Business Development Manager
Hamilton or Rotorua
Grow partnerships. Shape healthcare. Make a real difference.
Mō te Tūranga | About the Role
As our Business Development Manager, you'll play a pivotal role in driving the future growth of Southern Cross Healthcare, building strong partnerships that expand our specialist network and strengthen the clinical and commercial success of our hospitals. This is a unique opportunity for someone with a deep understanding of New Zealand's private healthcare sector who thrives on building trusted relationships with specialists, funders, and healthcare leaders. Working closely with General Managers, Hospital CEOs, and key stakeholders, you'll identify new growth opportunities, attract high-value specialists, develop innovative clinical pathways, and help shape the future of private healthcare across New Zealand.
From growing specialist market share and supporting the success of private practices to leading strategic commercial initiatives and strengthening funder partnerships, you'll have a direct impact on both patient outcomes and business performance. You'll oversee the specialist journey from initial engagement through to long-term retention, deliver networking and education events that enhance Southern Cross Healthcare's profile, leverage CRM insights and performance data to identify new opportunities, and collaborate across the business to maximise theatre utilisation, optimise revenue, and ensure our hospitals remain the destination of choice for specialists and patients alike. This is a full-time permanent position based in either Rotorua or Hamilton.
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
- Proven experience in business development, commercial leadership, specialist engagement, or the private healthcare sector.
- The ability to build trusted relationships and influence specialists, funders, and senior healthcare leaders.
- Strong commercial acumen with an understanding of healthcare funding models and revenue growth.
- Outstanding communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the confidence to work across both clinical and commercial environments.
- Experience using CRM systems and data to drive performance, identify opportunities, and support strategic decision-making.
- A sound understanding of the New Zealand private healthcare landscape, specialist practice models, and referral pathways would be highly regarded.
- A clinical background or experience working closely with clinicians, along with knowledge of public-private funding models, would be an advantage.
- Experience engaging registrars, fellows, or early-career specialists, and delivering specialist education or networking initiatives, would be beneficial.
- A tertiary qualification in health sciences, business, or a related discipline, along with a current New Zealand driver's licence.
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: Funded health insurance, a comprehensive wellbeing programme, and generous Christmas/New Year breaks.
- Flexibility & Growth: Flexible working arrangements and a Nursing Council of New Zealand-approved PDRP.
- Perks & Community: Discounts from a range of partners and the opportunity to join our Employee Network.
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.
We’re proud to bring together over 4,000 skilled professionals—including 2,000 nurses and anaesthetic technicians—working alongside more than 1,200 specialists, surgeons, anaesthetists, and allied health experts. Together, we’re one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest and most trusted healthcare providers.
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.
Haere mai, ā, mā te mahi tahi ka whai wāhi ki tētahi mea whai take, ka āwhina i ngā tāngata ki te whai oranga mā te whakaaro anō ki te tautiaki hauora
Join us, and together, each of us can be part of something important, helping people live their best lives by reimagining healthcare.