AI Programme Lead

Ko wai mātou-About us:

Hato Hone St John has been serving New Zealanders since 1885. Today, we have nearly 12,000 kaimahi working across Aotearoa to enhance the health and wellbeing of our communities. From responding to 111 calls to supporting people to stay healthy through health education, access and monitoring, we make a life-changing difference every day.

He aha te tūranga -About the role: 

Join us on a 6-month fixed-term contract where you'll shape the organisation’s AI future, leading the development of our AI programme and creating the governance, roadmap, and foundations required for responsible AI adoption. Working closely with leaders, clinical, community and digital teams, you'll help identify high-value opportunities, drive innovation, and ensure AI is implemented safely, ethically, and in a way that delivers real impact for our people and communities.

While Auckland is the preferred location, we are open to this role being based in other key locations, with periodic travel as needed.

• Identify and assess AI opportunities across the business to drive innovation and operational value.
• Establish governance, risk, and responsible AI frameworks to ensure safe and ethical adoption.
• Build the foundations for successful AI implementation, including change management, capability development, and stakeholder engagement.
• Partner with leaders, clinicians, and digital teams to prepare and prioritise AI initiatives for delivery.

Ko wai koe- About you:

You’re a strategic and adaptable leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment. You enjoy bringing people together, navigating change, and turning ideas into meaningful outcomes. With a practical, positive approach and a focus on results, you’ll be excited by the opportunity to help shape the organisation’s AI journey and make a lasting impact.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Extensive experience leading enterprise-wide digital, data, or business transformation initiatives.
• Strong understanding of AI opportunities, risks, and responsible adoption.
• Proven experience in programme governance, portfolio management, and investment planning.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, with the ability to work across all levels.
• Ability to translate complex challenges into practical solutions that deliver business value.
• Relevant qualification in business, technology, data, programme management, or equivalent senior-level experience.

Me pēhea te tuku tono - How to apply

Click “I’m interested” before applications close onSunday 25th October 2026

For further information please contactAnita Teague anita.teague@stjohn.org.nz for a confidential discussion.

At Hato Hone St John, we embrace diversity, welcoming everyone to bring their authentic selves to work. We value unique perspectives, fostering inclusivity to better serve our communities, and we’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone belongs.

E pōhiritia nei e mātou, te whānau o Hato Hone St John, ngā rerekētanga o ia tāngata ki te haramai. E āwhinatia e mātou I ngā whakaaro rerekē, kia mahi pai I roto I ngā hāpori katoa. Ko tā mātou nei haepapa, kia hanga tētahi āhuru mōwai mā tatou, kia mahi haumaru ai.

If you need accommodations for accessibility, please reach out to the recruiter listed for equitable participation in our recruitment process.

Research shows that women and people from under-represented groups are less likely to apply for roles when their experience doesn’t match the job description perfectly. If you’re excited and think you have what it takes, we want to hear from you! Even if your experience doesn’t align 100%. Please apply or contact the recruitment advisor listed on the advertisement for a kōrero.