Chief Operating Officer
CANDIDATE INFORMATION PACK
Women's and Children's
Health Network
The Women's and Children's Health Network acknowledges Aboriginal people as the First Peoples and Traditional Custodians of Country throughout South Australia. We acknowledge and respect their ongoing and deep spiritual connection and relationship to land, air, sea, waters, community and country. We pay our respect their Elders past, present and emerging.
Executive Summary
- A rare opportunity to be part of a progressive and innovative leadership team at the forefront of an exciting transformation as we progress towards the new Women’s and Children’s Hospital
- Lead person-centred healthcare provision for women, babies, children and young people that puts consumers and community at the centre of everything we do
- Live and work in one of the world’s most liveable cities with beautiful beaches, wine regions and cultural and sporting events
The Opportunity
The Women’s and Children’s Health Network (WCHN) in South Australia is looking for a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join the Executive team. WCHN puts consumers and community at the centre of everything and works in partnership with consumers, families, the community and other service providers to promote, maintain and restore the health of all consumers in our care.
The Network is South Australia’s leading provider of specialty care and health services for women, babies, children and young people, and their families. Services include Aboriginal Health Services, Child and Adolescent Mental health Service, Child and Family Health Service, Child Protection Service, 3D Health (Disability), Health and Recovery Trauma Safety Services (including Metropolitan Youth Service, Cedar Health Service and Yarrow Place Rape and Sexual Assault Service) and the Women’s and Children’s Hospital. The new Women’s and Children’s Hospital is currently being constructed with the first sod having been turned in April 2024. It is due for completion in 2030-2031.
At the Women's and Children's Health Network, we recognise that our greatest asset is our people. We are committed to fostering an environment where both clinical, team and leadership capabilities are developed to the highest standards. We prioritise the continuous development of our staff, ensuring access to ongoing education, professional growth opportunities, and support for career advancement.
Our commitment extends beyond professional growth to the wellbeing of our staff. We understand that a healthy and supported workforce is crucial to delivering the best possible care to our patients and communities.
Through these efforts, we aim to build a skilled, motivated and well workforce that thrives within a culture of collaboration, respect, and compassion—ensuring that our staff not only excel in their roles but also feel valued and supported in their professional journey.
Adelaide is one of the world’s most liveable cities, perfectly positioned just a short drive from some of Australia’s most unique, globally-renowned regions, and South Australia is one of the more affordable places to live and work in Australia.
The Role
The COO is an Executive position reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) accountable for operational performance and clinical service delivery across the network. The COO leads a high-performing team with responsibility for ensuring that services deliver integrated, consumer-centred care in alignment with the Network’s strategic goals.
Focused on driving cohesive leadership and upholding high standards in both corporate and clinical governance, the COO fosters a culture of quality, accountability, and innovation. This role involves service planning and commissioning efforts to improve healthcare access, care integration, and quality outcomes for women, children, and their families. The COO ensures efficient resource management, capacity planning, and high standards of performance.
The Candidate
The perfect candidate for this role will demonstrate the broad range of skills, capabilities and attributes in the context of the role description and will be able to demonstrate:
- Innovative, strategic and systems thinking, resilience, adaptability and purpose;
- High levels of credibility and the ability to influence, build and maintain great relationships and develop high trust including with clinicians;
- Strong commitment to delivering service excellence through the active engagement of consumers in shaping and delivering superior service experiences that result in better person centered care outcomes and consultation with internal and external stakeholders particularly consumers and their families;
- Significant experience in clinical and corporate governance particularly as it relates to Accreditation;
- Ability to lead and navigate through ambiguous and complex issues in highly demanding circumstances both strategically and operationally;
- Inspiring and engaging Leadership skills to role model and instill the values of Compassion, Respect, Equity, Accountability and Together for Excellence across the whole organisation;
- Excellent business acumen to lead and deliver strong business performance in accordance with SA Health standards.;
- Extensive senior experience in paediatric and/or women’s health which includes working with consumers and staff from culturally diverse backgrounds.
For a confidential discussion, please get in touch with:
Janine Hammat
HardyGroup Principal Consultant
M. +61 (0)488 555 858
E. [email protected]
The Women's and Children's Health Network acknowledges Aboriginal people as the First Peoples and Traditional Custodians of Country throughout South Australia. We acknowledge and respect their ongoing and deep spiritual connection and relationship to land, air, sea, waters, community and country. We pay our respect their Elders past, present and emerging.
Women's and Children's Health Network
About Women's and Children's Health Network
The Women’s & Children’s Health Network (WCHN) is South Australia’s largest specialist facility for women’s and children’s health. We are the leading provider of care for children with acute and chronic conditions in South Australia, and the State's largest maternity and obstetric service. We also provide important community-based services. At the core of everything we do is our unwavering commitment to our purpose: To strengthen the health and wellbeing of future generations. WCHN puts consumers and community at the centre of everything we do.
The WCHN strives to inspire and engage our people to realise their full potential, investing in continuous learning opportunities that empower individuals to grow, innovate and lead with confidence. By fostering a culture of mentorship, collaboration and skill building we ensure our leaders are equipped to inspire teams, drive meaningful change and create lasting impact.
The WCHN works in partnership with clients, families, the community and other service providers to promote, maintain and restore the health of all patients in our care.
WCHN puts consumers and community at the centre of everything we do to ensure that we:
- provide outstanding care and service
- enhance our culture and leadership
- design and deliver a new Women’s and Children’s Hospital
- strengthen partnerships and expand innovation
- inspire others, share specialist knowledge and deliver excellence through research, education and learning
- deliver an integrated WCHN.
The Women’s and Children’s Health Network includes the following health services:
- Women’s and Children’s Hospital
- Aboriginal Health Division
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service
- Child and Family Health Service
- Child Protection Service
- 3D Health Service
- Health and Recovery Trauma Safety Services
OUR MISSION, VISION AND VALUES
At the Women's and Children's Health Network, our story starts with our consumers and communities who are at the centre of everything that we do.
Vision: Healthy communities where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.
Purpose: To strengthen the health and wellbeing of future generations.
Values: Compassion, Respect, Equity,Accountability, Together for Excellence – CREATE.
Together
ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE
The Women's and Children's Health Network is one of 10 publicly funded South Australian Local Health Networks delivering hospital and community-based services.
The WCHN is led and managed by the Chief Executive Officer, Rebecca Graham, who reports to the WCHN Governing Board. The Governing Board is responsible and accountable to the Minister for Health and Wellbeing.
WCHN's Executive structure includes both strategic and clinical leadership positions, and has been designed to ensure that the WCHN is able to successfully respond to the objectives of the Government's health agenda.
STRATEGY 2026
Role Specification
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is an executive position within the Women’s and Children’s Health Network, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and accountable for the operational performance and clinical service delivery across the network. The COO leads a high-performing team with responsibility for ensuring that services deliver integrated, consumer centered care in alignment with the Network’s strategic goals.
Focused on driving cohesive leadership and upholding high standards in both corporate and clinical governance, the COO fosters a culture of quality, accountability, and innovation. This role involves service planning and commissioning efforts to improve healthcare access, care integration, and quality outcomes for women, children, and their families. The COO ensures efficient resource management, capacity planning, and high standards of performance..
The COO also represents the network in state-wide forums, contributing to policy development and reform efforts that advance public health priorities and advocate for enhanced women’s and children’s healthcare services. A collaborative and visionary leader, the COO plays a critical role in creating a responsive, equitable healthcare environment that meets the complex needs of the community.
Strategy
- Provide executive level support for the development of the Network’s vision and strategic directions, consistent with the SA Health and Wellbeing Strategy and Government policy.
- Lead the development, implementation, and review of Network wide strategies to foster a culture of continuous improvement.
- Consistently review and adjust annual business goals set under the 2026 framework to ensure they remain relevant and aligned with current objectives.
- Ensure effective financial management practices to maximise efficiencies and enhance service provisions.
- Make strategic decisions in accordance with WCHN Values, promoting a consistent organisational culture.
- Develop, implement, and regularly review policies, practices and procedures to support Network goals.
- Offer informed perspectives and innovative solutions to shape WCHN strategy.
Leadership
- Provide executive level support in developing the Network’s vision and strategic direction, ensuring alignment with the SA Health and Wellbeing Strategy and Government policy.
- Lead the development, implementation, and continuous review of Network wide strategies to foster a culture of continuous improvement and excellence.
- Promote effective financial management practices to maximise efficiency and enhance service delivery across the Network.
- Ensure decision making aligns with WCHN Values and reflects a commitment to quality and integrity.
- Develop, implement and regularly review policies, practices and procedures to support WCHN objectives and compliance requirements.
- Share expertise, inform direction and debate about complex strategic and operational issues.
- Translating strategic objectives into actionable plans and empowering teams to achieve measurable results.
- Lead strategies to reconcile priority needs against available resources and opportunities.
- Identify innovative approaches to the planning and provision of health services and the achievement of population health outcomes.
- Provide strategic thought leadership, actionable insights, and innovative solutions to drive executive decision-making and organisational advancement.
- Prioritise building trust, fostering inclusive partnerships and empowering teams to excel, creating a culture of continuous learning and growth.
- Accountable for driving the strategic direction, operational excellence and impactful outcomes of the COO portfolio.
Planning, delivery, and transformation of health services
- Role model the highest standard of ethical behaviour and conduct at all times.
- Articulate a clear vision and direction for service delivery in alignment with National and State plans, policy, standards and legislation.
- Lead service planning, co-ordination, development and delivery to fulfil the requirements of the Service Agreement, and state-wide policy and plans.
- Establish quality systems which ensure that care is contemporary, integrated, safe and evidence based.
- Introduce a strong and balanced framework for performance accountability.
- Establish and maintain mechanisms to monitor the implementation of strategies and report on the achievement of objectives.
- Ensure effective team cohesion, goal orientation, co-ordination of effort and resolution of complex team issues.
- Contribute to the identification of research and education priorities and foster innovation across services.
- Take a lead role in the development of state-wide health strategy and policy for babies, children and women, and contribution to National policy landscape.
Service Development
- Identify population health needs, align service delivery and resourcing of clinical services.
- Accountable for operational oversight to ensure the delivery of safe, high quality, patient centred care outcomes.
- Implement predictive analytics and capacity management across acute and community-based services so that services are planned and responsive to current and future need.
- Develop and lead strategies to deliver the business and clinical outcomes arising from the Government’s health agenda.
- Develop and oversee the WCHN Capacity Management Plan for WCH.
- Use innovative thinking to identify opportunities for improvement, growth, and competitive advantage.
Governance & Quality Assurance
- Lead a high performing leadership team focussed on the highest standard of patient centred care and supported by strong clinical and corporate governance.
- Lead the development of Divisional Operational Plans on an annual basis, ensuring they align with relevant Network, State and National Plans, and articulate priorities, actions and accountabilities.
- Contribute to and lead the translation of the WCHN Safety and Quality Plan into practice, so that services meet National Standard requirements and all other accreditation and statutory requirements.
- Lead robust management systems and practices to deliver strong operational performance across complex, inter-connected services.
- Establish effective systems to plan, monitor and report on performance, pro-actively treat risks, and evaluate performance improvement initiatives.
- Ensure that current and evidence-based policies, practices, and protocols to support quality performance are consistently adopted across the service.
- Action strategies to ensure Service KPIs are defined, communicated, and achieved, including measures for service performance and outcomes, inclusive of consumer and carer experience.
- Action benchmarking to identify peer variation and opportunities for learning and improvement.
- Ensure effective contractual arrangements with service providers and negotiate and monitor relevant agreements as required.
- Ensure the existence of risk management strategies by encouraging the systematic identification, assessment, and treatment of risks.
- Adopt pro-active initiatives to ensure the appropriate and efficient use of resources across the service, including audit measures.
- Quality assure all submissions and documents related to the activities of WCHN.
- Ensure that all compliance requirements are met, including Mandatory Training, Fire Safety, Performance Management, Credentialing, Security Clearances, Excess Leave Management.
Resource Management
- Plan and allocate resources so that they are aligned with Service priorities.
- Lead implementation of strategies to develop and sustain a highly skilled, engaged and flexible workforce.
- Plan and manage plant, equipment and physical infrastructure.
- Plan, develop and implement service budgets, priorities and efficiency strategies to achieve a balanced financial position.
- Sponsor the identification and transformation of continuous improvement opportunities.
- Review resource allocation; introduce workload management and other management approaches to deliver cost-effective services.
- Provide quality, timely reporting to the CEO regarding service performance, planned initiatives, risks and controls.
Professionalism
- Conscientiously fulfil the requirements of the role and deliver on performance outcomes to a consistently high standard.
- Pro-actively provide quality, accurate and authoritative verbal and written advice to the CEO on a range of complex issues.
- Collaborate and engage in positive partnering behaviours with other members of the Executive Leadership Team.
- Pro-actively identify risks and issues and escalate with recommended mitigations to the CEO where appropriate.
- Lead complex and sensitive negotiations and issue resolution, including with multiple stakeholders to deliver performance outcomes.
- Maintain a contemporary knowledge of health service leadership and management.
- Maintain and continuously advance knowledge of contemporary developments, policies and practices in healthcare, fostering innovation and evidence-based decision-making.
- Strong leadership skills and ability to motivate and inspire others to work together as a team.
- A track record to turn around performance, preferably within the health industry. Working closely with senior Clinicians and non-clinical staff is essential.
- Ability to plan, lead, implement, evaluate, and manage multiple complex objectives within the framework of the Department of Health and Wellbeing objectives.
- Capacity to drive and implement change and significantly contribute to change processes applying sound analytical skills and strategic thinking ability.
- Ability to analyse and conceptualise problems, formulate and execute appropriate solutions and negotiate successful outcomes at senior levels of government and private industry.
- Experience in the effective development, implementation and management of a large complex organisational budget. You will also have a successful record of identifying business requirements and developing appropriate remedial strategies and change specifications to reengineer business processes and systems.
- Significant evidence of leadership and people management skills and operational and financial management skills suitable in a health industry.
- Demonstrated knowledge of public health system operations, particularly as they related to acute and primary health care services across the continuum of care.
- An understanding of the emerging directions within health services, nationally and internationally.
- Knowledge of the political and socio-economic factors that impact on health services.
- Knowledge of the spirit and principles of the Premier’s Safety Commitment and the legislative requirements of the Occupational Health Safety and Welfare Act, utilising AS/NZ 4360 Risk Management or to an equivalent set of standards.
- Demonstrated knowledge of the National and State directions in relation to quality and safety.
- Relevant tertiary qualification/s and/or relevant experience in a health industry.
- Proven ability to apply clinical expertise to strategic decision-making, service delivery innovation, and quality improvement initiatives is essential.
- Five or more years of experience in executive leadership roles.
- Solid understanding of advanced business planning and regulatory issues.
- Excellent leadership skills with steadfast resolve and integrity
The direct reports to the COO are:
- Advanced Divisional Nursing Directors – Paediatric Medicine and Surgical Services
- Advanced Divisional Midwifery and Nursing Director, WABS
- Nursing Director, Network Operations Centre
- Director, Strategic Mental Health Operations
- Statewide Clinical Support Service
Internal
The position will have a close working relationship with all members of the Executive and Clinical and Professional Leaders. The position will participate as an integral member of the WCHN Executive Team, significantly contributing to the leadership, vision and strategic direction setting for the Network. The COO will also foster a close, collaborative relationship with their team, working together to shape and implement strategic initiatives that support a high-performance culture, employee engagement, and workforce well-being.
External
The COO will establish and sustain positive partnerships within the LHN and across the Health System to optimise health outcomes across the State, and work with a range of senior officers throughout the SA Health Portfolio, and other relevant Government and community managed agencies and partners in health.
- Lead transformative changes to service planning, delivery, and review processes to improve the long-term health and well-being of South Australia’s babies, children, young people, and women. This will require the COO to embrace new and disruptive approaches to innovation and continuous improvement.
- Refine and develop models of care, governance structures, and a supportive culture to deliver high standards of safe, quality care. The COO must balance competing priorities, drive innovation, and identify efficiencies to optimise resource use while delivering within budgetary constraints.
- Enable and prioritise investments in innovative practices and research to increase the Network’s capacity and enhance service performance, ensuring sustainable, cutting-edge care.
- Improve integration across the care continuum by enhancing outpatient access, patient flow, and addressing avoidable admissions and length of stay. Leadership is required to connect health informatics with improvement priorities and performance monitoring.
- Ensure continuous, evidence-based adherence to the National Standards for Safety and Quality, maintaining accreditation and embedding these standards throughout all clinical services.
- Drive the execution of WCHN’s Strategy 2026 and beyond, ensuring planning outcomes are aligned with the evolving needs of the community and delivering effective, responsive services.
- Strengthen staff alignment with the Network’s vision and enhance communication quality and change participation through visible leadership and engagement strategies to improve workforce satisfaction and connectedness.
- Champion initiatives to close the health outcome gap for Aboriginal infants, children, and women, addressing social determinants of health and ensuring robust support for child protection and women’s safety.
- Support a culture of research and education by collaborating with clinicians and academic partners to identify research priorities that drive quality care and support translational practice
Please discuss with Principal Search Consultant
Service Location: SA - North Adelaide
Classification: SAES1
The closing date for applications is Sunday, 27th April 2025
The reference number to include in your application is H25_5018
Note: Please use the online platform to submit your application. It will not be accepted via email.
If you require assistance in submitting your application online, please get in touch with Executive Search Coordinator, Aldie Zuñiga via [email protected] / +61 (0)494 101 082
Your application must include:
- 1.Cover letter addressed to the Principal Consultant;
- 2.A written response addressing the key selection criteria; and
- 3.An up to date copy of your Curriculum Vitae.
It Is standard practice for HardyGroup to acknowledge receipt of your application no later than the next business day. We request that if you do not receive the acknowledgement, you contact the search coordinator listed above as soon as possible after the 24-hour business period and arrange to resend your application if necessary.
For a confidential discussion, please contact:
Janine Hammat
HardyGroup Principal Consultant
M. +61 (0)488 555 858
E. [email protected]
Living and working in Adelaide
Adelaide is one of the world’s most livable cities, perfectly positioned just a short drive from some of Australia’s most unique, globally renowned regions, so whether you choose city, suburban or country life, South Australia offers something for everyone.
South Australia is one of the more affordable places to live and work in Australia, with more than two-thirds of residents owning their homes. Adelaide continues to be one of the most cost-competitive markets for setting up business and leasing office space, and the regions are even more affordable.
A short drive from Adelaide is the Adelaide Hills which are brimming with wildlife encounters, cultural discoveries, wineries and some of the best scenery. The Barossa Valley and Clare Valley are about a two hour drive north, the Fleurieu Peninsula one hour south, and Kangaroo Island accessible within a few hours by ferry or 30 minutes by plane.
South Australians love to play and watch sport, and for many it’s a passion and a way of life. Adelaide Oval is one of the nation’s most highly-regarded sporting venues, and plays host to Australian Rules Football, Cricket as well as concerts and other events. The Vailo Adelaide 500 is an annual event and the Adelaide Street Circuit is world renowned both for the excellent racing and the race atmosphere that takes over the city. LIV Golf Adelaide offers an unparallelled weekend of golf, food and entertainment as well.
Whether you are looking for things to do in Adelaide’s city or are seeking to visit South Australia’s beautiful regions, you will be amazed by the diversity of experiences on offer.
South Australia prides itself on nurturing a diverse cultural experience: from food and wine through to hosting outstanding world-class art, cultural and sporting events. Many of Australia’s best wine regions are also spread across South Australia, and with more than 200 cellar doors on Adelaide’s doorstep that are well worth a visit.
You will find it all in Adelaide and South Australia
Adelaide is the perfect starting point for your South Australian travel adventure. You can swim with dolphins, climb ancient mountain peaks, feed kangaroos, drink the world’s finest wine, and much more. You’ll love exploring South Australia.
- Adelaide City: Adelaide Botanic Gardens, Art Gallery of South Australia, South Australian Museum, the State Library of South Australia, Government House and Old and New Parliament House.
- Beaches and Coastline: Glenelg, Fleurieu Peninsula
- Adelaide Hills: Cleland Wildlife Park, Beerenberg, Hahndorf
- Regional South Australia: Kangaroo Island, Flinders Ranges
- Wine Regions: Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Clare Valley
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