Chief Operating Officer
Yorke and Northern Local Health Network
CANDIDATE INFORMATION PACK
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We acknowledge the Aboriginal Custodians of the land and waters within the footprint of the Yorke and Northern Local Health Network.
We respect their spiritual relationship with their country and acknowledge their cultural beliefs are an important focus of the past, present and future.
Executive Summary
- Lead operational excellence and collaboration across one of South Australia’s largest regional health services.
- Drive integrated care, access, and patient flow across acute, subacute, and inpatient settings.
- Inspire collaboration and innovation to deliver exceptional health outcomes.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Yorke and Northern Local Health Network (YNLHN) manages the delivery of public hospital and community-based health services on behalf of the South Australian Government, providing care to approximately 78,000 people across the Yorke Peninsula, Southern Flinders Ranges and Mid North regions. The network is one of six Local Health Networks across country South Australia and covers an area of approximately 77,000 square kilometres, reflecting the scale and diversity of the communities it serves.
THE ROLE
The COO will support and develop their leadership team in the delivery of high value care, ensuring that it is safe, and delivered within available financial and human resources. Skilled in leading major operational, cultural, and organisational change, you will have extensive experience managing diverse teams and fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation, ensuring the care is delivered in the right place, at the right time.
The incumbent will be required to accept responsibility for allocated portfolios and/or program areas as determined by the CEO, YNLHN in response to changing priorities and needs.
*Whilst the direction and vision for this role have been established, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to set up the functions within this portfolio in consultation with the CEO and the Executive to ensure that it is structured for success. The Executive Directors EDMS, EDNM, EDCAH will provide strategic and professional leadership including but not limited to development of workforce models, workforce pipelines, credentialing and development of LHN wide models of care.
This role will work closely with other leadership roles in the LHN such as the Divisional Director ED and Acute Medical Services, Director of Medical Services, Director of Surgical Services, Nursing leads, Allied Health leads and Operational and Corporate Services leads.
THE CANDIDATE
To be successful in this role, you will be a visionary and values-driven healthcare executive with a proven track record of delivering high-quality, patient-centred services across complex, multidisciplinary environments. Ideally you hold a tertiary qualification in a clinical discipline such as nursing, allied health, or medicine, with it being highly desirable to have postgraduate qualifications in health service management, business administration, public health, or a related field.
For a confidential discussion, please get in touch with:
Liz Hlipala
HardyGroup Principal Consultant
M. +61 (0)401 122 301
E. lhlipala@hardygroupintl.com
YORKE AND NORTHERN LOCAL HEALTH NETWORK
Yorke and Northern Local Health Network (YNLHN) manages the delivery of public hospital and community-based health services on behalf of the South Australian Government, providing care to approximately 78,000 people across the Yorke Peninsula, Southern Flinders Ranges and Mid North regions. The network is one of six Local Health Networks across country South Australia and covers an area of approximately 77,000 square kilometres, reflecting the scale and diversity of the communities it serves.
YNLHN is incorporated under the South Australian Health Care Act 2008 and is governed by a local Governing Board, which is accountable to the Minister for Health and Wellbeing. The network has an annual operating budget of approximately $277 million and a workforce of around 1,160 full-time equivalent staff.
The network comprises 16 regional hospitals, 6 community health sites, and 13 residential aged care facilities, delivering an integrated range of services across multiple locations. Port Pirie Regional Health Service operates as the primary service hub, supporting surrounding facilities across the region.
Services are delivered across a diverse mix of regional centres, coastal towns and rural communities. Key service hubs include Port Pirie, Clare, Wallaroo and Maitland, supported by a broader network of towns across the Yorke Peninsula, Mid North and Southern Flinders Ranges, including Kadina, Yorketown, Minlaton, Balaklava, Riverton, Snowtown, Crystal Brook, Jamestown, Laura, Burra, Port Broughton, Orroroo, Booleroo Centre and Peterborough. This broad geographic footprint highlights YNLHN’s role in delivering accessible healthcare to widely dispersed populations across both coastal and inland South Australia.
Residents have access to a comprehensive range of healthcare services, including:
- Emergency care
- Acute inpatient and surgical services
- Maternal and neonatal care
- Renal dialysis
- Medium to low-risk chemotherapy
- Outpatient and community health services
- Mental health services
- Residential aged care
These services are delivered by a skilled and dedicated workforce committed to providing safe, high-quality care that meets the needs of regional and rural communities.
Our Values
Kindness - We treat and care for people with kindness, compassion, professionalism and respect.
Excellence - Our quality care and outcomes are recognised by our consumers, staff and peers.
Personal - We listen, learn and adapt to ensure we are responsive to the needs, goals and cultural beliefs of every individual.
Trust - Our staff and services are trusted, and we trust each other.
Collaborative - We work together, focused on achieving the best outcomes for all.
Map representing the area covered by YNLHN
Role Specification
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) reports to the Chief Executive Officer and is responsible for the operational leadership and performance of the Yorke and Northern Local Health Network (YNLHN). The role has accountability for the effective and efficient delivery of integrated health services across the network, including acute, sub-acute, community, mental health and aged care services.
The COO leads day-to-day operational management with a focus on service delivery, patient access and flow, and the optimisation of resources, including workforce and financial management. The role is responsible for monitoring and improving performance against service level agreements, key performance indicators, and safety and quality measures.
As a member of the Executive team, the COO contributes to organisational strategy and ensures alignment between operational delivery and strategic objectives, while supporting safe, high-quality and patient-centred care.
The position provides executive-level responsibility for a broad operational portfolio within a regional local health network servicing approximately 78,000 people across a large and geographically dispersed area of South Australia.
The COO is responsible for overseeing operational performance, implementing models of care, and addressing service delivery challenges across multiple sites and service streams. The role involves working closely with clinical and professional leaders to support coordinated, multidisciplinary service delivery and to improve patient outcomes and system efficiency.
The position contributes to strategic planning, policy implementation and performance management, and provides advice and analysis to the Chief Executive Officer, Executive and Board to inform decision-making. The COO also represents the organisation in engagement with government, stakeholders and partner organisations, and contributes to system-wide operational matters where required.
The role includes responsibility for leading operational change initiatives, supporting workforce development, and ensuring services are delivered within budget and in line with governance, risk and compliance requirements.
- Cultivate a strong operational and performance focus within the facility and service management teams and across YNLHN setting a performance expectation of meeting our Health’s Service Level Agreement key performance indicators, safety and quality markers and supporting indicators.
- Strategically test operating models and the delivery of services, and with facility and service leaders, implement solutions to resolve or improve services delivery gaps and underperformance against targets and oversee change that responds to local, state and national health agendas.
- Active collaboration with professional stream Executive leads to maintain the necessary focus on clinical and professional standards, quality, safety and governance.
- Reinforce financial accountability and the delivery of budget, savings and investment strategies across each facility and service area of responsibility.
- Significantly contribute to the development, implementation, and review of YNLHN’s strategic plans and policies, consistent with government policy and reconciling priority needs against available resources and opportunities.
- Provide insights, expert analysis and advice to the CEO, broader YNLHN Executive and Board to support timely decision making based on the performance against the service level agreement, community interests and a changing health environment.
- Function effectively as part of the Executive YNLHN Leadership team to work strategically and collaboratively with all disciplines across the organisation, building strong partnerships both internally and externally.
- Act as proxy for CEO if required and represent YNLHN as it relates to the COO role, attend engagement activities and senior level negotiations, collaborate with key partners and stakeholders to contribute to an integrated and connected healthcare system.
- Provide high level, expert input into relevant committees, meetings, forums and working parties relating to clinical operations across YNLHN.
- Developing and maintaining effective relationships with other government agencies, service providers, key organisations and stakeholders, community groups, and business organisations.
- Maintain a learning culture that values continuous improvement, on-going professional development and promotes flexibility and access to learning opportunities.
- Cultivate a strong operational focus on improving health outcomes for Aboriginal people.
- Adhere to strong governance and risk management frameworks and protocols, providing timely and accurate reporting with a focus on outcomes.
- Liaise with the Department of Health on strategic and system-wide health service delivery operational matters.
- Commitment to the delivery of safe patient-centred care through effective and efficient clinical and operational services, whilst maintaining a focus on strong clinician, consumer and community engagement.
View the full scope of these in the Position Description.
Highly desirable – Postgraduate qualifications in health service management, business administration, public health, or a related field.
- 1.Significant senior operational leadership experience in large and complex organisations, ideally in a regional or rural health service, with a sound understanding of the challenges and opportunities in delivering healthcare across dispersed communities, including Aboriginal Health matters related to the provision of appropriate culturally safe health service delivery.
- 2.Demonstrated success in managing patient access, flow, and care coordination, with an emphasis on improving patient outcomes and experience.
- 3.Strong proven track record in developing, implementing and evaluating practical and innovative business models and solutions, across and within areas of responsibility that demonstrably enhance performance and are value for money, and that improve patient and consumer outcomes.
- 4.Demonstrated executive level experience in fostering cohesive services and multidisciplinary teams that value performance, improvement, collaboration and innovation.
- 5.Strong understanding of clinical governance, quality and safety systems, and the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards, Aged Care and NDIS Standards to inform decision making.
**Please note that Clinical Governance and Safety and Quality Functions are not included in the COO Directorate. - 6.Demonstrated ability in leading major change including operational, cultural and organisational workplace changes, supporting workforce development and staff engagement in a values-based organisation.
- 7.Financial and operational management experience, including development and monitoring of budgets, KPIs, and service performance in a publicly funded health environment. It is expected that the applicant has a significant record of achievement in setting business direction and managing performance through accountability, along with experience in implementing innovative and sustainable service delivery improvements, preferably in a health service environment.
- 8.Knowledge of the Australian health system service provision with a keen awareness of the political and socio-economic sensitivities that impact on the planning, development, funding, delivery, and management of health services.
- 9.Demonstrated executive level communication, negotiation, persuasion and interpersonal skills, including proven experience in developing high level strategies for communicating and consulting with government organisations, internal and external stakeholders, professional bodies, non-government organisations, academic bodies and the community.
- Annual Budget: $277 million LHN expenditure budget
- YNLHN Executive, Board Members, site leads and staff, consumers, volunteers.
- Department of Health, Metro LHNs, fellow Regional LHNs, Universities, relevant professional bodies, Unions, client/community-based organisations, and others by agreement.
Please discuss with the HardyGroup Principal Consultant.
Immediate challenges include but are not limited to:
- Providing effective and enhanced operational leadership for a variety of health service operations across a fiscally restrained and vast geographical area.
- Supporting the clinical leads in creating and refining appropriate models of care to deliver the highest standards of safe quality care and the delivery of value to the community to optimise the best use of public resources.
- Building a culture of quality and safety that is patient/client-centred.
- Leading innovation and change management opportunities to address emerging service and workforce needs and priorities across the LHN.
Service Location: Port Pirie, South Australia
Classification: SAES 1
- A contract term up to three years.
- Participation in the SA Public Sector biannual performance review process.
- Maintain a safe working environment by adopting appropriate management practices and have an understanding of, experience in, and the ability to manage legislative requirements of the Work Health and Safety Act 2012.
- Advocate Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Diversity in the Workplace in accordance with EEO legislation.
- Promote and maintain a commitment to inclusive workplace in support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other under-represented groups.
- Support the Department’s participation in the White Ribbon, Disability and Reconciliation Agendas.
- Work within the legislative requirements of the Public Sector Act 2009 and the Work Health & Safety Act 2012 (SA), Return to Work Act 2014 (SA), Independent Commissioner Against Corruption Act 2012 (SA) and other relevant Acts and Regulations.
- Achieve performance targets that are set by the Department of Health and other YNLHN key performance and strategic metrics.
- Maintain a strong commitment to The Code of Ethics for the Australian Public Sector, and the SA Health Values of Integrity, Respect and Accountability.
The closing date for applications is Wednesday, 15 July 2026
The reference number to include in your application is H26_5505
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.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:
Liz Hlipala
HardyGroup Principal Consultant
M. +61 (0)401 122 301
E. lhlipala@hardygroupintl.com
LIVING AND WORKING IN THE REGION
Yorke and Northern Local Health Network spans a vast and diverse part of South Australia, offering an exceptional regional lifestyle defined by coastal beauty, rich agricultural landscapes and strong, connected communities.
Within a comfortable drive of Adelaide, this region combines the benefits of country living with access to metropolitan services, education and transport, making it an attractive option for professionals seeking both career impact and lifestyle balance.
Yorke Peninsula
Surrounded by coastline on three sides, the Yorke Peninsula is renowned for its stunning beaches, relaxed pace of life and strong sense of community. From the Copper Coast towns of Wallaroo, Kadina and Moonta to smaller coastal communities, the peninsula offers a lifestyle centred on the sea.
Crystal-clear waters, unspoilt beaches and national parks provide opportunities for fishing, sailing, diving and coastal exploration, while local cafés, markets and community events foster a welcoming and inclusive environment. With affordable housing, short commutes and a strong local identity, the Yorke Peninsula offers an enviable coastal lifestyle within the health network’s catchment.
Yellow-footed rock-wallabies in the Flinders Ranges
Flinders Ranges and Outback
The northern reaches of the network extend into the dramatic landscapes of the Flinders Ranges and outback South Australia - an area of striking natural beauty and cultural significance. This region offers a truly unique living experience, with rugged mountain ranges, expansive horizons and some of the state’s most iconic scenery.
Communities here are resilient and close-knit, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and connection. The region provides a rare opportunity to contribute meaningfully in a setting where leadership and service delivery have a direct and visible impact. Outdoor enthusiasts will find endless opportunities for exploration, from hiking and camping to experiencing the remarkable biodiversity and night skies the region is known for.
Dhilba Guuranda–Innes National Park
Mid North
Stretching inland, the Mid North region offers rolling farmland, historic townships and a deep connection to South Australia’s agricultural heritage. Communities such as Port Pirie, Clare and surrounding districts provide a blend of regional services, industry and rural charm.
The Clare Valley, in particular, is celebrated for its world-class wineries, cycling trails and food culture, offering a vibrant yet relaxed lifestyle. The broader Mid North is characterised by welcoming communities, a slower pace of living and a strong sense of purpose, making it an appealing location for those seeking both professional fulfilment and lifestyle balance.
Port Pirie
Together, the Yorke Peninsula, Mid North and Flinders Ranges create a diverse and rewarding backdrop for both career and lifestyle. Whether drawn to coastal living, vineyard landscapes or the vast beauty of the outback, Yorke and Northern LHN offers a unique opportunity to live and work in regions that are both professionally significant and personally enriching - all within reach of Adelaide and its broader amenities.
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.