DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL SERVICES
NORTH CANBERRA HOSPITAL
CANDIDATE INFORMATION PACK
Canberra Health Services
Canberra Health Services acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land, the Ngunnawal people. Canberra Health Services respects their continuing culture and connections to the land and the unique contributions they make to the life of this area. Canberra Health Services also acknowledges and welcomes Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples who are part of the community we serve.
Executive Summary
- Senior medical leadership role at a pivotal stage of transformation within a major health service
- Shape medical governance, workforce culture and clinical accountability at a executive level
- Live and work in a city known for short commutes, high-quality schools and a relaxed, outdoor lifestyle
THE OPPORTUNITY
Canberra Health Services (CHS) is seeking an experienced and collaborative medical leader to serve as Director of Medical Services (DMS) at North Canberra Hospital (NCH). CHS provides acute, sub-acute, primary and community-based services across the ACT and surrounding region. North Canberra Hospital is a Level 4 general hospital delivering medical, surgical, maternity and palliative care services.
This is a highly attractive opportunity for a capable medical administrator to build visibility, influence service performance, and strengthen medical workforce culture in a jurisdiction that is progressing through a significant and ambitious period of transformation, including ongoing alignment between NCH and Canberra Hospital, modernisation of clinical governance frameworks, and continued enhancement of the Territory’s Digital Health Record. The DMS will join a supportive and collegial leadership team dedicated to quality, workforce capability and operational excellence.
Canberra offers an enviable balance of professional opportunity and lifestyle — with short commutes, access to nature, excellent schools and a vibrant arts and dining culture.
THE ROLE
Reporting to the General Manager of North Canberra Hospital the DMS provides professional and strategic leadership across NCH. The role is responsible for clinical governance, workforce management, quality and safety, budget oversight and strategic planning for medical services.
The DMS will lead initiatives that strengthen clinical performance and accountability, foster innovation, and ensure safe, high-quality, person-centred care. A key focus will be building alignment across the CHS network, contributing to the development of frameworks, plans and standards that ensure professional excellence and sustainable health service delivery.
This is a hands-on, highly relational role requiring consistent visibility, contemporary leadership and a capacity to positively influence and engage with all medical staff.
THE CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate will be eligible for appointment as a Staff Specialist or Senior Staff Specialist in the ACT. They will demonstrate substantial leadership and operational management experience within a health service, with a deep understanding of safety and quality systems, clinical governance, and workforce planning. Strong communication, political acumen, and the ability to engage collaboratively across executive, clinical and industrial contexts will be essential. Desirable qualifications include postgraduate studies in health or business administration and Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators (AFRACMA).
For a confidential discussion, please get in touch with:
Janine Hammat
HG Principal Consultant
M. +61 (0)488 555 858 E. jhammat@hardygroupintl.com
Canberra Health Services
Our Vision: creating exceptional health care together
Our Role: to be a health service that is trusted by our community
Our Values:
- We are reliable – we always do what we say
- We are progressive – we embrace innovation
- We are respectful – we value everyone
- We are kind – we make everyone feel welcome and safe.
Our Strategic Priorities:
Deliver world class care
Sound operational planning will determine the services we provide for our population. Consumer experience will be improved through providing care that is inclusive and culturally safe, delivered to the highest standards, in a timely way—across our acute, planned and community portfolios.
Be a great place to work, learn and teach
We will be an employer of choice—creating the environment to attract, recruit and retain skilled workers. A supportive learning environment, with a culture of candid and respectful communication, will support our people to be their best and grow professionally.
Build a strong research, innovation and improvement environment
A growing research portfolio and focus on translating innovation and improvement to better care at the bedside, will improve health outcomes for our consumers.
Canberra Health Services (CHS) is focused on the delivery of high quality, effective, person-centred care. It provides acute, sub-acute, primary and community‐based health services, to the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and surrounding region.
The services and facilities provided include:
- Canberra Hospital, which provides trauma services and most major medical and surgical services.
- North Canberra Hospital, which offers acute and sub-acute services.
- University of Canberra Hospital, a rehabilitation facility that offers additional outpatient services.
- Clare Holland House, which provides public palliative care services.
- Walk-in centres, which provide free treatment for minor illness and injury.
- Community health centres, providing general and specialist health services to people of all ages.
- Community based health services, such as early childhood services, youth and women’s health, dental health, mental health and alcohol and drug services.
North Canberra Hospital
Previously known as Calvary Public Hospital, the new North Canberra Hospital in the Belconnen region is a Level 4 general facility providing comprehensive medical, surgical, maternity, and palliative care services.
Operated by Canberra Health Services, the hospital is set for a major transformation under the ACT Government’s northside hospital project. Representing an investment of more than $1 billion, this will be the largest health infrastructure project in the Territory’s history. Built on the existing Bruce campus, the upgraded hospital will deliver a more efficient and integrated health system for Canberrans.
Construction of the new hospital is expected to be completed by 2030–2031. In the meantime, planning for the upgrade will continue while services at North Canberra Hospital operate as usual, with the safety, health, and wellbeing of patients, visitors, and staff remaining the highest priority
The northside hospital project is currently in the Plan and Design phase.
Delivery of the new hospital is being led by Infrastructure Canberra in partnership with Canberra Health Services, ACT Health, and a team of specialist consultants. It is a collaborative process involving clinicians and operational staff, patient groups, local stakeholders and the community.
Role Specification
The Director of Medical Services (DMS) is a key position within the senior/executive leadership team, responsible for providing operational, professional and strategic leadership, governance and directions for medical and support services for North Canberra Hospital.
The DMS is directly responsible for a range of administration activities and requires skills and understanding sufficient to provide advice on the strategic priorities in the planning and delivery of health services, resulting in the provision of efficient, high quality and safe patient care.
The DMS has a professional reporting line to the Executive Director of Medical Services, CHS and will work collaboratively with other DMS (or equivalent positions) across the CHS Network. The DMS will provide input into the development of frameworks, plans and standards for the medical workforce and is accountable for the implementation and reporting against these to ensure that quality, safety and professional standards for the workforce are met within the DMS portfolio.
The DMS is appointed for a period of three years with the possibility of extending it to five years. The holder of this role is supported to maintain clinical duties in their specialty area and FTE is negotiable. This role attracts a management allowance level 3.
Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following.
Under limited direction of the General Manager North Canberra Hospital, you will provide high level operational management and governance of the Medical Services portfolio. You will:
- Provide strong, visible and professional leadership acting as a role model for the application of CHS’ role, vision and values whilst fostering a culture of continued professional development and professional accountability.
- Operational management of Medical Services including, but not limited to the management of:
- Operational budgets
- Human resource related matters
- Clinical governance and quality and safety
- Work health and safety
- Reporting.
- Implement reforms to increase effectiveness and efficiency in the delivery of the Medical Service portfolio for North Canberra Hospital
- Lead work on strategy, planning and policy development in Medical Services, including providing advice on critical issues, opportunities and risks, and ensuring processes and documentation are well developed, robust and future focused.
- Exercise relevant financial and human resources delegations to achieve favourable budgetary and workforce outcomes.
- Oversee the maintenance of safe facilities appropriate for the delivery of high-quality person and family-centred, safe care, including maintenance of healthcare technology to ensure safe environments.
- Work collaboratively and in partnership with executives, internal stakeholders and external stakeholders to support operational business, governance and strategic deliverables of North Canberra Hospital.
- Work collaboratively with the other members of the Executive team and Canberra Health Services across the network to develop workforce strategies to recruit, retain and develop highly skilled medical workforce in alignment with professional standards and training requirements.
- Have a high level of expertise in and provide advice on industrial matters including involvement in the Medical Practitioner Enterprise Agreement negotiations
- Consistent with the principles of the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards, in collaboration with other stakeholders across the CHS network, lead the clinical workforce at NCH to enhance contemporary safe practice, innovative models of care, mentor support, professional development and service growth.
- Undertake other duties appropriate to this level of classification which contribute to the operation of the organisation.
Capabilities
Specific capabilities include but are not limited to the following.
- Demonstrated ability to inspire and motivate others to achieve goals, identify and develop the potential in others, and assess and mitigate future work and capability requirements.
- High level critical thinking ability and extensive process, resource and budget management skills to implement operational efficiencies in healthcare.
- A commitment and the ability to lead the delivery of person and family centred, safe and high-quality care in a sustainable health system.
- High level interpersonal skills to influence and provide key information to support decisions made by a diverse stakeholder group.
- Political sensitivity and astuteness with a sophisticated understanding of the demands of public sector accountability.
- Knowledge and understanding of work, health and safety (WH&S) and the positive patient experience and displays behaviours consistent with CHS’ values.
Qualifications:
Essential:
- Eligible to be appointed as a Staff Specialist / Senior Staff Specialist including being registered or eligible to be registered with AHPRA
- Not be the subject of an unresolved scope of clinical practice review by Medical Dental Appointments Advisory Committee or under a current inquiry by AHPRA.
Desirable:
- Tertiary Qualification in Health or Business Administration
- AFRACMA
Experience
Essential:
- Experience working professionally in a leadership position within a health environment.
- Demonstrated experience or knowledge of how the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) indicators align with this role.
- Demonstrated experience or knowledge of the CHS Exceptional Care Framework and other related Frameworks.
Desirable:
- Highly developed interpersonal and strong leadership skills with the ability to apply critical thinking.
- Motivated, enthusiastic and a strong communicator to effectively liaise with internal and external stakeholders.
- Adaptability and flexibility to accommodate change and provide responsive services to meet patient and staff needs.
- Academic affiliation and/or co-joint appointments.
These are the key selection criteria for how you will be assessed in conjunction with your resumé and experience.
- 1.Demonstrated experience and achievement in a leadership and operational management role with a positive track record of delivering quality outcomes in a complex healthcare environment.
- 2.Proven extensive experience in workforce planning, development, recruitment, retention to ensure that the skill mix and capability of the workforce meet professional standards and provide safe high-quality care across a health service.
- 3.Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills with strong verbal and written skills, high-level liaison, representation and negotiation skills with the ability to be influential with stakeholders at all levels.
- 4.Demonstrated ability to exercise a high degree of judgement with a proactive approach to problem solving and risk mitigation, including the ability to make decisions and reprioritise quickly.
- 5.Demonstrated understanding of, and adherence to, safety and quality standards, Work Health and Safety and the positive patient experience. Displays behaviour consistent with CHS’s values of reliable, progressive, respectful, and kind.
Reports to the General Manager, North Canberra Hospital
Classification: Staff Specialist/Senior Staff Specialist
Plus management allowance
Please see the Medical Practitioners Enterprise Agreement 2021-2022 for specific detail.
Service Location: North Canberra Hospital, Bruce ACT
Appointment to this position is conditional on being granted and retaining appropriate clearances.
- Pre-employment National Police Check.
- Comply with Canberra Health Services Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination policy.
- Comply with Canberra Health Services Credentialing and scope of clinical practice requirements for medical professionals.
All employees are required to:
- Adhere to the Canberra Health Services Values and the ACT Public Service Code of Conduct
- Act in accordance and comply with all relevant Safety and Quality policies and procedures.
- Comply with all relevant clinical and/or competency standards.
- Be available for weekend and/or after-hours work.
CHS is leading the drive to digitally transform health service delivery in Australia through the implementation of a territory wide Digital Health Record. Computer literacy skills are required and once proficient, you will need to remain current with changes, updates, and contingencies.
The closing date for applications is Wednesday, 17 December 2025
The reference number to include in your application is H25_5311
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: bhammat@hardygroupintl.com / +61 (0)417 882 900
Your application must include:
- 1.Cover letter addressed to the Principal Consultant;
- 2.A 2-page pitch addressing the 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
HG Principal Consultant
M. +61 (0)488 555 858
E. jhammat@hardygroupintl.com
LIVING AND WORKING IN CANBERRA
Living in Canberra offers a wonderful mix of vibrant events, outdoor activities, and cultural attractions. The city’s calendar is filled with festivals like Floriade, a dazzling spring celebration of over a million blooming flowers, and the Canberra Balloon Spectacular, where hot air balloons float across the sky each March. The Enlighten Festival lights up Canberra’s landmarks with colourful displays, while the Multicultural Festival brings together the diverse community in a joyful celebration.
Lake Burley Griffin is the centrepiece of Canberra, surrounded by parks, walking tracks, cycling paths and other recreational activities.
Canberra's town centres, like Civic, Belconnen, Woden, and Tuggeranong, each offer their own unique character and charm. These hubs are packed with shopping, dining, and entertainment options, from boutique stores and local markets to cosy cafes and restaurants that cater to all tastes. Each centre has its own community vibe, with green spaces, local events, and easy access to services, making them convenient and lively places to live, work, and relax.
Sunrises become magical for 9 days each March for the Canberra Balloon Spectacular.
Canberra is rich in cultural and educational attractions, too. Questacon, the National Science and Technology Centre, is a favourite for all ages, offering interactive exhibits and fun demonstrations. The city’s museums and galleries, like the National Museum of Australia and the National Gallery, provide endless opportunities for exploration and learning.
Recreation around Lake Burley Griffin is a highlight, with its scenic paths perfect for cycling, jogging, or leisurely strolls, and the lake’s calm waters ideal for kayaking, paddle boarding, and sailing. Families can also enjoy picnics, barbecues, and relaxing afternoons in spots like Commonwealth Park and the National Arboretum.
The city blooms into spring each year with the Floriade festival.
With so much to see, do, and experience, Canberra offers a vibrant and fulfilling lifestyle for professionals and their families, filled with adventure, culture, and community. More information on living and working in Canberra can be found here.
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.