National Dietitian – Lead Nutrition Innovation in Aged Care

Bupa is seeking a National Dietitian to drive the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based nutrition and dietetic care across our 40 care homes and 36 retirement villages. This strategic role blends clinical expertise, innovation, and collaboration to ensure residents receive timely, culturally responsive, and person-centred nutritional support. 

About the Role

As National Dietitian, you’ll provide clinical leadership, support food service excellence, and champion innovation in nutrition care. You’ll work closely with the National Executive Chef, care teams, and external providers to ensure meals and nutrition services meet diverse clinical and cultural needs. You’ll also lead audits, quality improvement initiatives, and explore new services for independent living residents.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver remote and in-person nutrition support for residents on referral. 
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop and monitor individualised care plans.
• Review seasonal menus and support food service teams to meet clinical and cultural standards.
• Educate staff on hydration, texture-modified diets, and safe mealtime practices.
• Advocate for resident choice and culturally appropriate nutrition practices.
• Ensure compliance with aged care and food safety regulations.
• Analyse nutrition data to inform service improvements.
• Explore new nutrition services for retirement village residents.
• Undertake delegated clinical and quality activities from the Clinical and Quality Director.

In this newly created role, you will have the opportunity to make a difference in ensuring positive outcomes for our residents, while leading a nationally consistent approach with our dietician and nutritional services.

What You’ll Bring

• Master’s Degree in Dietetics or Nutrition and Dietetics.
• Registration with the Dietitians Board of New Zealand and current APC.
• 5+ years clinical experience, including aged care and chronic condition management.
• Experience with virtual consultations and telehealth platforms.
• Proven ability to lead services across multiple sites.
• Strong collaboration skills with chefs and food service teams.
• Skilled in education, policy development, and quality assurance.
• Commitment to culturally responsive care, especially for Māori and Pasifika residents.
• Excellent communication, digital literacy, and project management skills.

Why Join Bupa?

• Lead a national nutrition service with real impact on resident equity and wellbeing.
• Collaborate with passionate teams in a values-driven organisation.
• Drive innovation in nutrition for older people, including tech-enabled solutions.
• Work flexibly with access to clinical systems and support.
• Hybrid work environment with a mix of in-office days in Newmarket and work-from-home.
• Fully subsidised Southern Cross health insurance to our eligible permanent NZ employees and a discount on insurance cover for eligible family members.
• Wellbeing discounts and advice, EAP counselling services, study support, and cultural leave.
• Paid parental leave - in addition to standard parental leave, Bupa offers 12 weeks of paid leave for primary carers and 2 weeks for secondary carers.
• Professional Development – in-house and external training and development.
• Industry-competitive remuneration and benefits, and internal reward and recognition programmes.
• No matter who you are or where you come from, we encourage you to ‘Be You at Bupa.’

Apply now to express your interest to lead our high-quality national nutritional services for our Bupa NZ care homes. 

About Bupa

Through vision, passion, and sheer hard work, we’re now New Zealand’s largest aged care and dementia care provider. As one of New Zealand’s leading healthcare organisation we employ more than 4,000 people: we’re brave, caring, and responsible. All united by one purpose – helping people live longer, healthier, happier lives and making a better world.

Our Values | Ā mātou ūara

Brave | Māiatanga   Caring | Manaakitanga   Responsible | Haepapa

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and therefore may result in the role closing early if the right applicant is found.