with occasional hotter days.
Winters are generally cooler, with average temperatures usually between 8 and 15 degrees Celsius, with low fog and mist common in the middle of winter. The nearby Tararua Range sees snowfall during winter months, but snow on the ground in Palmy is rare.
Education Services In Palmerston North
Palmerston North is well-regarded for its educational opportunities. The New Zealand primary and secondary education system is freely available to residents, and there are also a number of reputable private schools in the city.
Higher education is a big part of the Palmerston North community because the city is home to Massey University, a prominent New Zealand university with a strong focus on agriculture, science, and veterinary medicine. Other tertiary institutions, such as Universal College of Learning (UCOL), also provide a wide range of vocational and technical training options, making Palmerston North a key educational hub in the lower North Island.
Top 5 Things To Do In Palmerston North
Living and working in Palmerston North means you have instant access to all the great activities in the area. Here are our top 5 things to do in Palmerston North!
Victoria Esplanade. Centrally located, the Victoria Esplanade is an extensive park that covers over 100 hectares and offers a wide range of recreational activities, including walking and cycling paths, a miniature railway, a nature conservatory, and beautiful gardens, making it a popular spot for both residents and visitors.
NZ Rugby Museum. One of Palmerston North’s most famous claims to fame is the New Zealand Rugby Museum. A testament to the region's rugby focus, the museum offers insight into the history of the sport and a collection of some of the world’s rarest rugby artefacts.
Art Art And More Art! Continuing your cultural immersion, Palmerston North is also home to a variety of art galleries, including the Zimmerman Art Gallery, as well as several heritage collections and even a liberal sprinkling of urban street art, which you can find across the area.
Wildbase Recovery Centre. Admission to the Central Energy Trust Wildbase Recovery Centre is free! The centre highlights local native wildlife that have been recently rehabilitated at the nearby treatment facility at Massey University. You will find multiple aviaries to explore which include four rehabilitation, two breeding and one walkthrough.
Arapuke Forest Mountain Bike Park. For a slightly more adventurous outdoor experience, you can head out to the Arapuke Forest Mountain Bike Park, located just over 10km from the city. Once there, you have access to more than 30km of single track from grade 2-6 with a variety of trail types including flow, jumps, technical and extreme.
Healthcare Facilities In Palmerston North
The district catchment for Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora MidCentral covers the Manawatū, Horowhenua, Tararua, and Ōtaki regions, serving a population of over 190,000 people. Most of these residents are concentrated within the Palmerston North urban area and its immediate surrounds.
The primary healthcare facility for the region – the Palmerston North Hospital - includes a dedicated Intensive Care Unit, Coronary Artery Unit and Neonatal Unit as well as one of the largest trauma centres in New Zealand. In recent years, Palmerston North Hospital has undergone various upgrades and developments to enhance its facilities and services for the growing population. The hospital is a teaching centre and is linked with both the Auckland and Otago medical schools.
Health NZ MidCentral also operates several smaller rural health centres and community initiatives throughout the district. Health services provided include a focus on Māori and Pasifika health, general medical and surgical services, older persons' health and rehabilitation, specialist mental health services, and women's and children's health services.
Working In Palmerston North
Palmerston North offers a welcoming environment to newbies along with a stable job market, making it an excellent city for those considering full or part-time employment, no matter the industry. For health professionals, the hospital and community health services frequently have roles available across different specialties.
Beyond healthcare, Palmerston North's job opportunities are pretty diverse, with a wide variety of roles available in education, research, agriculture, manufacturing, and the service sectors. Massey University and the various research institutions in the area provide promising professional opportunities too. Jobs within national organisations as well as smaller local businesses provide a range of career pathways for individuals and families relocating to the city.
ABOUT US
HardyGroup’s (HG) mission is simple
Find and Grow Great Leaders - and we have been doing exactly that for more than 30 years in public and private health, primary, community and aged care as well as the broader public service.
Our synergistic business model of Executive Search and Recruitment integrated with Executive Leadership and Learning is our unique point of difference.
It ensures our clients can count on us for the lifecycle of their organisations leadership journey and why we are regarded as the leading trans-Tasman partner agency by clients.
When engaging HG you can be confident in a deeply personalised experience and service as nothing matters more to us than relationships and results.