Executive Director
People and Culture
East Metropolitan Health Service
CANDIDATE INFORMATION PACK
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The East Metropolitan Health Service acknowledges Aboriginal people as the First Peoples and Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Western Australia. We acknowledge and respect their ongoing and deep spiritual connection and relationship to land, air, sea, waters, community and country. We pay our respect their Elders past, present and emerging.
Executive Summary
- Lead the strategic direction of People and Culture across a complex health service.
- Drive workforce capability, organisational performance and values-led leadership.
- Shape the culture and capability that underpins exceptional healthcare delivery.
The Opportunity
East Metropolitan Health Service (EMHS) is one of Western Australia's largest public health providers, delivering acute, community, mental health and specialist healthcare services to a rapidly growing metropolitan population. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, the Executive Director People and Culture is a key member of the Area Executive Group and provides strategic leadership for an integrated portfolio encompassing human resources, organisational development, industrial relations, work health and safety, integrity and ethics. This is an exceptional opportunity to influence organisation-wide strategy, strengthen workforce capability and foster a high-performing, values-led culture that enables outstanding healthcare for the communities EMHS serves.
The Role
As Executive Director, you will provide strategic leadership across the full People and Culture portfolio, partnering with the Chief Executive, Board and Executive colleagues to shape workforce strategy, organisational capability and performance. You will lead the development of contemporary people practices, strengthen leadership capability, oversee industrial relations, organisational development and work health and safety, while ensuring the People and Culture function is a trusted strategic partner that supports the delivery of EMHS's vision of Healthy People, Amazing Care.
The Candidate
The successful candidate will be an accomplished executive with extensive experience leading People and Culture functions within large, complex organisations. You will bring demonstrated expertise in workforce strategy, organisational development, industrial relations and cultural leadership, together with the executive presence to influence at Board and executive level. A collaborative and authentic leader, you will be recognised for building high-performing teams, fostering strong stakeholder relationships and creating organisational environments where people, performance and purpose thrive. Experience leading People and Culture within the health sector will be highly regarded, with an understanding of the operational realities, stakeholder environment and workforce complexities of contemporary healthcare considered advantageous.
For a confidential discussion, please get in touch with:
Lynette Taylor
Executive Director, Search & Recruitment
M. +61 (0)431 293 861
E. ltaylor@hardygroupintl.com
East Metropolitan
Health Service
About East Metropolitan Health Service
East Metropolitan Health Service (EMHS) delivers integrated hospital and health services to a growing population of more than 828,000 people across our catchment area.
We are focused on improving health outcomes and wellbeing through connected, high-quality care that meets the needs of our diverse communities today and into the future.
Across our hospital network, we provide coordinated tertiary, secondary and specialist services. These include:
- Emergency and critical care,
- State trauma services,
- Elective and emergency surgery,
- General medicine,
- Mental health care,
- Inpatient and outpatient services,
- Aged and palliative care,
- Rehabilitation; and
- Comprehensive Midwifery care.
Our Purpose
Healthy people, amazing care.
Koorda moort, moorditj kwabadak.
Healthy people refers to the commitment we have as an organisation to ensure our staff, patients and the wider community have access to comprehensive healthcare services, in order to maintain healthy lives.
Amazing care reflects the sentiment of those consumers accessing our healthcare services from feedback provided to us. This common statement resonates with the health service and reflects our intentions in our practice and work every day.
As a health service which celebrates diversity of culture and languages, it is also important that our vision is shared in the Noongar language.
Our Values
Our Values reflect the qualities that we demonstrate to each other and our community every day. Our staff make a difference every day to the patients, families and consumers they provide care, advice and support to. The EMHS values capture the shared responsibility that we uphold as most important, which are:
- Kindness – kindness is represented in the support that we give to one another. This is how we demonstrate genuine care and compassion to each and every person.
- Excellence – excellence is the result of always striving to do better. This is represented by constant improvements to the way in which we deliver our services, which results in a high performing health service.
- Respect – we demonstrate respect through our actions and behaviours. By showing each other respect, in turn we earn respect.
- Integrity – integrity is doing the right thing, knowing it is what we do when people aren’t looking that is a true reflection of who we are.
- Collaboration – collaboration represents working together in partnership to achieve sustainable health care outcomes for our community with a shared understanding of our priorities.
- Accountability – together we have a shared responsibility for ensuring the best health care outcomes for our community. This is a reminder that it is not only our actions, but also the actions we do not do, for which we are accountable.
Role Specification
The Executive Director People and Culture is central to providing executive leadership for the People and Culture directorate and EMHS organisational development strategies.
The position provides leadership, analysis and high level strategic advice on People and Culture improvements initiatives across human resources, work health and safety, organisational development, industrial relations, integrity and ethics and capability culture. Engages with executive to assist in managing performance and building capability of existing and future workforce in a way that manages and mitigates risk.
The position has responsibility for providing assurance to the Chief Executive and the Board in relation to the performance of the directorate specific functions.
The position shares responsibility with other EMHS Area Executive Group members for creating a positive, values oriented culture that builds capability and is focussed on the service needs of the EMHS community.
In order of importance:
- Strategic Leadership and Accountability
1.1 As a member of the EMHS Area Executive Group, contributes to decision making on whole of health issues for EMHS.
1.2 Formulates and drives values aligned programs and initiatives to build the EMHS culture in line with the EMHS vision and values to improve performance and increase the capability of the workforce.
1.3 Provides strategic leadership and direction with respect to human resources, work health and safety, organisational development, industrial relations and integrity and ethics.
1.4 Responsible for the analysis and provision of high level expert advice on key workforce matters to the Chief Executive, EMHS Board and other senior internal and external stakeholders at a State and National level, representing EMHS where required.
1.5 Collaborates and engages with other EMHS Executives and colleagues to assist in managing performance and building capability of the existing and future workforce in a way that manages and mitigates risk.
1.6 Actively promotes, guides and facilitates high standards of practice and professional services.
1.7 Actively and insightfully contributes to strategic, operational and business planning and policy development.
1.8 Provides leadership and guidance to key organisational stakeholders to facilitate the improvement of organisation, performance, system and processes.
1.9 Provides high level expert advice and support to the EMHS Board, Chief Executive and other Executives through analysis and assessment of trends and emerging issues within and across EMHS and at the State and National levels in relation to the position’s portfolio of responsibilities.
1.10 Builds a competent team, driving and building the framework for continuous development of staff to ensure high performance within the directorate.
1.11 Ensures that resources are managed and developed to meet service requirements and EMHS outcomes.
1.12 Ensures that the portfolio’s services and activities meet all clinical and/or corporate governance requirements.
- Communication, Consultation and Engagement
2.1 Initiates and facilitates forums and discussion groups to resolve issues relating to workforce, workforce capability (education and training) and culture, including policy development, strategic and operational framework/plans and legislative compliance.
2.2 Initiates, facilitates and maintains strong working relationships in order to effectively liaise, consult and negotiate with all relevant internal and external stakeholders on matters pertaining to people and culture
- Specific Position and/or Organisational Responsibilities
3.1 Provides the strategic direction planning, leadership and focus for people and culture across EMHS in partnership with members of the Area Executive Group and other colleagues.
3.2 Leads and directs the management and co-ordination of the EMHS staff engagement and participation strategies.
3.3 Proactively manages compliance related to EMHS Work, Health & Safety legislation.
3.4 Drives the area through a transformation process to ensure continual improvement in the delivery of service; increasing transparency, relevance and valued information that supports good decision making
3.5 Proactively supports and engages with members of the Area Executive Group and other operational staff across EMHS to meet their objectives, including operational, financial and workforce needs.
3.6 Provides strategic leadership and direction with respect to People and Culture services and activities to ensure they meet expected performance standards and governance requirements.
- EMHS Governance, Safety and Quality Requirements
4.1 Ensures, as far as practicable, the provision of a safe working environment in consultation with staff under their supervision.
4.2 Actively participates in the Peak Performance program.
4.3 Supports the delivery of safe patient care and the consumers’ experience including identifying, facilitating and participating in continuous safety and quality improvement activities, and ensuring services and practices align with the requirements of the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards and other recognised health standards.
4.4 Adheres to the performance framework for procurement and contract management and oversees and promotes to other staff this process and function in accordance with EMHS Policy and the Delegations and Authorisations Schedule.
4.5 Completes mandatory training (including safety and quality training) as relevant to role.
4.6 Performs duties in accordance with the EMHS Vision and Values, WA Health Code of Conduct, Occupational Safety and Health legislation, the Disability Services Act and the Equal Opportunity Act and Government, WA Health, EMHS and Departmental / Program specific policies and procedures.
- Undertakes other duties as directed.
Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline are considered to be highly desirable.
- Exemplifies Personal Integrity and Commitment to Public Service
- Demonstrates professionalism, probity and a commitment to safe and high quality service delivery.
- Ability to work within and promote the values of EMHS.
- Exhibits personal commitment to customer service.
- Engages with risk and shows personal courage.
- Commits to action, displays resilience, demonstrates self-awareness and ongoing commitment to professional development.
- Shapes and Manages Strategy
- Inspires a sense of purpose and direction towards achieving a strategic vision.
- Harnesses information and acts on opportunities to enhance service delivery.
- Identifies opportunities for initiating policy review, development and implementation.
- Demonstrates high level judgement, initiative and common sense.
- Well-developed conceptual and analytical skills.
- Achieves Results
- Builds organisational skills, responsiveness, and expertise and shapes culture.
- Capacity to deliver products / services consistent with customer needs and defined quality expectation (including timeliness).
- Ensuring effective management of financial, physical, technological and information requirements to support quality service delivery.
- Builds Productive Relationships
- Demonstrates the ability to nurture internal and external relationships.
- Facilitates cooperation and partnerships.
- Values individual difference and diversity and guide, coach and develop people across EMHS.
- Communicates and Influences Effectively
- Communicates clearly, listens, understands and adapts to audience.
- Ability to strongly negotiate, influence and advocate persuasively.
- Engages appropriately with both internal and external to the organisation.
- Leadership
- Develops and maintains an environment that ensures stakeholders are constructively engaged in decision making on workforce management, development and planning matters processes.
- Capacity to establish networks and communicate effectively with a diverse range of people.
- Ability to work constructively and collegially as a member of a management team, including the ability to provide objective and impartial advice.
- Demonstrates leadership in workforce.
- Technical Knowledge
- Comprehensive knowledge of contemporary workforce management principles and standards.
- Contemporary knowledge of human resource management, industrial relations, work health and safety, organisational development, and integrity and ethics applicable in a public sector environment.
- Relevant knowledge of the health service context is highly desirable.
View the full context of these in the Role Description.
1. Executive Leadership and System Stewardship
Demonstrated executive leadership of a large, complex organisation, with the capacity to shape organisational direction, influence executive decision-making and lead enterprise-wide people strategies that enable sustainable organisational performance and exceptional health service delivery.
2. Workforce Strategy, Transformation and Culture
A proven ability to lead large-scale workforce transformation, organisational redesign and cultural change, creating contemporary, high-performing workplaces that strengthen capability, improve engagement and position the organisation to meet future workforce challenges.
3. Strategic Partnerships, Influence and Government Engagement
Exceptional stakeholder engagement, political acumen and influencing skills, with a demonstrated ability to build trusted relationships and provide strategic advice to Boards, Chief Executives, Ministers, government agencies, unions and senior clinical leaders on complex workforce matters.
4. Governance, Risk and Organisational Performance
Demonstrated experience providing executive oversight of governance, workforce risk, industrial relations, work health and safety, integrity and organisational performance, ensuring compliance while enabling innovation, accountability and continuous improvement across a complex organisation.
5. Values-Based Leadership and Executive Capability
An authentic, values-driven leader with a demonstrated ability to inspire high performance, build executive capability, foster inclusion and psychological safety, and cultivate a culture of accountability, integrity, learning and excellence.
6. Contemporary People and Culture Expertise
Comprehensive knowledge of contemporary people and culture practice, including workforce strategy, industrial relations, organisational development, leadership, workforce planning and employee wellbeing, together with an understanding of the strategic opportunities and challenges facing Australia's health system.
Reporting to: Chief Executive, EMHS
Direct Reports - 7.0 FTE
- Director Human Resources (HSO G12)
- Director Industrial Relations (HSO G12)
- Director Work Health and Safety (HSO G12)
- Director Organisational Development (HSO G12)
- Manager Integrity and Ethics (HSO G10)
- Project Manager (HSO G10)
- Coordinator (HSO G7)
Please discuss with the HG Principal Consultant
Service Location: Perth, WA
Classification: Health Executive Service - Grade B - Corporate
Appointment is subject to:
- Provision of the minimum identity proofing requirements.
- Successful Criminal Record Screening Clearance.
- Successful Pre-Employment Integrity Check.
- Successful Pre-Employment Health Assessment.
The closing date for applications is Friday, 28 August 2026
The reference number to include in your application is H26_5555
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 via bhammat@hardygroupintl.com / +61 (0)417 882 900
Your application must include:
- Cover letter addressed to the Principal Consultant;
- A written response addressing the Essential Selection Criteria; and
- 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
Executive Director, Search & Recruitment
M. +61 (0)431 293 861
E. ltaylor@hardygroupintl.com
Living and Working in Perth
Perth sits at the heart of Greater Perth, home to around 2.6 million people—over three-quarters of Western Australia’s population. With continued growth expected, the city is projected to reach nearly 3 million residents by the early 2030s and around 3.5 million by 2050, cementing its place as one of Australia’s major capital cities.
A City of Opportunity and Lifestyle
As Australia’s sunniest capital, Perth offers an unbeatable combination of career opportunities and laid-back living. With around 3,000 hours of sunshine each year, it’s easy to embrace an outdoor lifestyle while still enjoying all the benefits of a modern, thriving city.
Perth’s cultural scene is growing rapidly, with a dynamic mix of small bars, live music venues, art galleries, and street art precincts. The city is known for its creative dining experiences, from casual eateries to award-winning restaurants showcasing fresh local produce and world-class Western Australian wines.
Neighbourhoods like Northbridge, Fremantle and Mount Lawley are buzzing with nightlife, cafés, and events, making it easy to meet people and build a social network.
Getting Around and Staying Connected
Perth is one of the most accessible cities in Australia. The airport is located just 20 minutes from the CBD, with regular domestic and international flights connecting Perth to major cities and regional hubs.
Public transport is reliable and straightforward, with trains, buses, and ferries linking the city to outer suburbs and coastal areas. Many locals also choose to drive, with relatively easy traffic compared to larger cities like Sydney and Melbourne.
Urban Energy Meets Natural Beauty
Perth is a city where urban life and nature blend seamlessly. Within minutes, you can swap the office for ocean views or leafy parklands. The city boasts 19 stunning beaches—from the iconic white sands of Cottesloe to the surf-friendly waves of Scarborough—all within easy reach of the CBD.
Set along the Swan River, Perth’s natural beauty is one of its defining features. Kings Park and Botanic Garden, one of the world’s largest inner-city parks, offers more than 400 hectares of bushland, walking trails, and panoramic views over the skyline. It’s the perfect place to relax, explore Indigenous culture, or take in vibrant wildflowers during spring.
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ABOUT US
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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.
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