Nursing and/or Midwifery Director
(Operations Director) (RN/M5.2)- CaFHS
Program Manager - Operations
(AHP5)
CANDIDATE INFORMATION PACK
Women's and Children's Health Network
We acknowledge and pay respect to the Aboriginal Traditional Owners and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders, people, consumers, and staff, past and present, on whose land we provide health services.
Executive Summary
- Exceptional executive leadership opportunity with statewide strategic impact
- Drive operational innovation, service performance, and workforce capability in a values-led culture
- Shape and lead accessible, responsive, and future-focused child and family health services
The Opportunity
This is an exceptional opportunity to join the Women’s and Children’s Health Network (WCHN) as Nursing Director, Operations (RN/M 5.2) or Program Manager, Operations (AHP5). This position provides expert leadership, operational management and strategic direction across South Australia’s Child and Family Health Service (CaFHS)and is pivotal in driving innovation and continuous improvement, shaping service models, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, equitable, and culturally safe care for children and families across the state.
The Role
Reporting to the Director of CaFHS, this key leadership role is responsible for the operational delivery, governance, and performance of CaFHS services across South Australia. The role provides oversight of service planning and delivery across multiple regions, driving efficiency, quality, and service reach. It leads the development and implementation of new models of care, fosters a culture of continuous improvement, and ensures the provision of safe, consumer-centred services aligned to state and national priorities.
The role also builds and sustains high-performing, multidisciplinary teams, embeds robust quality and safety systems, and actively engages with internal and external stakeholders — including Aboriginal and CALD communities — to support equitable and culturally responsive service delivery. In addition, the position contributes to strategic planning, workforce development, and the future-readiness of CaFHS services in preparation for the new Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
The Candidate
You will be an experienced and progressive healthcare leader with either current registration as a Nurse and/or Midwife with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, or an appropriate Allied Health qualification with eligibility for registration or membership with the relevant professional body. You will bring demonstrated expertise in leading large-scale, complex health services, with a proven track record in operational management, workforce leadership, and clinical and corporate governance.
You will have a deep understanding of quality and safety frameworks, risk management, and service improvement methodologies, along with experience in driving innovation and transformational change. Strong stakeholder engagement skills, a collaborative leadership style, and a commitment to achieving positive outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and culturally and linguistically diverse communities are essential. Postgraduate qualifications in health management, leadership or a related field are highly desirable.
We invite you to discuss this exciting opportunity with Lynette Taylor from the HardyGroup M: +61 (0)431 293 861 / E: ltaylor@hardygroupintl.com
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.
Child and Family Health Service
The Child and Family Health Service (CaFHS) is a statewide primary health service of the Women's and Children's Health Network providing a range of health and development services to children from birth to 5 years.
Becoming a parent is exciting, tiring and terrifying all at the same time. It’s important to remember that you’re not alone in feeling a mix of emotions and there are many support services available for advice and guidance.
CaFHS services are free to all families in South Australia with children from birth to 5 years. For families experiencing added challenges, CaFHS offers more intensive support over a longer period to help families meet the health and development needs of their child.
CaFHS employs a range of clinical and support staff including nursing and allied health (social work and psychology) professionals who are supported by Child and Family Support Consultants, and Aboriginal Cultural Child and Family Support Consultants who ensure the delivery of culturally responsive care.
Child and Family Health Nurses are registered nurses who possess professional knowledge and skills about child health and development that help to nurture and support environments in which babies and children can thrive and grow.
Our staff have advanced clinical skills across a range of areas in child and family health that enables them to provide best practice care including:
- Breastfeeding
- Settling
- Sleeping
- Nutrition
- Child health and development
- Infant mental health
- Parental mental health
- Health promotion
- Adjusting to parenting and family life.
About CaFHS Brochure (549KB PDF)
STRATEGY 2026
Role Specification
The Director - Operations / Program Manager - Operationsis responsible for the provision of expert level leadership, management, and governance for operational and management processes across CaFHS.
The role will be responsible for ensuring strategic and operational service planning processes are implemented and evaluated across the regions which are consistent with the strategic directions of CaFHS, WCHN, SA Health, Department for Education, State and National Agendas and current research as they relate to child and family health services. This role is accountable for the service delivery of the CaFHS regions with a focus on strategies to increase the reach of services across the state.
The Director - Operations / Program Manager is accountable for the:
- Efficient delivery of high-quality service,
- Delivery of service reach against identified targets
- implementation of new services and models of care,
- review of current services,
- continuous improvement of services
- ensuring high performing teams,
- development of and adherence to established business principles and governance.
Direct/indirect patient/client care
- Professional, operational, or corporate leadership of nursing/midwifery activities to achieve continuity and quality of service in the division.
- Integrate and evaluate models of care.
- Build a culture which is patient/client centred and where patient/client engagement is encouraged.
- Developing and implementing strategies for optimising timely access and reach of services.
- Oversee that procedures relevant to operational clinical and corporate practice within thethe service are contemporary, evidence based, reviewed in a timely manner, risk rated and will ensure there are systems and processes in place to monitor compliance with these procedures
Support of health service systems
- Lead Safety and Quality Improvement across the service including education, systems and processes, a risk framework and safety and quality plans and projects. The role will work with Level 3 and 4 RN/M, and allied healthclinical and management staff and the broader multidisciplinary team to ensure robust quality and safety systems processes are developed, implemented, and evaluated to ensure optimum outcomes for consumers.
- Contribute to and implement the corporate nursing/midwifery professional practice framework established by the Director of CaFHS and/or EDNM.
- Responsible for leading the management of risks within the Division ensuring the identification and monitoring of risks and ongoing assessment and prevention strategies are in place.
- Use a project management framework including evaluation and risk mitigation.
- Responsible for ensuring that resources are utilised effectively to ensure practices across the service are undertaken in accordance with the required policies, procedures, and guidelines. The role will work closely with clinical leaders and managers to ensure compliance across the service in relation to mandatory training, performance, review and development and other quality and safety KPI’s as required.
- Provide a key role in leading and coaching staff to ensure optimum performance is achieved ensuring best outcomes for consumers.
- Work with the CaFHS leadership team to develop the learning, safety and quality improvement culture within the service.
- Ensure effective communication practices exist within the service.
- The role will contribute to the Health and Wellbeing function with the Network to ensure CaFHS staff feel adequately supported during their employment with WCHN.
- May be required to manage or oversee an organisational portfolio or long term and/or significant project.
- Will be required to provide management of services other than nursing/midwifery.
- This role will be instrumental in operationalising models of care with the teams as quality improvement strategies in preparation for the new Women’s & Children’s Hospital
- Oversee and contribute to national benchmarking and collaboratives
Education
- The role will work closely with the education leadership team to ensure best practice across the service is achieved. In particular, the role will be accountable for the identification of safety and quality function and identifying key areas of development in accordance with the scope of the role.
- Hold a contemporary professional practice portfolio containing professional development evidence commensurate with the level of autonomy, authority and influence expected of the role.
- Develop, and encourage a learning environment by mentoring and promoting team development and individual capacity building
Research
- Integrate contemporary information and research evidence with personal knowledge and experience to support executive level decision making
Professional Leadership
- Provide high level advice to stakeholders and health services on the management of contemporary nursing and/or midwifery issues relating to professional practice and workforce legislation.
- Leadership of nursing/midwifery functional services, state-wide and/or comprehensive strategies and projects to achieve effective systems and processes to support practice.
- Liaise with stakeholders, health services, Government departments and others to maximise efficiency and effectiveness implementing policy and service directions.
- Developing and implementing strategic directions specific functions policy and advice for complex or state-wide operational issues and leading change management
- Actively participate in internal and external advisory groups, expert panels, working groups and/or committees.
- Provide strategic leadership for innovation, change processes, and coordinated responses to emerging service and workforce needs within span of control.
1. Leadership and Management of Integrated Health Services:
Proven ability to provide professional, operational, and corporate leadership across multi-disciplinary teams and services, including nursing/midwifery and allied health. Demonstrated capability in operationalising models of care, optimising timely access to services, overseeing service delivery, and leading high-performance cultures that are patient/client-centred, outcome-focused and aligned with organisational priorities.
2. Safety, Quality, Risk and Compliance Management:
Extensive experience in leading safety and quality improvement systems within a complex health service, including the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of clinical governance frameworks, risk management systems, and quality assurance processes. Proven ability to use project management methodologies and evidence based approaches to drive continuous service improvement, ensure regulatory compliance, and deliver safe and effective care.
3. Strategic and Professional Leadership:
Demonstrated success in leading complex organisational change, service planning, and workforce strategies at both service and system levels. Ability to provide expert advice to stakeholders on contemporary nursing/midwifery and broader health service issues, and to influence policy, strategy, and practice through engagement with internal and external advisory groups, networks, and government agencies.
4. Resource and Performance Management:
Demonstrated ability to manage human, financial, and physical resources effectively, ensuring service sustainability and efficiency. Proven skills in workforce capability development, performance management, and resource allocation to ensure compliance with organisational priorities, policies, and mandatory training and performance KPIs, and to build a high-performing, accountable workforce.
5. Education, Learning Culture, and Workforce Development:
Demonstrated ability to foster a culture of learning and innovation through mentoring, coaching, and professsional development. Proven success in building workforce capability in collaboration with education leadership teams, identifying priority areas for learning and development, and promoting continuous professional growth through structured and evidence-based approaches.
6. Research, Evidence Translation, and Innovation:
Demonstrated ability to integrate contemporary research evidence, clinical data, and expert knowledge into strategic and operational decision-making. Proven capacity to lead and contribute to service innovation, clinical redesign, benchmarking, and collaborative improvement initiatives to ensure the delivery of safe, high-quality, evidence informed services in preparation for future models of care (e.g. the new Women’s & Children’s Hospital).
Director – Operations
ESSENTIAL MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Educational/Vocational Qualifications
- Registered or eligible for registration as a Nurse/Midwife, Nurse or Midwife with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia and who holds, or who is eligible to hold, a current practicing certificate.
Personal Abilities/Aptitudes/Skills
- Effective leadership skills including highly developed skills in communication, problem solving, conflict resolution and negotiation.
- Proven ability to perform effectively under pressure and prioritise workloads.
- Demonstrated ability to lead processes to improve safety and quality improvement for consumers and to evaluate outcomes.
- Demonstrated flexibility, innovation and creativity which can be applied to the hospital setting, particularly in regard to the provision of nursing/midwifery services.
- Demonstrated commitment to closing the gap and improving health outcomes for Aboriginal mothers, babies, children, families and communities through inclusive and culturally informed policy and system culture.
Experience
- Registered Nurse/Midwife, Nurse, or Midwife with at least 5 years post registration experience.
- Experience as a senior leader or manager in the health care industry
- Experience in managing and leading complex projects
- Experience in leading services or organisations through times of extensive change
- Experience in analysing data to inform sound business decisions, and report writing.
- Experience in engaging with consumers who are Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD)
- Experience in managing large numbers of staff from various multidisciplinary backgrounds.
Knowledge
- Knowledge and understanding of relevant legislation, industrial agreements, standards, codes, ethics, and competency standards.
- Knowledge of Quality Improvement Systems as applied to a hospital setting
- Knowledge of contemporary nursing/midwifery and health care issues.
- An understanding of working within a project management framework
- An ability to manage to the spirit and principles of the premier’s safety Commitment and the legislative requirements of the Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (SA), utilising AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009 Risk Management- Principles and Guidelines, or to an equivalent set of standards.
DESIRABLE
Educational/Vocational Qualifications
- Post graduate studies in nursing, health services management, health administration or human services relevant to the area of practice.
Personal Abilities/Aptitudes/Skills
- Skills in using computers and software relevant to the area of practice.
- Compassionate and adaptive leadership
- Willingness to learn, adapt and navigate complexity
Experience
- Experience in facilitating health research and applying beneficial results to the area of practice.
Knowledge
- Knowledge of the South Australian Public Health System
- Knowledge of the child protection system in South Australia and understanding of legislation and policies affecting practice.
- Knowledge of perinatal, maternal and infant mental health
Program Manager - Operations
ESSENTIAL MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Educational/Vocational Qualifications
- Appropriate Allied Health degree or equivalent qualification in relevant professional stream
- Registered or eligible for registration/membership as an Allied Health Professional with the relevant registration board or association where applicable.
Personal Abilities/Aptitudes/Skills:
- An ability to manage to the spirit and principles of the premier’s safety Commitment and the legislative requirements of the Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (SA), utilising AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009 Risk Management- Principles and Guidelines, or to an equivalent set of standards.
- Effective leadership skills including highly developed skills in communication, problem solving, conflict resolution and negotiation.
- Proven ability to perform effectively under pressure and prioritise workloads.
- Demonstrated ability to lead processes to improve safety and quality improvement for consumers and to evaluate outcomes.
- Demonstrated flexibility, innovation and creativity which can be applied to the service setting, particularly in regard to the provision of Child and Family Health.
- Demonstrated commitment to closing the gap and improving health outcomes for Aboriginal mothers, babies, children, families and communities through inclusive and culturally informed policy and system culture.
Experience
- Experience as a senior leader or manager in the health care industry
- Experience in managing and leading complex projects
- Experience in leading services or organisations through times of extensive change
- Experience in analysing data to inform sound business decisions, and report writing.
- Experience in engaging with consumers who are Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD)
- Experience in managing large numbers of staff from various multidisciplinary backgrounds.
Knowledge
- Knowledge and understanding of relevant legislation, industrial agreements, standards, codes, ethics, and competency standards.
- Knowledge of Quality Improvement Systems as applied to a hospital setting.
- Knowledge of contemporary nursing/midwifery and health care issues.
- An understanding of working within a project management framework
DESIRABLE CHARACTERISTICS
Educational/Vocational Qualifications
- Post graduate studies in health services management, health administration or human services relevant to the area of practice.
Personal Abilities/Aptitudes/Skills:
- Skills in using computers and software relevant to the area of practice.
- Compassionate and adaptive leadership
- Willingness to learn, adapt and navigate complexity.
Experience
- Experience in facilitating health research and applying beneficial results to the area of practice.
Knowledge
- Knowledge of the South Australian Public Health System
- Knowledge of the child protection system in South Australia and understanding of legislation and policies affecting practice.
- Knowledge of perinatal, maternal, and infant mental health.
Director - Operations
Direct Reports:
- Regional Managers (x6 RNM4/AHP4)
- Nurse Manager (RNM3)
- Manager – Referral Unit (RNM4)
- Executive Assistant (ASO3)
Internal
- Maintains close collaborative working relationships with all level 5 and Nursing and Midwifery and Allied Health Directors.
- Responsible for the management of all level 3 and 4 Nurses/Midwives and Allied health leads within the span of the position
- Maintains cooperative and productive working relationships within all members of the health care team
External
- Maintains relationships with non-government organisations or other government organisations to meet the needs of the client group.
Program Manager – Operations
Direct Reports:
- Regional Managers
- Nurse Manager
- Manager – Referral Unit
- Executive Assistant
Internal
- Maintains close collaborative working relationships with Nursing and Midwifery and Allied Health Leads.
- Maintains cooperative and productive working relationships within all members of the health care team.
- Partners with executive and senior clinical and management personnel and disciplines including nursing/midwifery, medical, allied health, scientific and technical services.
- Maintains collaborative relationships with Nursing/Midwifery, Allied Health and Medical Directors across the network.
- Maintains collaborative relationships with People and Culture Directorate
External
- Partners with non-government organisations/government organisations.
- Collaborates with consumer representatives with lived experience.
Major challenges currently associated with the role include:
- Providing strategic and operational leadership for services within the scope of role.
- Accountable for the service/s human, financial and material resources within scope of the role and promoting a culture of due diligence
- Oversight of services in a complex, statewide operating environment
- Building a culture of quality and safety improvement that is patient/client centred.
- Leading innovation and change management to address emerging service and workforce needs within span of control
To be discussed with HG Principal Consultant
Service Location: CaFHS - 295 South Terrace, Adelaide 5000 SA
CaFHS is a Statewide Service – Travel to metropolitan and
country locations will be required.
Clasiffication: Nursing and/or Midwifery Director – CaFHS
(Operations Director) (RN/M5.2)
Program Manager - Operations
(Allied Health professional Level 5)
The closing date for applications is Sunday, 29th June 2025
The reference number to include in your application is H25_5175
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 azuniga@hardygroupintl.com / +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.
- 4.Completed Pre-Employment Declaration form
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:
Lynette Taylor
HardyGroup Executive Director, Search & Recruitment
M. +61 (0)431 293 861
E. ltaylor@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.
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