Divisional Director, Nursing and Midwifery – Women’s and Children’s
CANDIDATE INFORMATION PACK
Northern Health
Northern Health acknowledges the rich Aboriginal heritage of this country and acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which our health services are built, the Wurundjeri Willum Clan and Taungurung People.
Executive Summary
- Provide professional and operational leadership across maternity, neonatal, paediatric and gynaecology services.
- Represent the nursing and midwifery professions at the most senior levels within Northern Health.
- Shape the delivery of safe, kind and inclusive care for women, children and families in Melbourne’s rapidly growing northern corridor.
The Opportunity
The Women’s and Children’s Division at Northern Health provides comprehensive maternity, neonatal, paediatric and gynaecology services to one of Victoria’s most diverse and fastest-growing communities. Central to Northern Health’s values of Safe, Kind and Together, the Division plays a critical role in delivering safe, trusted, and compassionate care to women, children, and families across the region.
This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced and credentialled Registered Midwife—ideally with dual registration as a Registered Nurse—to lead the professional governance and advancement of nursing and midwifery within a major metropolitan health service. As a key member of the divisional leadership team, you will help drive Northern Health’s 2025–2029 strategic priorities, focusing on innovation, workforce wellbeing, sustainability, and the delivery of outstanding person-centred care.
The Role
Reporting operationally to the Chief Operating Officer and professionally to the Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, the Divisional Director, Nursing and Midwifery provides strategic, professional and operational leadership across the Women’s and Children’s Division.
As the most senior professional representative of midwifery and nursing within the Division, the role ensures that professional standards, governance frameworks, and models of care reflect contemporary best practice. The Divisional Director will influence policy, workforce planning, and clinical governance at the highest organisational level, while driving quality improvement and safety across maternity, neonatal, paediatric and gynaecology services.
This leadership role requires a visible and influential presence—someone who can advocate for midwifery and nursing excellence, mentor emerging leaders, and foster a culture of collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement.
The Candidate
You are an accomplished senior leader and Registered Midwife with demonstrated success in leading complex nursing and midwifery services, specifically within Women’s and Children’s health. You bring credibility as both a professional and clinical leader, capable of influencing strategic direction, workforce policy, and service design at an executive level.
You bring deep professional expertise underpinned by strong operational insight and a clear commitment to delivering safe, high-quality, person-centred care. Collaborative and values-driven, you foster engagement across diverse teams and partners to achieve excellence in clinical care and workforce performance. Postgraduate qualifications in leadership, management or a relevant clinical field will be highly regarded.
HardyGroup is assisting Northern Health with this executive search process.
For a confidential discussion, please get in touch with:
Lynette Taylor
HardyGroup Executive Director Search & Recruitment
M: +61 (0)431 293 861 / E: ltaylor@hardygroupintl.com
Northern Health
Northern Health is a vibrant, fast-paced workplace located in the rapidly growing northern suburbs. This is driving us to think innovatively about the needs of the population and what the health system of the future might need to look like to meet those needs. We take care of our community by providing a wide range of health services at multiple locations including:
- Northern Hospital Epping
- Broadmeadows Hospital
- Craigieburn Centre
- Bundoora Centre
- Merri-bek Community Team
- Broadmeadows Community Care Unit
- Broadmeadows Prevention and Recovery Care
- Hotham Street Community Mental Health Clinic
- Northern Prevention and Recovery Care
- Northern Community Care Unit and,
- Noogal Clinic
- Kilmore District Health
- Women’s Health Hub
We also collaborate with our partners to help expand the range of health care services offered to our culturally rich and diverse community.
As an organisation, we are shifting our focus from illness to putting a spotlight on supporting our community in ‘staying well’. In order to achieve this, we are developing strong relationships with other health service providers and the community across the region, to help us think differently about the future.
Northern Health provides a dynamic working environment, with a strong culture of teamwork, safety and respect. Northern Health is proud to be an inclusive employer and aims to ensure our workforce is representative of the community.
Our Vision
Creating a healthier future by working together, innovating and delivering great care.
Our Values
Safe - We provide safe, trusted care for our patients. We are inclusive, culturally safe, celebrating the diversity of our staff and community.
Kind - We treat everyone with kindness, respect and empathy. We provide patient-centred and compassionate care.
Together - We work together with our staff, patients, consumers and health system partners.
Our Priorities
Northern Health has determined six strategic directions. The directions are focused on addressing priorities for safety, sustainability, growth and innovation. They reflect our best assessment of opportunities and challenges in our current and future environment.
Our strategic directions are:
- Collaborate to deliver safe, efficient, effective and sustainable care in all our services
- Demonstrate our commitment to the wellbeing of our valued workforce
- Renew and strengthen our infrastructure, systems, tools and processes for financial sustainability and growth
- Innovate to shape the future of health care in Victoria
- Partner to keep people well and deliver the best possible care locally
- Drive research and education to deliver excellent care and develop the next generation of clinicians and health care leaders
These priorities are inter-related in that success in one area is dependent on success in another. Detailed plans have been developed to support each of the priority areas.
All Northern Health employees will contribute to improving patient safety by being familiar with, and applying the National Safety and Quality Standards and criteria.
Safety, Quality and Clinical Governance at Northern Health
Northern Health is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care in the safest possible environment for every patient every time. We are focused on strengthening the safety and quality of care across the continuum, with a focus on saving lives, reducing harm and improving the patient experience.
Northern Health’s safety and quality improvement activities focus on delivering the Strategic Plan and Operational Business Plans, and are supported by the Northern Health Clinical Governance and Risk Frameworks, and the Northern Health Quality Improvement Methodology.
The Northern Health Quality Management System brings together the core elements that underpin how:
- Quality and Clinical Governance is determined.
- Quality services are delivered.
- Risk is managed.
- Audit – what matters is monitored.
- Our committees monitor performance of controls put in place to ensure safe patient care.
Commitment to Child Safety at Northern Health
- We are committed to the safety, participation and empowerment of all children
- We are committed to the cultural safety of Aboriginal children, the cultural safety of children from a culturally and /or linguistically diverse backgrounds and to providing a safe environment for children with a disability.
- We have zero tolerance of child abuse, and all allegations and safety concerns will be treated very seriously and consistently with our robust policies and procedures
- We have legal and moral obligations to contact authorities when we are worried about a child’s safety, which we follow vigorously.
Family Violence and Child Safety Statement
Northern Health is a child safe environment and is committed to protecting children from harm and abuse, in accordance with our legal obligations and the Child Safe Standards. Northern Health aims to identify and respond individuals who are at risk of child abuse and family violence and we encourage victim survivors to disclose to their health professional to seek support and safety. Northern Health has zero tolerance of child abuse and family violence, and all disclosures and safety concerns will be treated sensitively in accordance with our policies and procedures.
Northern Health actively promotes the safety and wellbeing of all individuals. We recognize and respect individual rights, identities, relationships and cultures. Our aim is to foster a trauma-informed, culturally safe and child safe environment.
Northern Health is an Information Sharing Entity (ISE) and is prescribed to the Family Violence Multi-Agency Risk Assessment & Management (MARAM) Framework and the Information Sharing Schemes. Family violence and child safety training is mandatory for our staff members and volunteers.
Role Specification
Reporting operationally to the Chief Operating Officer and professionally to the Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, the Divisional Director, Nursing and Midwifery provides strategic, professional and operational leadership across the Women’s and Children’s Division.
As the most senior professional representative of midwifery and nursing within the Division, the role ensures that professional standards, governance frameworks, and models of care reflect contemporary best practice. The Divisional Director will influence policy, workforce planning, and clinical governance at the highest organisational level, while driving quality improvement and safety across maternity, neonatal, paediatric and gynaecology services.
This leadership role requires a visible and influential presence—someone who can advocate for midwifery and nursing excellence, mentor emerging leaders, and foster a culture of collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement.
The Divisional Director, Nursing and Midwifery provides executive leadership within the Women’s and Children’s Division.
This position is responsible for:
- Leading and managing all nursing and midwifery services within the division to ensure safe, high quality, patient-centred care.
- Providing professional leadership and governance for the nursing and midwifery workforce, ensuring compliance with standards, regulation, and best practice.
- Act as the senior professional voice for nurses and midwives within the organisation, influencing strategy, models of care, workforce planning, and professional development.
- Ensuring the delivery of safe, high-quality, and person-centred care across maternity, neonatal, paediatric, and gynaecology services.
- Driving workforce development, recruitment, retention, and professional growth of nursing and midwifery staff.
- Leading clinical governance, quality improvement, and risk management initiatives.
- Planning, developing, and implementing sustainable, evidence-based models of care.
- Building and maintaining relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including medical staff, allied health, academic institutions, consumer representatives, and government agencies.
- Promoting a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Qualifications, Registrations and Qualities Essential
- Current registration as a Registered Nurse and Midwife with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.
- Demonstrated ability to provide professional governance and leadership for nursing and midwifery staff within a Women’s and Children’s health context.
- Current National Police and Working with Children History Check.
- The Staff Immunisation Questionnaire must be completed by all new employees as part of the mandatory on-boarding process. New employees are not permitted to undertake any activity that requires patient contact prior to clearance by the Staff Immunisation Nurses; this also includes evidence of having the Flu vaccination on a yearly basis. New employees with contra-indications to vaccinations or who decline vaccination are required to attend a face to face consultation with the Immunisation Nurses for appropriate documentation of their contraindications or declination. This must be completed PRIOR to commencing any work with Northern Health.
Desirable
- Postgraduate qualifications in health leadership, management, or a relevant clinical field
Experience
- Leadership experience in Women’s and Children’s health services, including maternity, neonatal, paediatric, and gynaecology care.
- Proven operational and financial management experience in a complex healthcare environment.
- Experience in service planning, redesign, and implementation of evidence-based models of care.
- Demonstrated ability to lead large multidisciplinary teams through change and workforce development initiatives.
Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours
- Strong knowledge of contemporary nursing and midwifery practice, clinical governance, quality improvement, and regulatory frameworks.
- Strategic thinking with the ability to translate vision into operational and workforce outcomes.
- High-level communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Ability to foster collaboration, innovation, and a positive workplace culture.
- Commitment to consumer-centred care, equity, workforce wellbeing, and professional development.
Reports to:
Chief Operating Officer (Operationally)
Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer (Professionally)
Key Relationships:
3 Direct reports with 283 Headcount
To be discussed with HG Principal Consultant
Service Location: Epping, Victoria
Division: Women’s and Children’s
Classification: 1MISC10
Annual Budget: Operating budget for Admin and Wards ~$44m
The closing date for applications is Sunday, 9th November 2025.
The reference number to include in your application is H25_5295
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, Sarah Prebble via sprebble@hardygroupintl.com / +61 (0)430 219 787
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:
Lynette Taylor
HardyGroup Executive Director, Search & Recruitment
M. +61 (0)431 293 861
E. ltaylor@hardygroupintl.com
LIVING AND WORKING IN MELBOURNE
Regularly ranked among the world’s most liveable cities, Melbourne offers a vibrant lifestyle that combines cultural sophistication with a relaxed Australian atmosphere.
Often referred to as the nation’s cultural capital, the city is renowned for its festivals, food, music, theatre, and art. From the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and White Night to Moomba and the Australian Open, there is always something to see or do.
Melbourne’s streets are a blend of heritage architecture and modern design. Its famous laneways are dotted with cafés, street art, and hidden galleries. Popular landmarks include Federation Square, the Royal Botanic Gardens, the Melbourne Zoo, and the National Gallery of Victoria. Beyond the city, residents can easily access scenic destinations such as the Dandenong Ranges, Mornington Peninsula, and Great Ocean Road.
One of Melbourne's many art-covered alleyways. Photo Credit.
Heidelberg
Heidelberg, Victoria, is widely regarded as one of Melbourne’s most livable suburbs, combining leafy tranquillity with excellent access to services, transport, and employment. Located about 11 kilometres northeast of the CBD, Heidelberg offers a blend of urban convenience and suburban charm. The area is well connected by train and major roads, with the Heidelberg train station providing direct access to the city and surrounding suburbs.
The suburb features a strong sense of community, supported by quality schools, local shops, markets, cafés, and extensive parklands along the Yarra River. The combination of green spaces, cultural heritage, healthcare access, and proximity to the city contributes to Heidelberg’s reputation as a safe, friendly, and desirable place to live. Its balance of lifestyle amenities, transport links, and community facilities underpins its consistently high livability ratings in Melbourne.
Ivanhoe Shopping. Photo Credit.
Ivanhoe Grammar School. Photo Credit.
Hawthorn
Hawthorn, Victoria, is one of Melbourne’s most desirable suburbs — and it’s easy to see why. Just six kilometres east of the CBD, it offers the perfect mix of convenience, charm, and community. The area has a beautiful blend of leafy streets, heritage homes, and stylish modern apartments, giving it a character that feels both historic and vibrant.
Getting around is simple, with plenty of trams, trains, and bike paths connecting residents to the city and nearby suburbs. Glenferrie Road is the local heartbeat — lined with cafés, restaurants, shops, and the lively energy of Swinburne University students. It’s a place where you can grab a great coffee, browse boutiques, or catch a movie, all within a short walk.
Chandon. Photo Credit.
Chandon. Photo Credit.
Flinders Street Station at night. Photo Credit
A wide variety of housing options are available, from contemporary city apartments to spacious suburban homes. Neighbourhoods have their own unique character, whether it’s the beachside charm of St Kilda, the urban energy of Fitzroy, or the family-friendly feel of suburbs to the east. Melbourne also offers a reliable public transport system, including trams, trains and buses, making it easy to navigate.
Families benefit from access to quality education, with a mix of well-regarded public and private schools, as well as some of Australia’s top universities. The city’s multicultural population adds to its welcoming and inclusive feel, offering a strong sense of community.
Heide Market. Photo Credit.
Ivanhoe
Ivanhoe, located about 9–10 kilometres northeast of Melbourne’s CBD, is one of those suburbs that blends leafy calm with city-convenience in a way that feels just right. Ivanhoe is known for its leafy streets, strong community feel, and balance of urban convenience with suburban tranquillity. It’s a well-established area within the City of Banyule, offering a mix of elegant heritage homes, modern townhouses, and contemporary apartments. The suburb’s tree-lined avenues and large gardens contribute to its reputation as one of Melbourne’s more picturesque and family-friendly neighbourhoods.
The area has a distinct “village” atmosphere, centred around Upper Heidelberg Road, where residents enjoy a range of cafés, boutique shops, and local amenities. Ivanhoe also boasts excellent educational facilities, including Ivanhoe Grammar School and Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar School, as well as access to several quality public schools. The Ivanhoe Library and Cultural Hub and the nearby Yarra River parklands provide strong community and recreational appeal.
Ivanhoe continues to attract professionals and families seeking a safe, green, and well-connected suburb. Its blend of heritage character, lifestyle amenities, and accessibility underpin its strong livability reputation.
Hawthorn. Photo Credit.
Yarra Valley
The Yarra Valley, located just an hour’s drive east of Melbourne, is one of Victoria’s most picturesque and popular destinations. Known for its rolling hills, lush vineyards, and gourmet experiences, the region offers a perfect escape from city life. Visitors can explore world-class wineries such as Domaine Chandon, De Bortoli, and Yering Station, where cellar doors and restaurants showcase fine wines paired with local produce.
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Food lovers will enjoy farmgate trails, artisan chocolateries, and weekend markets offering local cheeses, berries, and handmade goods. With its mix of indulgence, nature, and culture, the Yarra Valley caters to couples, families, and groups alike. Whether you’re sampling wine with panoramic vineyard views, wandering through art galleries, or simply soaking in the countryside charm, the Yarra Valley delivers a quintessential Victorian experience just beyond Melbourne’s doorstep.
Melbourne combines culture, lifestyle, and liveability, making it an ideal place to settle and enjoy all that a world-class city has to offer.
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.