Director Addictions and Health

• Lead strategic & operational delivery of addiction & health services nationally
• Manage and support teams at Bridge Centres, Hauora Health, and MVE services
• Join a values-driven organisation making a real difference in people’s lives

About the role

The Salvation Army manages a range of social services nationally within its overall Social Mission team. The Addictions and Health stream is responsible for providing services to vulnerable people seeking help for addiction and health concerns through their networks of Bridge Centres (treatment for Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) addiction), their Multi-Venue Exclusions (MVE) team, and their Hauora Health Service.

We are seeking a visionary and experienced leader with a background in addictions or health management to provide strategic leadership and operational management across the Addictions and Health service stream nationally, including support for Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga.

Reporting to the Social Mission Stream Lead, you’ll lead a dynamic team, fostering service excellence, partnership with funders, and holistic mission-driven care. This role combines strategic leadership, contract management, innovation in service delivery, and cross-sector collaboration to advance The Salvation Army’s commitment to hope, wholeness, and transformation.

This full-time, permanent role can be based in any New Zealand location accessible to a main airport, with Wellington or Auckland preferred.

This role is considered a ministry position for The Salvation Army requiring Christian faith, practice and leadership.

What you’ll do

• Provide strategic direction for all Addictions and Health services aligned to The Salvation Army’s mission and strategic goals
• Lead, coach, and support Centre Directors and service leaders across multiple locations nationwide
• Oversee service quality, contract compliance, financial stewardship, and risk management
• Build and maintain strong relationships with government, funders, and sector partners
• Champion bi-cultural practices and ensure services honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• Drive innovation, growth, and workforce development within the Addictions and Health stream
• Represent The Salvation Army on national forums and contribute to social mission leadership

What we’re looking for

• Proven success in leading the delivery of complex addiction or health social services
• Relevant tertiary qualification in Addictions, Health, Counselling, Management or related fields
• Strong executive management skills with the ability to lead diverse, multi-site teams
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement abilities
• High cultural competency and commitment to bicultural partnership and Te Tiriti principles
• Strategic thinker with strong organisational and financial management skills
• Commitment to The Salvation Army’s values and holistic mission approach

Candidates should be adaptable, energetic, self-motivated and committed to The Salvation Army’s mission of ‘caring for people, transforming lives and reforming society’

Why join The Salvation Army?

For over 150 years, The Salvation Army has been a beacon of hope and transformation. Their Addictions and Health services provide vital support to vulnerable communities across New Zealand and the Pacific.

This is your chance to lead a compassionate, innovative, and courageous team dedicated to changing lives every day. You’ll help shape the future of addiction and health services nationally and be at the forefront of strategic leadership, service innovation, and holistic mission delivery.

How to apply

Send your CV and a cover letter to Kirsty McLaren by Sunday 31 August 2025.

A position description is available on our website at mclaren.co.nz or call us on 04 499 1069.

Once applications have closed, we will commence the shortlisting process, which can take up to two weeks. We will be in touch with you regarding your application during this time.

View the position description by copying this link into your browser: https://mclaren.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/TSA-PD-Director-Addictions-and-Health-8.8.25.pdf