HEALTH SERVICE CHIEF EXECUTIVE
TOWNSVILLE HOSPITAL & HEALTH SERVICE
CANDIDATE INFORMATION PACK
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Executive Summary
- Lead one of Australia's most significant regional health services and shape the future of healthcare across northern Queensland, delivering impact at a scale few executive roles can offer.
- Take the helm of a high-performing organisation with a workforce of more than 8,000 people, an annual operating budget exceeding $1.6 billion, a strong reputation for service excellence and an ambitious agenda for future growth.
- Influence healthcare delivery across the state while driving innovation, workforce capability, strategic partnerships and system-wide improvement.
- Enjoy the unique lifestyle of tropical north Queensland while leading Northern Queensland's largest tertiary referral health service and advancing research, education and innovation through strong partnerships with James Cook University and other key stakeholders.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Townsville Hospital and Health Service is one of Australia’s leading regional health services and a recognised centre for tertiary healthcare, research, education and innovation. Serving more than 250,000 people across a catchment of 150,000 square kilometres, the service operates 21 facilities, including Townsville University Hospital, Northern Queensland’s largest tertiary referral hospital. With more than 8,000 employees, an annual operating budget exceeding $1.6 billion and a reputation for strong organisational performance, the service combines significant scale and complexity with a clear strategic focus on growth, sustainability and service excellence. Supported by substantial planned infrastructure investment and a strong partnership with James Cook University, the organisation is well positioned to continue advancing healthcare delivery, research capability, workforce development and innovation across northern Queensland.
Working alongside an engaged Board and accomplished executive team, the successful candidate will shape strategy, influence system-wide priorities and help drive the next phase of organisational growth, performance and impact. This is a rare opportunity to lead one of Queensland’s most significant health services and influence healthcare delivery at both a regional and statewide level.
Townsville offers an enviable lifestyle in a warm coastal city with a vibrant community, strong educational partnerships and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, Magnetic Island and national parks. Its location, combined with the depth and diversity of the health service, positions this as a career‑defining opportunity for an accomplished health executive seeking both influence and impact.
THE ROLE
Reporting directly to the Townsville Hospital and Health Board, the Health Service Chief Executive is the single point of accountability for ensuring the organisation delivers on its strategic priorities and provides safe, effective and efficient health services. You will lead a large and diverse health service environment, ensuring person-centred care remains at the heart of decision-making while driving performance, sustainability and service excellence across all areas of operation.
The Health Service Chief Executive will ensure robust governance, risk, compliance and clinical governance frameworks operate effectively across the organisation while overseeing the planning, allocation, and management of resources. Working closely with executive colleagues, clinicians and operational leaders, you will foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, innovation and organisational learning that strengthens capability and enhances outcomes for patients and communities.
A critical component of the role is building and maintaining strategic relationships across the healthcare system. You will engage with government, health service partners, universities, community representatives, regulatory bodies and professional organisations to advance shared priorities and strengthen healthcare delivery across Queensland. You will also play an important system leadership role through collaboration with Queensland Health, other Hospital and Health Services and key stakeholders to ensure THHS responds to the evolving needs of the communities it serves.
THE CANDIDATE
The successful candidate will be an accomplished executive leader with a proven record of leading large, complex organisations through growth, transformation and performance improvement. You will bring significant experience operating at chief executive or equivalent executive level, with demonstrated success delivering organisational strategy, leading major workforces, managing substantial financial resources and navigating complex stakeholder environments. A sophisticated understanding of contemporary healthcare delivery, including the interplay between workforce, infrastructure, technology, funding, governance and service planning, will be essential.
You will be recognised for your ability to build high-performing cultures, lead and develop executive teams, and create an environment that empowers people while maintaining accountability for results. Strong political acumen, sound judgement and exceptional communication and negotiation skills will enable you to build trusted relationships across government, Boards, clinicians, consumers, academic partners and the broader community.
Equally important is a genuine commitment to patient-centred care, health equity and culturally responsive service delivery. You will be a values-driven and resilient leader who demonstrates integrity, authenticity and clarity of thought, while inspiring confidence in those around you. This is an outstanding opportunity for a highly capable health executive to lead a major tertiary health service, shape the future of healthcare across northern Queensland and make a meaningful contribution to the health and wellbeing of the communities served by Townsville Hospital and Health Service.
For a confidential discussion, please get in touch with:
Paul Ingle, HardyGroup Chief Executive
M. +61 (0)402 796 125
E. pingle@hardygroupintl.com
Sarah Buckler, HardyGroup QLD State Manager and Principal Consultant
M. +61 (0)429 486 740
E. sbuckler@hardygroupintl.com
TOWNSVILLE HOSPITAL
& HEALTH SERVICE
The Townsville Hospital and Health Service is passionate about improving the health and lives of the North Queensland community.
About the Townsville Hospital and Health Service
Townsville Hospital and Health Service (THHS) is the public healthcare provider for more than 250,000 people across a catchment of 150,000 km, operating 21 facilities. We deliver services from primary care in remote locations to highly specialised care at Townsville University Hospital—Northern Queensland’s largest tertiary referral hospital. Refer to the THHS Strategic Plan for current objectives and measures.
Why Join THHS?
Townsville Hospital and Health Service is one of Australia's most complex regional health services: tertiary-level, research-active and fully digital, delivering care to more than 250,000 people across 21 facilities and a catchment of 150,000 square kilometres. Here, you build the executive career you want and live the life you'll love.
Experience More Hospital
Townsville University Hospital is Northern Queensland's largest tertiary referral hospital and its designated Trauma Centre, spanning more than 41 clinical specialties at secondary, tertiary and quaternary level. Recent additions include interventional neuroradiology and clot retrieval, the North Queensland Kidney Transplant Service and CAR-T cell therapy. Senior leaders here work across the full spectrum of care, from remote primary health services to quaternary services, within a single organisation.
Experience More Career
THHS is actively building the future of healthcare in North Queensland. A $5 billion capital program over the next decade means the services, systems and culture established now will shape care across the region for a generation. Executive leaders contribute directly to strategy, work alongside a close-knit Executive team and see the impact of their decisions in the organisation and the communities it serves.
Experience More Connection
The executive team at THHS stays close to the frontline. Leaders who have joined from larger metropolitan services describe a flat structure, direct access to clinical and corporate teams, and a culture where people dig in and solve problems together. A long-standing partnership with James Cook University supports research, teaching and workforce development across the health service. The difference you make is visible, and it reaches communities where THHS is the only health service for hundreds of kilometres.
Experience More Life
Across Townsville and Northern Queensland, life moves at a different pace. Affordable living, strong schools, sunshine most of the year and landscapes that stretch from Magnetic Island to the outback give you time for family, community and the outdoors. Nearly a third of THHS staff relocated to take up their role, and 42 per cent have stayed more than ten years.
Townsville Hospital and Health Service Values in Action
Townsville Hospital and Health Service is committed to Person-Centred Care. All staff uphold iCARE values by treating people with dignity, compassion, and respect. We strive to improve quality and safety through partnerships and teamwork to deliver great care every day.
Please view the position description here for greater detail on applying THHS values in this role.
Townsville University Hospital
The Townsville Hospital and Health Service is a leader in health care, research and education for regional Australia.
The Health Service Chief Executive is the single point of accountability for ensuring that the organisation delivers its strategic priorities and that services are provided safely, effectively, and efficiently.
This is an exciting opportunity for a proven senior executive leader to lead the largest tertiary health service in northern Australia.
Strategic Leadership and Health Service Delivery
- Work with the Townsville Hospital and Health Board to deliver upon the strategic plan of the organisation.
- Provide strategic advice and counsel to the Townsville Hospital and Health Board to ensure the functioning of the Townsville Hospital and Health Service as a contemporary statutory body.
- Lead and manage the Townsville Hospital and Health Service in accordance with the Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011 and other relevant legislative requirements.
- Monitor and improve the performance of the organisation against the service agreement and other key performance measures, strategies, and plans.
- Lead and foster service delivery systems that ensure the provision of safe, high-quality and person-centre care to patients.
- Ensure that risks to safe, high-quality and sustainable service delivery are effectively identified and managed.
Governance, Performance and Resource Stewardship
- Lead and operationalise governance structures to ensure that the Board and Executive are actively engaged in the functions of the service and can effectively deliver outcomes and manage issues as they arise.
- Oversee effective fiscal management of the service ensuring that resources are planned, allocated and evaluated to meet health service agreements and related financial requirements and budgets.
- Ensure effective risk, compliance and clinical governance frameworks operate across the organisation and support the continuous improvement of health service delivery.
Stakeholder Engagement, Partnerships and System Leadership
- Oversee effective engagement of the organisation with the community, the primary healthcare sector, other HHSs, private health providers, practitioner groups and other key stakeholders.
- Lead the engagement, collaboration and partnering of the THHS with other organisations to harness strategic and operational synergies.
- Lead the strategic partnering of THHS with James Cook University and other academic institutions.
- Ensure that the needs, interests and expectations of clinicians, consumers and the community are included in health service planning, delivery and evaluation.
- Engage, liaise and negotiate with key stakeholders on behalf of the THHS including the Department of Health, other government agencies, State and Federal Members of Parliament, union bodies, regulators, and other entities.
- Take a strategic and system wide role in Queensland as a partner with Queensland Health, government and other HHSs on key committees and working groups.
Leadership and Culture
- Leads the establishment, standardisation and implementation of systems and protocols to monitor THHS clinical compliance and performance functions including clinical benchmarks, clinical performance, clinical risk, and credentialing and clinical privileging.
- Lead and enforce a values driven, high performing constructive culture where people and teams feel safe, supported and empowered to do their best work for our patients and community.
- Lead the ongoing development of the multidisciplinary clinical and non-clinical workforce and organisational capability.
- Lead and promote a culture of learning, innovation, research and education across the organisation to improve health outcomes and organisational performance.
- Lead, influence, and inspire a resilient safety culture in all aspects of the organisation to ensure a safe work environment that meets legislative standards and relevant codes of practice.
- Create a positive organisation environment free from bullying and harassment which encourages respect, embraces diversity and is culturally appropriate.
- Lead the development of services that are culturally capable and meet the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients and communities.
- Lead and manage the functioning of a highly effective executive management team.
Additional Responsibilities
- Fulfil the responsibilities of this role in accordance with THHS iCARE values and the Queensland Public Sector Values.
- As an officer of the THHS, in addition to the Work Health and Safety obligations as an employee, exercise the duties of an officer in accord with Section 27 Work Health and Safety Act 2011. This includes implementation the THHS work health and safety (WH&S) governance framework ensuring the health and safety of employees in the workplace by; providing access to WH&S information, training and supervision; support incident investigation, risk assessments and control measures. Ensure that appropriate resources are utilised to fulfil THHS’s commitment to a safe workplace for all. Work collaboratively with site management executives to achieve the above.
- 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.
- Contribute to a safe, respectful and inclusive workplace.
- Demonstrated achievement at a senior level in delivering high quality services and progressing a successful reform agenda in a large and complex organisation by leading change through people, holding others to account and being held to account for agreed targets, empowering and influencing others, and developing collaborative working relationships.
- Detailed understanding of all elements of health service delivery (people, facilities, equipment, funding, technology etc) and the interrelationships between these elements that are necessary to deliver quality health outcomes.
- Detailed understanding of the funding pressures and constraints that impact health service delivery and the capacity to develop progressive and innovative solutions to deliver cost-effective outcomes.
- Demonstrated understanding of the commonwealth and state health system contexts and the drivers for health system reform.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively develop, implement and manage a substantial budget.
- Demonstrated ability to lead, manage and take responsibility for a strong safety culture.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and manage a significant workforce and lead the development of people and culture at a whole-of-organisation level.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and develop an Executive team.
- Demonstrated high-level negotiation, consultative, communication and interpersonal skills including the proven ability to effectively manage competing needs of various stakeholder groups.
- High-level political acumen and demonstrated performance in a politically sensitive environment.
- Ability to relate to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, to identify with the experience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients, and to factor this understanding into relevant decision-making processes.
- Ability to identify with the patient’s experience and factor this into all decision-making processes.
Essential Selection Criteria
- Executive Leadership and Reform
Demonstrated senior executive leadership in a large and complex organisation, with a successful record of delivering high-quality services, leading significant reform, developing effective Executive teams, empowering others and establishing clear accountability for agreed outcomes. - Strategic Health System Leadership
Comprehensive underst/exeanding of health service delivery—including workforce, infrastructure, equipment, funding and technology—and of the Commonwealth and State health system contexts and drivers influencing health reform. - Financial and Resource Management
Demonstrated ability to develop, implement and manage substantial budgets, respond effectively to funding pressures and constraints, and deliver innovative, sustainable and cost-effective service outcomes. - Workforce, Culture and Safety Leadership
Demonstrated experience leading a significant and diverse workforce, developing organisational capability and culture, and taking executive responsibility for maintaining a strong, proactive and accountable safety culture. - Stakeholder Engagement and Political Acumen
Highly developed negotiation, consultation, communication and interpersonal skills, with demonstrated political acumen and the ability to influence, build collaborative relationships and balance competing stakeholder needs in politically sensitive environments. - Patient-Centred and Culturally Responsive Leadership
Demonstrated commitment to incorporating patient and community experience into organisational decision-making, including the ability to engage meaningfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and advance culturally safe, equitable health outcomes.
Desirable
- While not mandatory, a relevant tertiary qualification would be highly regarded.
Appointed by and Reports To: Townsville Hospital and Health Board.
Direct reports: Responsible for the leadership of over 8,000 employees.
Budget: Accountable for an annual operating budget of over $1.6 billion.
Classification: HSCE 2
Negotiation within the approved band.
Service Location: Townsville
Term: Contract Full-Time
Classification: HSCE 2
Unit/Branch: Office of the Chief Executive Townsville Hospital and Health Service
Mandatory Conditions
National Police Check
This role may require criminal history screening and a current National Police Certificate as a condition of employment. Any required screening must be obtained and maintained throughout employment.
Blue Card Check
This role may require a current Working with Children Check (Blue Card) and may be identified as regulated employment under the Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000 (Qld). Any required clearance must be obtained and maintained throughout employment.
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Worker Screening Check
This role may require a current NDIS Worker Screening Clearance under the Disability Services Act 2006 (Qld). Any required clearance must be obtained prior to commencement and maintained throughout employment.
Vaccine Preventable Disease (VPD) Requirements
This position may be designated a Vaccine Preventable Disease (VPD) risk role. Where applicable, the successful applicant must comply with Queensland Health vaccination requirements relevant to the role.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
- Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
- Hepatitis B and Hepatitis A
Class C Driver Licence
This position may require travel and the operation of a motor vehicle. A current Queensland C Class Driver Licence is required.
Safety and Quality
If relevant to the role, participate in ongoing education, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of safety and quality initiatives established by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. This includes compliance with the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards to ensure a safe, high-quality, and sustainable health system.
Health Equity and Cultural Safety
Townsville Hospital and Health Service is committed to improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through culturally safe, responsive and person-centred healthcare. We partner with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, families, communities and organisations to deliver equitable, accessible and culturally informed services.
All employees are expected to contribute to culturally safe services and workplaces, eliminate racism and discrimination, and support THHS Health Equity priorities and commitments. Cultural capability, cultural safety and health equity are shared organisational responsibilities.
Refer to: First Nations Health Equity Strategy and Implementation Plan
Work Health and Safety
Townsville Hospital and Health Service (THHS) is committed to a safe workplace for all employees and a People-Focused Safety culture. Duties align with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld).
Reference: Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld)
Additional Information
- Vaccine Preventable Disease (VPD): Health care workers in Queensland Health whose roles pose a potential risk of exposure to blood or body fluids must provide evidence of vaccination or proof of immunity (e.g., prior exposure resulting in natural immunity) for the following VPDs: Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella, and Pertussis (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis-containing vaccine), in accordance with Queensland Health policy.
- Pre-employment screening may include criminal history, aged care checks, and discipline history checks for candidates recommended for appointment. Roles involving health, counselling, or support services for children require a ‘Working with Children Check’ from Blue Card Services (Department of Justice and Attorney-General) prior to appointment, unless exempt.
- Employees appointed to Queensland Health may be required to complete a probationary period appropriate to their role. For detailed information, refer to the Probation HR Policy B2.
- All relevant health professionals who, in the course of their duties, form a reasonable suspicion that a child or young person has been abused or neglected in their home or community environment have a legislative and duty-of-care obligation to immediately report these concerns to Child Safety Services, Department of Communities.
- Townsville Hospital and Health Service is committed to being a Child Safe Organisation. All employees are expected to uphold the safety and wellbeing of children and young people and comply with relevant legislation and organisational policies.
- Applicants must provide a statement disclosing any employment as a lobbyist within one (1) month of commencing the appointment. For details, refer to the Lobbyist Disclosurerequirements.
- Applicants may be required to disclose any pre-existing illness or injury that could affect their ability to perform the role. For more information, refer to section 571 of the Workers' Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003.
- In line with Queensland Health’s commitment to a healthier workplace, the Smoking Management Policy enforces a smoke-free environment. Smoking is prohibited at all Queensland public hospitals and health facilities, including within five (5) metres of their boundaries. Employees can access support to quit smoking through the ‘Quit Smoking for Life’ program. For more information, visit: Quit smoking and vaping for life.
The closing date for applications is Wednesday, 21 October 2026.
The reference number to include in your application is H26_5587.
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:
- Cover letter addressed to the Principal Consultant;
- A written response addressing the key selection criteria; a maximum of four pages outlining your alignment with the key capabilities, knowledge and experience in the context of you achieving the key accountabilities / responsibilities as contained in 4. Selection Criteria
- 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:
Paul Ingle
HardyGroup Chief Executive Officer
M. +61 (0)402 796 125
E. pingle@hardygroupintl.com
Sarah Buckler PSM
HardyGroup Principal Consultant
M. +61 (0)429 486 740
E. sbuckler@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.
Drawcards for Relocating to Townsville
- Natural beauty – the natural environments and surrounds and how this contributes to quality of life
- Relaxed lifestyle – opportunities for relaxation, outdoor activities and general vibe that feels like a perpetual holiday. An enjoyable and fulfilling way to live.
- Community – Sense of belonging, friendliness and community spirit.
- Affordability – the economic advantage of living in Townsville in particular lower house prices
- Climate – warm climate and sunny days are a big draw card – referencing the positive this provides for outdoor activities and health as a key consideration for a move
- Right Size – unlike other regional centres, Townsville strikes the balance between urban convenience and smaller community atmosphere/living.
Above From Townsville Enterprise - Click here to read the full campaign.
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.