Executive Director, Digital
Central Adelaide Local Health Network
CANDIDATE INFORMATION PACK
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We acknowledge and pay respect to the First Nations Kaurna people upon whose ancestral land the Central Adelaide Local Health Network operates.
We acknowledge the relationship and deep feelings of attachment between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and country, and we acknowledge the traditional owners and custodians of the many lands from which our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumers travel to receive services.
Executive Summary
- Lead the digital transformation agenda for South Australia's largest health network.
- Partner with the CEO and Executive to drive innovation, data-led decision making and technology-enabled care.
- Shape the future of digital health through enterprise-wide leadership of ICT, analytics, information management and cyber security.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Central Adelaide Local Health Network is seeking an exceptional executive leader to drive its digital future. As South Australia's largest health network, CALHN is at the forefront of delivering safe, connected and high-quality care, with digital capability playing a critical role in improving patient outcomes, organisational performance and system sustainability.
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the Executive Director, Digital will provide enterprise leadership across digital health, information technology, analytics, evidence and insights, and information management. This is a rare opportunity to lead large-scale transformation and shape the way technology, data and innovation support the delivery of contemporary healthcare across one of Australia's most significant public health organisations.
THE ROLE
The Executive Director, Digital is responsible for leading CALHN's Digital Directorate and delivering a strategic, integrated and high-performing digital environment. The role oversees digital strategy, ICT operations, cyber security, enterprise systems, analytics, business intelligence, evidence and insights, information governance and records management functions.
Working closely with the CEO, Executive and Board, the successful candidate will lead the delivery of major digital programs, drive adoption of innovative technologies, strengthen organisational decision-making through data and analytics, and ensure information assets are secure, accessible and effectively governed. The role also plays a key part in fostering strategic partnerships across government, academia and industry to advance digital health capability and innovation.
THE CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate will be an accomplished executive with a strong track record leading digital, technology, data or transformation functions within a large and complex organisation. They will combine strategic vision with execution capability and be recognised for their ability to deliver meaningful organisational change through technology and innovation.
An influential leader and trusted advisor, you will bring exceptional stakeholder engagement skills, strong commercial and operational judgement, and experience working with executive and board-level audiences. Experience in healthcare, government or another highly regulated environment will be advantageous, together with a passion for leveraging digital capability to improve organisational performance and service outcomes.
For a confidential discussion, please get in touch with:
Ms Sarah Buckler PSM
Principal Consultant
M. +61 (0)429 486 740
E. sbuckler@hardygroupintl.com
CENTRAL ADELAIDE LOCAL HEALTH NETWORK
Central Adelaide Local Health Network (CALHN) is South Australia's largest health network, covering almost 30% of the South Australian population.
We deliver public health services through two major Adelaide hospitals and a range of rehabilitation and mental health facilities. We also deliver specialised community and clinical support services across SA.
Our ambition is to shape the future of health in South Australia through world-class care and world-class research. This is key to achieving our vision of becoming one of the top five performing health services in Australia and one of the top 50 performing health services in the world.
Our Sites and Services
Central Adelaide Local Health Network includes South Australia's major quaternary hospital the Royal Adelaide (RAH), The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (TQEH), the Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre, and the Repat Health Precinct. CALHN also delivers mental health and primary health care services at Glenside.
We support the health and well-being of the South Australian community through our world-leading sites and specialised community and clinical support services.
Our services not only cater for the health needs of residents from Adelaide's eastern, central and western metropolitan areas, our highly specialised capabilities also provide world-class care to people from rural and remote regions, as well as interstate and overseas.
Our statewide clinical services include BreastScreen SA, SA Pathology, SA Medical Imaging and SA Pharmacy and our community health services include SA Dental, SA Prison Health and DonateLife SA.
Explore all our sites and services.
Values
Our values and behaviours were defined by our workforce and are the core principles we are all expected to abide by. They reflect our network's aspirations for appropriate workplace behaviour and will play a role in helping build a positive workplace culture. The values and behaviours are our 'being' and help us remain true to our purpose – giving our patients the best possible care.
People first
- I am there for my patients and colleagues when they need me most.
- I put myself in my patients and colleague's shoes to understand their needs.
- I go out of my way to make sure my patients and colleagues achieve the best outcome and have a great experience.
- I respect uniqueness in my colleagues, our patients and their families
Future focused
- I embrace leading practices and use them to evolve our ways of working.
- I lead and support change to improve patient and organisational outcomes.
- I am continually looking out for opportunities to improve.
Ideas driven
- I look and listen to ensure I fully understand the problem and find a solution.
- I look for ways to break down barriers and 'silos' to hear new perspectives and solve complex problems.
- I invest in my own learning and look for opportunities to explore and introduce new ideas.
- I am interested in critical research and how it informs thinking.
Community minded
- I put my hand up to lead work that matters.
- I am accountable and focused on value. I value and champion diversity.
- I embrace collaboration and constructive partnerships.
Strategic Ambition
As we look ahead, we are excited about our future, and are committed to shaping the future of health in South Australia with world-class care and world-class research.
We will work towards connecting care with our partners to wrap holistically around our patients both within our facilities and the community and strive to create a workplace where our people are encouraged and supported to achieve the extraordinary, every day.
Our strategic ambitions are a means to ensure we deliver on our world-class care and research goals and will help us to achieve our vision of becoming one of the top-five-performing health services in Australia and one of the top-50-performing health services in the world, within five years.
Our strategic ambitions recognise our commitment to care, community, investment, research, technology and importantly, recognise the influence of our world-class workforce on our ability to achieve our vision.
Our strategic ambitions are the outcome of extensive consultation and collaboration with our consumers, executive leadership and staff.
Role Specification
The Executive Director, Digital is accountable to the Chief Executive Officer, CALHN, for the leadership, performance and delivery of the Digital Directorate.
The role provides executive leadership for digital, data, evidence and insights, ICT, analytics, business intelligence and information management functions across CALHN, ensuring the effective delivery, optimisation and governance of digital systems, infrastructure, information assets and services that support high-quality patient care and organisational performance.
With a strong focus on delivery and execution, the Executive Director, Digital is responsible for driving digital transformation across the organisation, enabling integrated, secure and evidence informed care through the effective use of digital technologies, analytics, organisational insights and information management practices to deliver measurable value, improved outcomes and regulatory compliance.
The Executive Director, Digital will be required to achieve performance targets that are negotiated and mutually agreed with the Chief Executive Officer.
The key outcomes required of the role include:
Digital Leadership
- Provide executive leadership for digital transformation across CALHN, including clinical systems, ICT infrastructure, digital health and analytics.
- Drive adoption and optimisation of digital solutions, evidence and insights capabilities to support patient-centred, data-informed decision making and care delivery.
- Lead the development and execution of CALHN’s digital strategy and implementation roadmap.
- Foster a culture of innovation, continuous improvement and digital maturity across the organisation.
Digital Planning and Delivery
- Lead the planning and delivery of major digital programs and initiatives aligned to organisational priorities.
- Oversee implementation and optimisation of digital health platforms including electronic medical records, virtual care and integrated systems.
- Ensure robust program governance, benefits realisation, risk management and performance tracking across all digital initiatives.
- Provide expert advice to the CEO, Executive and Board on digital investment, capability and risk.
Technology and Information Management
- Oversee ICT operations, infrastructure, cyber security and system performance across CALHN.
- Ensure digital systems are secure, resilient, integrated and compliant with legislative and policy requirements.
- Drive effective data governance, accessibility evidence management and analytics capability to support clinical, operational and strategic decision-making.
- Maximise value derived from ICT investments to improve efficiency and service outcomes.
Evidence, Insights and Performance
- Provide executive leadership for CALHN's Evidence and Insights function, ensuring high-quality organisational reporting, analytics and performance intelligence.
- Lead the development of enterprise-wide evidence and insights capabilities that support service improvement, operational performance and executive decision-making.
- Ensure the delivery of accurate, timely and meaningful organisational performance reporting, dashboards and analytical products for the Executive, Board and program leaders.
- Promote the use of contemporary analytics, predictive insights and performance intelligence to improve patient outcomes, workforce planning and organisational effectiveness.
- Champion an evidence-informed culture where organisational decisions are supported by reliable data, analysis and actionable insights.
Information Management, Records and Compliance
- Provide executive leadership for information management functions across CALHN, including:
- Freedom of Information (FOI)
- Medical records (clinical records)
- Corporate records and information governance
- Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, standards and policy frameworks, including FOI, privacy and records management requirements.
- Oversee the governance, integrity, security and accessibility of patient, clinical and corporate information assets.
- Ensure effective medical record management supports safe, high-quality patient care and continuity of care.
- Lead the development and implementation of CALHN-wide information governance frameworks, policies and practices.
- Drive improvements in information lifecycle management, including digitisation, storage, retention and lawful disposal of records.
- Manage organisational risk associated with information access, privacy, data breaches and regulatory compliance.
- Provide expert advice to the CEO, Executive and Board on information governance, compliance and risk matters.
Innovation and Digital Health
- Lead and champion digital innovation, including emerging technologies and new models of care.
- Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with Digital Health SA, universities, industry and vendors.
- Promote adoption of innovative digital solutions that enhance clinical outcomes, patient experience and service delivery.
- Promote innovative approaches to analytics, artificial intelligence, business intelligence and evidence generation that improve organisational performance and patient outcomes.
Operational Performance and Governance
- Monitor and drive performance outcomes across digital, evidence and insights, analytics and information management services, ensuring delivery against agreed targets, budgets and timelines.
- Establish and maintain governance frameworks across digital, ICT and information management functions, including risk, audit and compliance.
- Ensure effective stakeholder engagement across clinical, operational and executive groups.
Financial and Resource Management
- Manage digital, evidence and insights and analytics and information management budgets, workforce, contracts and assets to optimise organisational outcomes.
- Ensure sustainable and value-based investment in digital and information capabilities.
- Drive accountability and performance across the Digital Directorate.
The Executive Director, Digital reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer.
Direct
- Director, Systems and Information Services (SAES)
- Senior Manager, EMR Optimisation (AHP5)
- Manager Health and Analytics and Insights (ASO8)
- Clinical Informatics Consultation (RN3)
- Principal Freedom of Information Officer (ASO7)
- Manager, Medical Records (ASO7)
- Information and Records Manager (ASO6)
Internal
- CALHN Executive Team
- Clinical leadership teams
- Senior managers across CALHN
External
- Digital Health SA
- Department for Health and Wellbeing
- Other Local Health Networks
- Universities and research partners
- ICT vendors and service providers
Essential
- Tertiary qualification in a relevant field (e.g. Information Technology, Digital Health, Health Management or related discipline)
Desirable
- Postgraduate qualifications in a relevant discipline.
- Relevant qualification or formal training in Freedom of Information (FOI), Information Access or Information Management, or eligibility for accreditation as an FOI Officer.
- Executive Leadership
Extensive senior executive leadership experience across digital, ICT, data, analytics or technology-enabled functions within a large, complex and multidisciplinary organisation. - Digital and Organisational Transformation
A proven track record leading large-scale digital and organisational transformation, including the successful implementation of major enterprise systems, new operating models and technology-enabled service improvements. - Enterprise Analytics and Information Governance
Demonstrated experience leading enterprise analytics, business intelligence and performance reporting functions, together with establishing effective data and information governance frameworks that support evidence-based executive decision-making. - Strategic Management and Delivery
Strong strategic, analytical and commercial capability, with experience managing significant budgets, operational functions, complex programs and external vendor or partner relationships to achieve sustainable organisational outcomes. - Stakeholder Engagement and Influence
Highly developed communication, engagement and influencing skills, with the ability to provide clear and authoritative advice and build alignment among executives, boards, operational leaders and external stakeholders. - Risk, Compliance and Sector Knowledge
Demonstrated ability to manage privacy, cybersecurity, information management, records, freedom of information and broader compliance risks in a complex or regulated environment, with health or public-sector experience highly regarded.
Essential
Personal Abilities/Aptitudes/Skills:
- Highly developed executive leadership and management capability, with the ability to lead complex, multidisciplinary functions at scale.
- Strong strategic thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate complex technical and business issues into practical outcomes.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing capability at Executive and Board level, with the ability to build alignment across diverse stakeholder groups.
- High-level written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to provide clear and authoritative advice on complex digital and information matters.
- Demonstrated ability to lead complex change and large-scale digital or organisational transformation initiatives.
- Ability to manage sensitive information, privacy and compliance risks at an organisational level with sound judgement and discretion.
- Strong capability in establishing and embedding information governance frameworks, policies and practices.
- Ability to operate effectively in complex, high-pressure or regulated environments.
Experience:
- Extensive senior leadership experience in digital, ICT, data or technology-enabled environments within large and complex organisations.
- Demonstrated experience leading enterprise analytics, evidence or business intelligence functions that support executive decision-making and organisational performance.
- Proven track record delivering large-scale, complex transformation programs, particularly those enabled by technology or data.
- Experience implementing major enterprise systems (e.g. EMR, ERP, digital platforms or equivalent large-scale systems).
- Experience managing significant budgets, digital/ICT operations and vendor or partner relationships.
- Demonstrated experience overseeing or working with information management functions, including FOI, records, or data governance (or equivalent functions in other sectors).
- Experience managing privacy, compliance and information governance risks in complex organisational environments.
- Demonstrated success working in complex, multidisciplinary organisations with competing priorities.
- Proven ability to build strategic partnerships and foster innovation across organisational and external stakeholder groups.
Knowledge:
- Extensive knowledge of digital technologies, enterprise analytics, evidence-based decision making, business intelligence, performance reporting and emerging technologies.
- Strong understanding of information management, FOI, privacy legislation and records management frameworks (or equivalent regulatory frameworks).
- Knowledge of cyber security, data governance and information management standards.
- Understanding of operating models, digital transformation and service delivery enabled by technology.
- Awareness of contemporary trends in digital innovation, analytics, and technology-enabled service improvement.
Desirable
Experience:
- Experience within the health sector, public sector or highly regulated environments.
Knowledge:
- Understanding of health system environments, digital health strategy or government processes.
- Awareness of broader health system trends and reform priorities.
- Annual Budget: $30.9m p.a
- Financial delegations: in accordance with CALHN's Delegations of Authority.
This is a SAES 2 role with salary beginning from $274,366, inclusive of superannuation. There may be capacity to negotiate based on prior experience.
Additional benefits:
- Relocation package
- One-way economy airfare for you and your partner if required,
- Up to 8 weeks accommodation in a serviced apartment or similar, up to a maximum cost of $10,000,
- Reimbursement of reasonable relocation expenses for household goods up to $10,000 to a metropolitan location (within 100km of the Adelaide CBD),
- Reasonable relocation support though a professional agency if required.
The immediate challenges for the role include, but are not limited to:
- Delivering large-scale digital and information management transformation within a complex health environment
- Aligning digital and information management investment with clinical and operational priorities
- Managing competing demands, legacy systems and cyber security risks
- Ensuring compliance with complex legislative and regulatory requirements relating to FOI, privacy and health information management
- Driving adoption of digital solutions and information governance practices across diverse stakeholder groups
- Keeping pace with emerging technologies while ensuring stability, safety and compliance
- Developing an enterprise-wide evidence and insights capability that delivers trusted, timely and actionable information for operational and strategic decision-making.
- Embedding an evidence-informed culture across CALHN while balancing increasing demand for performance reporting and analytics.
- Working within a broader networked health service and with public sector systems, networks and digital agencies.
Service Location: Adelaide, South Australia
Classification: SAES2
Special Conditions / General Requirements:
- A contract term up to three years.
- It is mandatory that no person, whether or not already working in SA Health, may be appointed to a position in SA Health unless they have provided a satisfactory current Criminal and Relevant History Screening, as required by the SA Health Criminal and Relevant History Screening Policy Directive.
- Appointment is subject to immunisation risk category requirements. There may be ongoing immunisation requirements that must be met.
- Managers and staff are required to work in accordance with the Code of Ethics for South Australian Public Sector, Directives, Determinations and Guidelines, and legislative requirements.
- Maintain a safe working environment by adopting appropriate management practices and have an understanding of, experience in, and ability to manage legislative requirements of the Work Health and Safety Act 2012.
- 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 negotiated and mutually agreed with the Chief Executive Officer
The closing date for applications is Friday, 9 October 2026
The reference number to include in your application is H26_5582
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:
- Cover letter addressed to the Principal Consultant;
- A written response addressing the Key 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:
Ms Sarah Buckler PSM
Principal Consultant
M. +61 (0)429 486 740
E. sbuckler@hardygroupintl.com
LIVING AND WORKING IN ADELAIDE
Adelaide enjoys a reputation for remarkable liveability thanks to its pleasant climate, manageable size and relaxed South Australian pace.
With warm summers, mild winters and generally clear skies, the city balances sophisticated urban living with a laid-back lifestyle, all framed by easy access to coastal and wine-region escapes.
The city has a vibrant cultural identity, with festivals, local music and a strong dining scene thriving across neighbourhood precincts. Known as the Festival State, South Australia hosts a packed calendar of cultural and culinary celebrations, including the world's second-largest Fringe Festival, Adelaide Festival, and Tasting Australia. The city also holds international and national sporting events, with the iconic Adelaide Oval as a centrepiece for sport and entertainment.
Adelaide Oval roof climbers take on the challenge during an Ashes cricket test (Credit)
Leafy suburbs offer both charm and community spirit, and many people appreciate the short commuting distances, affordable housing, and the distinctive character of areas such as North Adelaide, Norwood, Unley and the beachside suburbs of Glenelg and Henley Beach.
Golden hour at Glenelg Beach (Credit)
The Adelaide Botanic Gardens are a green serene paradise in the middle of the city (Credit)
Nature is never far away. Just 20 minutes from the city centre are pristine beaches, hills made for hiking, and the surrounding park lands that wrap around the CBD. Beyond Adelaide, regional South Australia offers dramatic landscapes, national parks, and abundant wildlife - from rugged coastlines to outback ranges and hidden caves.
Education is well catered for across metropolitan Adelaide, with a mix of high-quality public and private schools and several world-class tertiary institutions including the University of Adelaide, University of South Australia and Flinders University.
A barrel at Yalumba Wines, Angaston (Credit)
Food and wine are central to life in Adelaide, with a proud reputation as one of the Great Wine Capitals of the World. The city is home to top chefs, boutique producers, and the iconic Adelaide Central Market - one of the largest undercover fresh produce markets in the southern hemisphere.
With its blend of social vibrancy, natural beauty, culinary excellence, education and liveability, Adelaide offers a welcoming and well-balanced setting in which to live, learn and thrive.
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.