Executive Fire Safety Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is the country's largest employer, delivering universal public healthcare to 5 million New Zealanders.

We provide essential hospital, specialist, and community health services across 80+ locations from large urban centres to rural towns and remote communities.

Our goal is to improve health outcomes for all New Zealanders by delivering equitable, accessible and innovative care.

About the Role

As Chief Fire Safety Officer, you will provide national leadership, coordination and strategic oversight of fire safety activity across Health New Zealand. Reporting to the Head of Infrastructure Asset Management, you will establish clear accountability and support a consistent, proactive and risk based approach across facilities, services and regions.

You will lead the development and implementation of national fire safety strategy, policy, standards and guidance that reflect legislative requirements, clinical needs and operational realities. The role will oversee fire risk and occupancy assessments across the national estate, prioritise mitigation for higher-risk facilities, strengthen assurance and reporting, and support preparedness and response to fire events.

Working closely with Infrastructure and Investment, Health and Safety, Emergency Management, and Hospital and Specialist Services teams, you will build effective governance and provide expert advice on national fire safety risks, investment and capability. You will also maintain strong relationships with external partners, including Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.

About the Team/Service/Location

The IIG team are focused on delivering high impact infrastructure investments that support the transformation of New Zealand's health system.

Giving support, oversight and assurance across projects and programmes, the team understand that safe, fit for purpose health facilities, sites and equipment are essential for a well-functioning health system that improves the health of all New Zealanders.

About you

You are a senior fire safety professional with extensive experience in fire engineering, fire risk management or a related discipline within large, complex and high risk environments. You bring the technical depth needed to lead enterprise wide or multi-site fire safety programmes and can provide clear, practical advice to executive leaders and governance groups.

Skilled in policy development, assurance, risk management and incident investigation, you can translate legislation and standards into workable national approaches. You build trusted relationships across technical, clinical and operational teams, and maintain a focus on clear accountability and consistent practice.

You will bring sound judgement, integrity and a strong commitment to health and safety, ensuring your work supports safe and effective fire safety planning for the communities we serve.

What you'll bring

• A bachelor's degree in fire engineering, fire safety engineering, engineering, building compliance, risk management or a related discipline.
• At least 10 years' experience in fire safety, fire engineering or fire risk management within large, complex and high-risk environments.
• Demonstrated experience leading enterprise-wide or multi-site fire safety programmes or assurance functions.
• Proven experience providing strategic advice to executive leadership and governance groups.
• Extensive knowledge of New Zealand fire safety legislation, standards, evacuation scheme requirements and healthcare-related compliance obligations.
• Strong capability in policy development, risk management, assurance, reporting, incident investigation and root cause analysis.
• Experience leading or influencing regional, cross-functional or matrix teams.
• The ability to develop national standards and guidance and support consistent implementation across multiple sites.
• Strong relationship management skills, including the ability to work effectively with regulators, technical specialists and operational leaders.

Working for Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community.

How to Apply

To apply please click "apply now." All applications must be submitted through our online careers' portal by 27th August 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Shannon Elder at shannon.elder@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz

We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.

Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change affected employee will be given preference and priority for this position.