CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
CANDIDATE INFORMATION PACK
Townsville Hospital & Health Service
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Executive Summary
- Healthcare Executive role with Competitive Remuneration Package
- North Queensland Based combining lifestyle and career
- Experienced Operations Leader for Tertiary Health Service
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Townsville Hospital & Health Service (THHS) is seeking to recruit a senior health executive to the role of Chief Operating Officer.
THHS is the largest tertiary health service in northern Australia. The Townsville Hospital provides, complex, high level services across a wide range of specialities including cardiothoracic, neurosurgery, adult and paediatric ICU, general surgery, medicine, radiation and medical oncology, transplant haematology, paediatrics, obstetrics and neonatology to the North Queensland region. Uniquely, The Townsville University Hospital is the only tertiary facility in Queensland to offer all of these services within the one hospital.
In addition to the Townsville University Hospital, the THHS delivers clinical services in nine locations over 150,000 square kilometres. Our services include rural hospitals, health centres, multi- purpose health services, mental health rehabilitation, clinics and aged cared, supported by our innovative telehealth services.
THE ROLE
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) provides effective executive level operational leadership for the delivery of day-to-day patient-centred services across the health service. The COO leads the development of integrated, innovative and optimised organisational strategies that enable delivery of the THHS Strategic Plan and Clinical Plans including the achievement of performance targets specified in the THHS Service Agreement.
With THHS being the tertiary provider of health services for North Queensland, the COO has executive level leadership for tertiary services provided to neighbouring HHSs. This role also has responsibility for the implementation of new services that provide health care across the whole of North Queensland. The COO is the designated Health Incident Controller for THHS in the event of any major emergency, and the executive lead for all major infrastructure projects across THHS.
The COO is required to provide strategic leadership, has overall accountability for the delivery of tertiary level health care and deputises for the Health Service Chief Executive as required.
The successful candidate will need to demonstrate:
- Senior executive leadership experience in the health service industry environment with a clinical, quality and performance management focus.
- Experience in a significant health service delivery environment with a clinical activity costing and performance management focus would be highly regarded.
- Highly developed leadership skills including the capacity to develop high-performing teams.
- High level communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to engage effectively with key stakeholders.
For a confidential discussion, please get in touch with:
Ms Sarah Buckler PSM
HG Queensland State Manager
M. +61 (0)429 486 740
E. sbuckler@hardygroupintl.com
The Townsville Hospital and Health Service is responsible for the delivery of healthcare services, education and research to a population of approximately 250,000 people.
THHS provides a large continuum of healthcare services, from advanced highly specialised tertiary-level healthcare at the Townsville University Hospital, to secondary and primary-level hospital and community healthcare across the region. The THHS comprises 21 health facilities, including the Townsville University Hospital, which serves as the tertiary referral hospital for the whole of northern Queensland.
THHS is the largest tertiary health service in northern Australia. The Townsville Hospital provides, complex, high level services across a wide range of specialities including cardiothoracic, neurosurgery, adult and paediatric ICU, general surgery, medicine, radiation and medical oncology, transplant haematology, paediatrics, obstetrics and neonatology to the North Queensland region. Uniquely, The Townsville University Hospital is the only tertiary facility in Queensland to offer all of these services within the one hospital.
In addition to the Townsville University Hospital, the THHS delivers clinical services in nine locations over 150,000 square kilometres. Our services include rural hospitals, health centres, multi- purpose health services, mental health rehabilitation, clinics and aged cared, supported by our innovative telehealth services.
Townsville University Hospital is located adjacent to one of Queensland’s leading tertiary education facilities, James Cook University. We are a major provider of undergraduate/postgraduate clinical placements and education across all health services and disciplines. James Cook University and the THHS collaborate to conduct research within the organisation making a substantial contribution to the development of research and education policy.
Our vision
World-class healthcare for northern Queensland
Our purpose
Great care every day
Our values
- Integrity
- Compassion
- Accountability
- Respect
- Engagement
Role Specification
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) provides effective executive level operational leadership for the delivery of day-to-day patient-centred operational services across the Townsville Hospital and Health Service (THHS). The COO leads the development of integrated, innovative and optimised organisational strategies that enable delivery of the THHS Strategic Plan and Clinical Plans including the achievement of performance targets specified in the THHS Service Agreement.
With THHS being the tertiary provider of health services for North Queensland, the COO has executive level leadership for tertiary services provided to neighbouring HHSs. This role also has responsibility for the implementation of new services that provide health care across the whole of North Queensland. The COO is the designated Health Incident Controller for THHS in the event of any major emergency, and the executive lead for all major infrastructure projects across THHS.
The COO is required to provide strategic leadership, has overall accountability for the delivery of tertiary level health care and deputises for the Health Service Chief Executive as required.
Appropriate and relevant post-graduate and / or business qualifications are desirable.
You will be assessed on your ability to demonstrate knowledge and experience outlined under ‘Key result areas, objectives, and responsibilities'. The ideal applicant will be someone who has proven ability and can demonstrate the following:
- Senior executive leadership experience in the health service industry environment with a clinical, quality and performance management focus.
- Experience in a significant health service delivery environment with a clinical activity costing and performance management focus would be highly regarded.
- Highly developed leadership skills including the capacity to develop high-performing teams.
- High level communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to engage effectively with key stakeholders.
The position of COO is responsible for a range of outcomes across Clinical Performance; Operational Performance; Service Level Agreement KPIs; Workforce Productivity and Financial Performance.
The COO is responsible for an operating budget of $1.2B (approx.) with a total of approx. 5,900 FTE across five Clinical Divisions, the Facilities and Integrated Support Services, hospital-wide patient flow and Public Health.
Direct reports: 10 FTE
The total remuneration package range is from $311,871 to $332,191, inclusive of:
- Base salary
- Super: 12.75%
- Allowances: Vehicle allowance
- Relocation: Pursuant to Queensland Health Directive
- Support the Master Plan in the development of new models of care and clinical services strategy to support the infrastructure commitments
- Navigate increasing demand until new capacity and facilities come online
- Opportunities to support the broader executive leadership ambition of the Townsville Hospital Health Service to provide succession planning for the service
- Build on the history and ambition of the service to be leading in regional healthcare delivery
Service Location: Townsville
Classification: HES3 (H)
- License to operate a ‘C’ class motor vehicle.
- Travel is a requirement of this position both within the HHS and throughout Queensland which may include travel by small aircraft.
- National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Worker Screening Check: As a Health Care worker in Queensland Health who engages in risk-assessed roles, you must hold a current disability check (Yellow Card or Yellow Card Exemption) or an NDIS worker screening check, in accordance with Part 5 of the Disability Services Act 2006 (Qld).
- Blue Card Checks: Potential applicants are advised that the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian Act 2000 requires Queensland Health to seek a ‘working with children check’ from the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian prior to appointment to this position. 5.1.
The closing date for applications is Sunday, 10 August 2025.
The reference number to include in your application is H25_5198
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: M: +61 (0)417 882 900 / E: bhammat@hardygroupintl.com
Your application must include:
- 1.Your current CV or resume, including referees. You must seek approval prior to nominating a person as a referee. Referees should have a thorough knowledge of your work performance and conduct, and it is preferable to include your current/immediate past supervisor. By providing the names and contact details of your referee/s you consent for these people to be contacted by the selection panel. If you do not wish for a referee to be contacted, please indicate this on your resume and contact the selection panel chair to discuss.
- 2.A cover letter including a short statement of no more than 2 pages outlining why you are the best person for the role and what you would hope to contribute and gain in this opportunity.
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:
Ms Sarah Buckler PSM
HG Queensland State Manager
M. +61 (0)429 486 740
E. sbuckler@hardygroupintl.com
LIVING AND WORKING IN TOWNSVILLE
With around 300 days of sunshine each year, Townsville offers a relaxed tropical lifestyle in one of Australia’s most welcoming regional cities.
Positioned on the shores of the Coral Sea and framed by Castle Hill, this vibrant North Queensland hub blends natural beauty with urban convenience, providing a lifestyle that’s both laid-back and lively.
The city has a strong sense of community, with regular markets, open-air concerts, and family-friendly events enlivening the foreshore and central precincts. Annual highlights such as the Australian Festival of Chamber Music and the Northern Fringe Festival bring colour and creativity to the calendar, while weekly events along The Strand and Riverway create a continuous buzz throughout the year.
Townsville’s natural surroundings are a key part of its appeal. Locals enjoy easy access to Magnetic Island, scenic coastal walks, and panoramic views from Castle Hill. The Strand, a palm-lined beachfront promenade, is a focal point for outdoor recreation, offering swimming spots, playgrounds, cafés and community spaces. Inland, the Ross River corridor provides leafy parklands, cycling paths, and open spaces ideal for active lifestyles.
Housing is varied and affordable, with everything from contemporary apartments to spacious homes on larger blocks. Commutes are short, and neighbourhoods offer a strong sense of identity and community. Families are well supported with a wide selection of quality public and private schools, and Townsville is also home to James Cook University and a number of research and training institutions.
Whether enjoying the coastal lifestyle, the close-knit community atmosphere or the region’s cultural and natural assets, Townsville provides an appealing and accessible place to live, learn and unwind.
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.