SERVICE GROUP DIRECTOR SURGICAL
CANDIDATE INFORMATION PACK
Townsville Hospital & Health Service
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Executive Summary
- Health executive role with competitive remuneration
- Provide strategic leadership and oversee the operations of surgical services across Townsville Hospital and Health Services
- Transform service delivery in a dynamic tertiary health environment
- North Queensland Based combining lifestyle and career
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Service Group Director reports to the Chief Operating Officer and is responsible for providing strategic leadership and overseeing the operations of a clinical service group within the Townsville Hospital and Health Service (HHS). The role represents a single point of accountability for achieving all outcomes expected of the clinical service group to ensure that it contributes to the achievement of the Townsville HHS vision, objectives and the Service Agreement with the Department of Health. The Service Group Director is a key member of the Senior Management Team and works in partnership with the Chief Operating Officer, Executive Directors and other Service Group Directors to support the delivery of safe, effective and sustainable care within the Townsville HHS.
The Service Group Director will bring strong leadership and business management experience to the role and will possess a strong understanding of the clinical environment pertinent to the Service Group. The role will be responsible for providing high level, expert advice to the Chief Operating Officer and members of the Executive team, will contribute to the development of the Townsville HHS’s strategic vision and be responsible for the development and delivery of the Service Group’s annual operational and performance plan.
With Townsville HHS being the tertiary provider of health services for North Queensland, the Service Group Director has senior level leadership for tertiary services provided to neighbouring HHSs. This role also has responsibility for the implementation and delivery of new and existing tertiary level services (within the Service Group portfolio) that provide health care across the whole of North Queensland.
THE ROLE
The Service Group Director – Surgical provides strategic and operational leadership for the delivery of high-quality, patient-centred surgical services across the Townsville Hospital and Health Service. This executive role is responsible for ensuring the Service Group operates effectively within a complex clinical environment, delivering safe, sustainable care aligned with the organisation’s strategic objectives and performance expectations.
The Director leads the development and implementation of the Service Group’s operational plan, ensuring services are clinically integrated, evidence-based, and responsive to the needs of patients across the care continuum. The role is pivotal in driving innovation, clinical redesign, and continuous improvement, while fostering a culture of accountability, transparency, and excellence in service delivery.
The successful candidate will need to demonstrate:
- Executive experience in health service delivery, ideally in a surgical or tertiary care environment.
- Strong business acumen and strategic planning capability.
- A track record of leading high-performing teams and driving organisational change.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- A commitment to safety, quality, and innovation in healthcare.
For a confidential discussion, please get in touch with:
Liz Hlipala
Principal Search Consultant
M. +61 (0)401 122 301
E. lhlipala@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 Service Group Director – Surgical provides strategic and operational leadership for the delivery of high-quality, patient-centred surgical services across the Townsville Hospital and Health Service. This executive role is responsible for ensuring the Service Group operates effectively within a complex clinical environment, delivering safe, sustainable care aligned with the organisation’s strategic objectives and performance expectations.
The Director leads the development and implementation of the Service Group’s operational plan, ensuring services are clinically integrated, evidence-based, and responsive to the needs of patients across the care continuum. The role is pivotal in driving innovation, clinical redesign, and continuous improvement, while fostering a culture of accountability, transparency, and excellence in service delivery.
As a senior leader within a tertiary health service, the Service Group Director plays a key role in shaping and delivering surgical services not only within Townsville HHS but also across North Queensland. The role contributes to statewide health strategy, leads major change initiatives, and represents Townsville HHS in forums that influence the future of healthcare in Queensland.
The Director also champions education, research, and workforce development, embedding a learning culture within the Service Group and supporting professional growth across clinical and non-clinical teams. The role ensures culturally capable services are delivered, with targeted programs to improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health outcomes.
- Provide executive level, strategic leadership to the Service Group ensuring that financial and human resources are effectively managed whilst maintaining the highest level of contemporary clinical practice for the Service Group.
- Contribute to the development of the Townsville HHS’s strategic vision by providing expert advice around emerging trends and practices in the clinical services.
- Develop and implement the Service Group’s operational plan, reflecting the Townsville HHS’s strategic vision.
- Establish strong clinical and business governance frameworks to drive evidence based and transparent decision making, accountability of performance and optimal use of resources to deliver quality health outcomes.
- Effectively manage risk and ensure continuous improvement in patient-centred care.
- Ensure that all services are planned and delivered across the clinical continuum, recognising the ongoing need for clinical redesign, the interdependency of service provision across other Service Groups, and in collaboration with internal and external service partners.
- Establish, monitor and evaluate the efficacy of Service Group systems and processes which provide feedback about standards of performance to ensure that key areas of risk and opportunities for performance improvement are identified.
- As a member of the Senior Management Team, respond to Townsville HHS-wide issues in a manner which supports the development of a coherent organisational focus and shared vision.
- Work in close partnership with the Chief Operating Officer to ensure expected performance outcomes within the Service Group Performance Agreement are achieved.
- Develop, implement and drive organisational change, including sponsoring major projects and change initiatives specific to the area of expertise and clinical practice.
- Effectively plan for expected growth in the demand for health services within the region by developing and implementing strategies which transform service delivery to respond to increasing demands within a constrained resource environment.
- Take a lead in developing and implementing sustainable tertiary level services across North Queensland.
- Represent the Townsville HHS in Statewide forums to develop the Queensland Health and Townsville HHS strategic vision.
- In partnership with the Senior Management Team, facilitate the implementation of a learning culture within the Service Group and with internal and external partners, fostering research and education opportunities for staff and actively embedding education and research as a fundamental contributor to organisational performance, and ensure ongoing professional development opportunities are made available to all staff within the Service Group.
- Ensure the Service Group delivers culturally capable general health services that are complemented by targeted Indigenous-specific programs and services to improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health outcomes.
Additional Responsibilities
- Fulfil the responsibilities of this role primarily in accordance with the Townsville Hospital and Health Service (HHS) core values, as outlined below, and in accordance with the values outlined for the public service with the Queensland Government.
- Ensure that service standards, safety and quality are maintained through adherence to defined service quality standards and relevant occupational health and safety policies, procedures and work practices.
- Implement and monitor the organisation's quality standards, occupational health and safety policies, procedures and programs and provide clinical governance in the relevant work area.
- Some roles within Queensland Health are designated as Vaccination Preventable Disease (VPD) risk roles.
This is a VPD risk role.
View the full scope of these in the Position Description.
- There are no mandatory qualifications or professional registration requirements, however, a business or health management degree or equivalent is desirable. The successful candidate does not need to have a clinical background but will need to be able to demonstrate how they will deliver excellence in leadership and management of a large clinical division in a hospital and health service.
- A strong understanding of the clinical environment, with experience in complex interdependent systems, will be highly regarded.
- Travel will be required in this position, both within the Townsville HHS and throughout Queensland. This may include travel by small aircraft.
- It is a requirement of the position to participate in on-call rostering, where necessary.
- Vaccine Preventable Disease (VPD): Health Care Workers in Queensland Health whose occupation poses a potential risk of exposure to blood or body fluids are required to provide evidence of vaccinations or proof that they are not susceptible (due to prior exposure to the disease and therefore have natural immunity) to the following VPD's Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella and Pertussis (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis containing vaccine) according to the Queensland Health Policy.
- COVID-19 vaccination requirements: It is a mandatory condition of employment for the employee to be and remain vaccinated against COVID-19, as per Health Employment Directive 12/21 and Queensland Health Human Resources Policy B70.
You will be assessed on your ability to demonstrate the following key requirements, knowledge and experience which is outlined under ‘The role’.
The ideal applicant will be someone who has proven ability and can demonstrate the following:
Professional Capability:
- Professional standards: Creates and sustains professional standards of excellence in service delivery and patient care.
- Drive for results: A demonstrated capability in delivering service performance improvements and a determination to achieve positive service outcomes for users.
Research Capability:
- Research culture: Creates and sustains a culture of world class research and innovation.
- Collaborative research: Leads a department which supports integrated research across professional disciplines.
Leadership Capability:
- Self-awareness: Knowing your own strengths and limitations, and understanding your own emotions and the impact of your behaviour on others in diverse situations.
- Holding to account: The strength of resolve to hold others to account for agreed targets and to be held accountable for delivering a high level of service.
- Effective and strategic influencing: Being able and prepared to adopt a number of ways to gain support and influence diverse parties, with the aim of securing health improvements.
Management Capability:
- Communication: Demonstrated ability to influence others, communicate effectively in the public domain and with senior boards and external stakeholders.
- Business planning: Create strategic plans that meet hospital and whole of government priorities and position the hospital to meet future challenges.
Financial management:
- Develop, interpret, monitor and analyse trend data in organisational financial and establishment reports; forecast, monitor and manage revenue and expenditure; develop strategic procurement plans and ensure the organisation has the health infrastructure to meet demand in growth areas.
- Show financial acumen with the ability to synthesise complex financial data and activity.
Budget: The Service Group Director is responsible for an approximate expenditure budget of $275 M
Reports To: The Service Group Director reports operationally and professionally to the Chief Operating Officer.
Direct reports: The Service Group Director is responsible for an approximate MOHRI FTE of 1178.
Please Discuss with your HardyGroup Consultant
Service Location: Townsville University Hospital
Term: Fixed Term full-time, 3-year contract
Classification: HES2 (H)
- Pre-employment screening, including criminal history, aged care checks, and discipline history checks, may be undertaken on persons recommended for employment. Roles providing health, counselling and support services to children will require a ‘working with children check’ from the Blue Card Services Department of Justice and Attorney-General prior to appointment, unless otherwise exempt.
- Employees who are appointed to Queensland Health may be required to undertake a period of probation appropriate to the appointment. For further information, refer to Probation HR Policy B2.
- All relevant health professionals, who in the course of their duties formulate a reasonable suspicion that a child or youth has been abused or neglected in their home/community environment, have a legislative and a duty of care obligation to immediately report such concerns to Child Safety Services, Department of Communities.
- Applicants will be required to give a statement of their employment as a lobbyist within one (1) month of taking up the appointment. Details Lobbyist Disclosure.
- Applicants may be required to disclose any pre-existing illness or injury which may impact on their ability to perform the role. Details are available in section 571 of the Workers' Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003.
- In accordance with Government requirements and Queensland Health’s commitment to a healthier workplace the Queensland Health Smoking Management Policy supports a smoke-free environment. Smoking is prohibited at all Queensland public hospitals and health facilities and for five (5) metres beyond their boundaries. Queensland Health employees may obtain assistance to quit smoking through staff program Quit Smoking for Life program.
Townsville Hospital and Health Service website
THHS Health Service Plan 2018-2028
THHS First Nations Health Equity Strategy 2022-2025
Leadership Competencies for Queensland
Townsville Hospital and Health Service Organisational Chart
The closing date for applications is Tuesday, 2 December 2025.
The reference number to include in your application is H25_5299
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: M: +61 (0)430 219 787 / E: sprebble@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:
Liz Hlipala
Principal Search Consultant
M. +61 (0)401 122 301
E. lhlipala@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.