EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR PEOPLE & CULTURE
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
- Perform a critical role in providing leading statewide healthcare to women, babies, children and young people by shaping and fostering values-based leadership and consumer centred organisational culture
- 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
- 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 an Executive Director People and Culture (EDPC) to join the Executive team.
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 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 has a top performance rating and 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 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 are building a skilled, highly engaged 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 Executive Director, People and Culture (EDPC) is an executive position reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and accountable for the strategic direction and leadership of the Network’s People and Culture function. The EDPC leads a high-performing team with responsibility for ensuring that the Network’s operations are supported by outstanding human resource operations, management of health and safety risk and optimisation of workforce experience, development and culture. The EDPC is instrumental in ensuring that the Network can attract, retain and develop outstanding talent now and into the future and supports the CEO to ensure that the Network has current capability and plans for future capability in order to deliver on the Network’s strategic purpose and priorities.
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:
- A track record of leading responsive, innovative and agile People and Culture services at an enterprise level within a large and complex organisation, preferably within a health care setting;
- Tertiary qualifications in a relevant field such as Human Resources, Organisational Psychology or other relevant discipline;
- A strong commitment to Closing the Gap and Reconciliation actions and a culture which supports their implementation and a demonstrated knowledge of the context and needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees, students and volunteers;
- 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;
- Ability to be highly responsive and 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 instil the values of Compassion, Respect, Equity, Accountability and Together for Excellence across the whole organization and drive cultural transformation; and
- Ability to build strong and effective connections with stakeholders including the Department of Health and Wellbeing, other local health networks and unions
For a confidential discussion, please get in touch with:
Janine Hammat
HardyGroup Principal Consultant
M. +61 (0)488 555 858
E. jhammat@hardygroupintl.com
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.
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 AND BEYOND
Role Specification
The Executive Director, People and Culture (EDPC) 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 strategic direction and leadership of the Network’s People and Culture function. The EDPC leads a high-performing team with responsibility for ensuring that the Network’s operations are supported by outstanding human resource operations, management of health and safety risk and optimisation of workforce experience, development and culture. The EDPC will be instrumental in ensuring that the Network can attract, retain and develop outstanding talent now and into the future.
The EDPC supports the CEO to ensure that the Network has current capability and plans for future capability in order to deliver on the Network’s strategic purpose and priorities. The EDPC also collaborates across State-wide projects in order to ensure that they contribute to improved healthcare outcomes for South Australian women, children and families.
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 integrity, safety, diversity, innovation and development including but not limited to the areas of organisational culture, organisational and workforce design and planning, industrial relations, employee relations, safety and wellbeing, human resources, learning and development.
- Consistently review and adjust People and Culture strategy to ensure that it aligns with best practice and the Network’s strategic priorities.
- Lead strategy to ensure that WCHN workforce is agile and resilient both now and into the future.
- Make strategic decisions and develop plans which align with WCHN Values, promoting a consistent organisational culture.
- Offer informed perspectives and innovative solutions to shape WCHN strategy.
Leadership
- Provide executive level leadership of the Network’s People and Culture function, frameworks and governance arrangements.
- Lead the development, implementation, and continuous review of Network wide strategies to foster a culture of safety, ethical behaviour, performance, service and accountability.
- Support other Senior Executive Leaders to implement other Strategic Priorities by enabling robust People and Culture practices to support implementation.
- 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.
- Translate strategic objectives into actionable plans and empower teams to achieve measurable results.
- 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.
- Drive the strategic direction, operational excellence and impactful outcomes of the People and Culture portfolio.
Planning, delivery, and transformation of People and Culture services
- Lead strategy and operations to support the Network’s strategic engagement with the industrial environment.
- Plan, develop, build and maintain a strong structure, culture and processes to support high performing People and Culture capability for the Network.
- Develop and enhance the organisation’s managerial capacity to manage performance, develop culture and embed safety and wellbeing practices which align to the Networks’ values and priorities.
- Plan for, build and support a workforce that is agile, professional and resilient;
- Champion and enable organisational culture which supports and enables high performing, professional, accountable and responsive teams
- Provide advice to the Network, Chief Executive and Board regarding priorities, risks, challenges and opportunities, enabling those groups to fulfil their duties.
- Lead strategies and operations to ensure ethical behaviour and effective responses to behaviour which falls short of expected standards.
- Use innovative thinking to identify opportunities for improvement, growth, and competitive advantage.
- Understand and apply lessons learned and opportunities from comparable industries or organisations to ensure that WCHN remains at the forefront of People and Culture practice and procedure.
- Work collaboratively across SA Health and the South Australian government to identify areas for improvement and innovation.
- Ensure that Managers, Leaders, Executive and the Board have the data, advice and information necessary to lead a safe and future proofed service which is fit for purpose and responsive to change.
Governance & Quality Assurance
- Lead a high performing leadership team focussed on best practice People and Culture Services through responsive, agile and innovative service delivery.
- Lead workforce planning, management and development in order to ensure that the network can deliver on WCHN and Government priorities now and into the future.
- Establish effective systems to plan, monitor and report on performance 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.
- Ensure the existence of risk management strategies by encouraging the systematic identification, assessment, and treatment of risks.
- 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 Network budgets and priorities.
- Lead the implementation of strategies to develop and sustain a highly skilled, engaged and flexible workforce.
- Sponsor the identification and transformation of continuous improvement opportunities.
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 develop and maintain outstanding stakeholder relationships based on candour and professionalism.
- 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 people and culture and healthcare, fostering innovation and evidence-based decision-making.
- A demonstrated track record of leading responsive, innovative and agile People and Culture services at an enterprise level within a large and complex organisation, preferably within a health care setting
- Tertiary qualifications in a relevant field such as Human Resources, Organisational Psychology or other relevant discipline
- A strong commitment to Closing the Gap and Reconciliation actions and culture which supports their implementation and a demonstrated knowledge of the context and needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees, students and volunteers.
SAES South Australian Executive Service (SAES) Competency Framework
It is expected that all SA Executives are able to demonstrate all criteria aligned with the SAES Core Competencies. Criteria specific to this role are listed below, but do not describe the full list of core competency descriptors. The total Framework is available here.
- Shape Strategic Thinking and Change
- Strong leadership skills and ability to motivate and inspire others to work together as a team;
- Capacity to drive and implement change and significantly contribute to change processes applying sound analytical skills, strategic thinking ability and knowledge of best-practice solutions;
- Ability to analyse and conceptualise problems, formulate and execute appropriate solutions and negotiate successful outcomes at senior levels of government in an innovative and collaborative manner;
- Highly developed emotional intelligence and collaboration skills in order to lead, manage and inspire people to work together to achieve shared objectives;
- Excellent leadership skills with steadfast resolve and integrity;
- Demonstrated ability to drive and inspire culture transformation.
- Achieve Results
- Ability to provide comprehensive and decisive advice to senior decision-makers taking account of a range of priorities, opportunities and risks;
- Demonstrated experience providing influential, strategic and solutions-focussed advice to Senior Executive and Boards which translates to excellent organisational and system wide outcomes.
- Drive Business Excellence
- Ability to plan, lead, implement, evaluate, and manage multiple complex objectives within the framework of the Department of Health and Wellbeing objectives;
- Demonstrated ability to inspire, support and develop a high-performing team situated within a customer-service focussed context;
- Demonstrated success in major policy formation, business planning and change management in a complex environment;
- Demonstrated experience harnessing data and insights to drive future service planning and delivery.
- Forge Relationships and Engage Others
- Strong ability to develop and maintain engaging relationships with a range of stakeholders, managing competing and multi-faceted priorities;
- Highly developed interpersonal and negotiation skills and demonstrates success in achieving changes through collaboration and exercising strong influencing skills with relevant stakeholders.
- Exemplify Personal Drive and Professionalism
- Ability to identify, analyse, understand and manage risk and opportunity in a meaningful, defensible and innovative way;
- Strong commitment to professional development and life-long learning and continuous improvement;
- A demonstrated ability to operate at enterprise and system levels to address multiple, complex and competing problems and risks.
The direct reports to the EDPC are:
- Director, Learning and Organisational Development
- Director, Education, Nursing and Midwifery
- Director, Digital Learning and Design
- Program Director, BloodSafe eLearning Australia
- Director, Work Health Safety & Injury Management and Clinical Worker Health
- Director, Policy and Projects
- Director, Human Resources
- Aboriginal Workforce Strategist
- Director, Conduct and Integrity
- Director, Industrial Relations
- Principal Consultant, Organisational Development nWCH Project
- Principal Consultant, Workforce nWCH Project
- Principal Consultant, Workforce Planning nWCH Project
- Executive Assistant, People and Culture
Internal
The position will have a close working relationship with all members of the Board, the Executive as well as 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 EDPC 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 EDPC will establish and sustain positive partnerships with:
- 1.Executive Director, Workforce, Department for Health and Wellbeing;
- 2.Counterparts across SA Health and other similar health services across Australia;
- 3.Commissioner for Public Sector Employment;
- 4.Integrity bodies;
- 5.Unions, professional associations, universities and other teaching institutions and peak bodies;
- 6.Regulators such as SafeWork SA and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.
WCHN has a budget of $700m and 5000 employees.
- Providing collaborative, cohesive, transformative and visionary strategic direction to the People and Culture function for the Network.
- Championing initiatives to support Aboriginal staff to work safely and thrive in their role at WCHN.
- Leading a transformative change agenda within the people and culture function including current and future service planning and implementation of a significant reform agenda and annual business planning.
- Supporting the organisation to identify, understand and manage risk and opportunity within the People and Culture function, generating innovative and fit-for-purpose strategy to ensure that staff are safe, engaged and developed.
- Leading a culture of integrity, service delivery, accountability and collaboration in conjunction with the Senior Executive Leadership Team.
- Enabling and prioritising investments in innovative practices and research to enable the Network’s standing as an employer of choice.
- Monitoring the strategic landscape in order to identify and embed innovation and best practice in the People and Culture function. Strengthening staff alignment with the Network’s vision and enhancing communication quality and change participation through visible leadership and engagement strategies to improve workforce satisfaction and connectedness.
Service Location: SA - North Adelaide
Classification: SAES1
Please discuss with the Principal Search Consultant.
The closing date for applications is Wednesday, 9 July 2025
The reference number to include in your application is H25_5168
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, Bradie Hammat via bhammat@hardygroupintl.com / +61 (0)417 882 900
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. jhammat@hardygroupintl.com
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
ABOUT US
HardyGroup’s (HG) mission is simple
Find and Grow Great Leaders - and we have been doing exactly that for more than 30 years in public and private health, primary, community and aged care as well as the broader public service.
Our synergistic business model of Executive Search and Recruitment integrated with Executive Leadership and Learning is our unique point of difference.
It ensures our clients can count on us for the lifecycle of their organisations leadership journey and why we are regarded as the leading trans-Tasman partner agency by clients.
When engaging HG you can be confident in a deeply personalised experience and service as nothing matters more to us than relationships and results.