Care Home Manager | Dementia & Psychogeriatric Care

About the organisation

Our client is an established national aged care provider entering an exciting chapter of growth. Their recently announced agreement to acquire another provider will expand their network to 55 care homes and 28 retirement villages, making them New Zealand’s second-largest aged care provider.

This brings greater scale, capability and opportunities to support older New Zealanders. For you, it means access to a broad network of expertise and resources, while leading a home with an important role in its local community.

About the role

This 69-bed Hastings care home provides specialist dementia and psychogeriatric care across three secure wings. Its residents need more than well-managed services. They need a leader who understands complex care, champions dignity and helps staff respond with patience, confidence and compassion.

The vacancy follows a previous manager’s internal promotion to another facility in the region. You’ll have an experienced colleague nearby who knows the home and its community. Together, you’ll support a continuum of care for residents as their needs change.

Reporting to the Regional Manager and working closely with the Clinical Service Manager, you’ll oversee the home’s people, operations, quality and financial performance.

Growing occupancy is a key priority. You’ll build strong relationships with referral partners and help families feel informed and supported when considering specialist care for their loved one.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting person and whānau centred care that respects residents’ individuality, preferences and dignity.
• Leading and developing staff working with complex cognitive, mental health and behavioural needs.
• Building relationships with needs assessment teams, hospital services, psychogeriatric specialists, GPs and community partners.
• Managing enquiries, referrals and admissions to improve occupancy and ensure appropriate placements.
• Overseeing budgets, staffing, rosters and resources without compromising care quality.
• Working alongside clinical leadership on quality improvement, risk management, audit readiness and compliance.
• Maintaining a visible, responsive presence for residents, whānau and staff.

About you

This role calls for someone who understands the responsibility - and the privilege of leading specialist dementia and psychogeriatric care.

You’ll bring calm judgement, emotional maturity and the ability to support people through challenging situations. You’ll recognise that a resident’s behaviour can communicate an unmet need, and help your team respond thoughtfully and respectfully.

A Registered Nurse background is preferred. Experienced non-clinical care home managers will also be considered, provided they bring a strong understanding of this specialist environment and work confidently alongside clinical leaders.

You’ll also offer:

• Leadership experience in dementia, psychogeriatric or a closely related complex care setting.
• Strong people management skills, including coaching, performance management and team development.
• Commercial acumen and confidence managing budgets and improving occupancy.
• The ability to build referral networks and maintain stakeholder confidence.
• Sensitive, clear communication with families navigating difficult decisions.
• A commitment to culturally responsive care, resident wellbeing and staff safety.

Benefits

• Attractive salary package and incentives circa $140k
• Monday - Friday roster with some flexibility and on-call responsibilities as required.
• Support from an experienced clinical team, regional leadership and national specialists.
• Local support
• Opportunities for development within a growing national organisation.
• Discounts with a range of leading retailers.
• An Immigration New Zealand Accredited Employer.
• A rewarding leadership role in Hawke’s Bay.

Bring your experience to a home where it matters.

For a copy of the Job Description, or a confidential conversation, please contact Jeanette Rendle, Agency Director RWR Health ph 027 705 7079