Programme Manager

1 in 3. That is how many New Zealanders will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime.

At the Cancer Society of New Zealand, our vision, working together towards a future free from cancer, guides everything we do. We are here for anyone affected by cancer and work to reduce the incidence and impact of cancer through support services, advocacy, prevention, and research.

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Programme Manager to lead the national Skin Cancer Prevention Programme. This is an exciting opportunity to drive one of New Zealand's most significant cancer prevention initiatives, working alongside government, health sector leaders, and Cancer Society teams to improve health outcomes and reduce inequities across Aotearoa New Zealand.

About the role

The Programme Manager has a pivotal role in providing oversight of delivery, collaboration and a strategic review of the national components of the skin cancer programme. The programme comprises of a national campaign, partnership, evidence-based advice, and advocacy efforts that prevent skin cancer and promote the importance of early detection.

Working collaboratively across the health sector, government, and the Cancer Society, the Programme Manager ensures the programme remains a credible, evidence-based, and equity-driven voice in cancer prevention.

The role has three key focus areas: maintaining strategic oversight of the full programme planning and delivery, leading a review to inform future direction and investment and supporting the skin cancer prevention lead to deliver a government funded skin cancer prevention projects.

What you will be doing

Programme leadership and delivery

You will:

• Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight of the national skin cancer prevention programme.
• Build strong relationships with internal teams, government partners, health sector stakeholders, and Cancer Society divisions.
• Lead key sector groups, including the UV Issues Group and Monitoring and Oversight Group.
• Ensure programme activities are effectively planned, delivered, monitored, and reported on.
• Support collaboration across advocacy, evidence and policy, marketing and communications, and divisional teams to achieve shared objectives.
• Provide advice and leadership that supports evidence-based and equitable cancer prevention outcomes.

Strategic programme review

You will:

• Lead a comprehensive review of the national skin cancer prevention programme.
• Evaluate the effectiveness and future opportunities of the SunSmart Schools initiative.
• Analyse programme outcomes, evidence, and stakeholder insights to inform future investment and strategic direction.
• Develop recommendations for scalable programme delivery models aligned with different funding and investment scenarios.
• Identify future funding and investment opportunities to strengthen programme sustainability and impact.
• Ensure Te Tiriti o Waitangi and equity perspectives are embedded throughout programme planning and recommendations.

What you will bring

• Proven experience in programme management and delivery.
• Experience leading strategic reviews, evaluations, or business improvement initiatives.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
• Experience working collaboratively with government agencies, health sector organisations, or other external partners.
• Ability to interpret and apply evidence to inform strategic decision-making and recommendations.
• Understanding of public health, health promotion, the wider health system, government, or cancer prevention.
• Knowledge of marketing, communications, and the digital environment.
• Strong organisational skills with a track record of delivering complex work programmes on time and within budget.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

About you

You are:

• Passionate about improving health outcomes and reducing inequities.
• A strategic thinker who can balance long-term vision with practical delivery.
• Solutions-focused and comfortable working in complex environments.
• A strong relationship builder who values collaboration and partnership.
• An effective communicator who can engage confidently across a wide range of stakeholders.
• Adaptable, organised, and comfortable managing competing priorities.
• Committed to contributing to a positive and inclusive organisational culture.

Why join us?

At the Cancer Society, you will have the opportunity to help shape the future of skin cancer prevention in New Zealand and contribute to work that makes a meaningful difference for communities across the country.

We offer:

• Flexible working arrangements
• Five weeks annual leave
• Wellbeing support
• The opportunity to lead a nationally significant cancer prevention programme.
• A collaborative, purpose-driven, and values-based environment.
• The chance to influence future investment and strategy in skin cancer prevention.
• The opportunity to contribute to reducing cancer incidence and improving equity across Aotearoa New Zealand.

Apply now

If you are passionate about public health, partnership-based programme delivery, and creating meaningful change, we would love to hear from you.

Please submit your CV and cover letter via SEEK. For further information, contact admin@cancer.org.nz.

Apply here