Personal Assistant to General Manager
Southern Cross Christchurch Hospital is the largest hospital within Southern Cross Healthcare’s national network and is easily accessed within central Christchurch. The hospital offers a wide range of elective surgical services including Orthopaedic, Gynaecology, Ophthalmology, Oral and Facial Maxillary, Urology, Otolaryngology (ENT), Plastic & Reconstructive, Bariatric, General, and Endoscopic surgery. With 10 theatres and 86 inpatient beds, the hospital employs over 350 highly skilled staff with over 150 Medical Specialist Partners, who are dedicated to the Southern Cross vision of helping people live their best lives by reimagining healthcare.
Mō te Tūranga | About the Role
This dynamic full-time position is the engine room of executive excellence, sitting at the heart of the General Manager’s (GM) office and the Christchurch Hospital Senior Leadership Team. As the trusted right hand to the GM, you’ll manage fast-moving priorities, coordinate high-level communications, and act as the central link between the wider business, senior leaders, and external partners. Your work keeps the hospital’s leadership operating smoothly—whether you’re optimising management systems, preparing compelling presentations, or supporting critical hospital projects and initiatives.
You’ll masterfully manage the GM’s diary using sharp foresight and exceptional organisational skills, stay on top of time-sensitive communications, and produce polished documentation for the COO and key stakeholders. You’ll also support the GM’s direct reports, maintain financial processes such as credit card reconciliations, and handle sensitive matters—including patient and employee data—with professionalism and calm confidence.
Flexibility and agility are key, as you’ll jump into new projects, track actions and record outcomes, coordinate nationwide travel and workshops across the hospital network. From ensuring seamless journeys to arranging catering, your ability to anticipate, organise, and deliver will directly enhance the performance of the entire leadership team. This role is perfect for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, loves organising and systemising, and is energised by making things happen.
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
- Proven experience as a Personal or Executive Assistant, or Administration Manager, confidently coordinating senior leaders with precision, professionalism, and positive energy.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, supported by polished presentation and a mature, friendly, and professional demeanour.
- Reliable, flexible, and highly adaptable - someone who thrives in a fast-paced, agile environment and stays calm under pressure.
- Meticulous attention to detail, excellent planning and organisational skills, and the ability to juggle competing deadlines and shifting priorities with ease.
- A proactive, solutions-focused thinker with a “can do” attitude who isn’t afraid to challenge appropriately, can receive and deliver direct communication, and make informed decisions when empowered.
- A collaborative team player with a great sense of humour, a positive presence, and the ability to lift team morale.
- Loyal and mature - Trusted to handle sensitive information and maintain complete confidentiality at all times.
Ngā mea ka taea e mātou te tuku I a koe | What we can offer you:
- Competitive Rewards: Attractive remuneration package, relocation allowance, and employee referral bonus scheme.
- Health & Wellbeing: Fully funded health insurance, a comprehensive wellbeing programme, and ability to take a long Christmas/New Year break.
- Flexibility & Growth: Flexible working arrangements and a various opportunities and funds for further education and professional development. .
- Perks & Community: Discounts from a range of partners and the opportunity to join in a variety of team events including pride walk, dragon boat racing, running groups, and many more.
Ko wai matou | Our Organisation
At Southern Cross Healthcare, our purpose is clear: to advance quality healthcare across Aotearoa New Zealand. Our values shape everything we do:
- Care First – We lead with compassion, delivering care that’s deeply human through genuine manaakitanga.
- Better Together – Collaboration is our strength. We unite diverse skills and perspectives to create better outcomes for all.
- Pursue Excellence – We strive to improve, innovate, and excel every day—never settling, always aiming to deliver our best.
Driven by a strong ‘for purpose’ ethos, we think beyond financial quarters—planning for generations to come.
If you have specific needs or would like to discuss how we can support you, please contact our Talent Acquisition team at careers@schl.co.nz for a confidential conversation.
Join us, and together, each of us can be part of something important, helping people live their best lives by reimagining healthcare.
Casey, Sterile Services Department at Southern Cross Invercargill Hospital
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Casey, Sterile Services Department at Southern Cross Invercargill Hospital