COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR / CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
WESTERN HOSPITAL
CANDIDATE INFORMATION PACK
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Executive Summary
- Play a pivotal role in shaping the commercial sustainability and future growth of a progressive private hospital at a time of increasing sector complexity.
- Take a rare opportunity to partner closely with an engaged Board and CEO as part of a collegial executive team driving performance, innovation and prudent risk management.
- Lead financial strategy, commercial negotiations and enterprise-wide insight that directly influence care delivery, investment decisions and long‑term viability.
- Live and work by the coast in Henley Beach, combining executive leadership with an enviable lifestyle in one of South Australia’s most liveable metropolitan locations.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Western Hospital is a specialist private health service with a strong reputation for quality care, efficiency and clinical excellence. As financial pressures and complexity intensify across the private health sector, the organisation is seeking a Commercial Director / Chief Financial Officer to strengthen executive capability and support the next phase of strategic development.
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the Commercial Director / CFO will be a trusted adviser to the CEO and Board, providing deep financial insight, robust analysis and commercial leadership to support sound decision-making. The role is central to ensuring Western Hospital delivers on its business plan, maintains strong governance and statutory compliance, and navigates commercial risk while identifying opportunities for growth and improvement.
This is a hands-on, high-impact executive role offering the opportunity to influence hospital-wide performance, shape commercial strategy and contribute meaningfully to the sustainability of private healthcare delivery.
THE ROLE
The Commercial Director / CFO is accountable for financial stewardship, commercial analysis and enterprise reporting, ensuring that data is translated into actionable insight that drives operational and strategic outcomes.
Key elements of the role include:
- Acting as the organisation’s senior commercial and financial authority, providing clear, insightful advice to the CEO, Executive and Board.
- Leading budgeting, forecasting, financial modelling and performance analysis to support delivery of the annual business plan.
- Developing a strong understanding of cost drivers, revenue assumptions and market dynamics, and partnering with operational leaders to improve performance.
- Overseeing statutory reporting, cash flow management, internal controls, audits and compliance with all financial governance requirements.
- Supporting and leading contract negotiations with health funds, including modelling and analysis to optimise funding outcomes.
- Providing leadership to the finance team and fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Contributing to business cases for new services, capital investment and strategic initiatives.
The role requires a balance of commercial acuity, disciplined financial management and pragmatic problem-solving, with the credibility to work effectively across clinical, operational and governance environments.
THE CANDIDATE
The successful candidate will be a commercially astute finance executive with leadership experience in complex service organisations, ideally within private healthcare or adjacent sectors.
Along with the essential criteria outlined in the position description, the ideal candidate will bring:
- Strong commercial instincts and the ability to translate financial data into clear, decision‑ready insights.
- Proven experience partnering with Boards, CEOs and senior leaders to influence strategy and performance.
- Well‑developed negotiation skills and confidence navigating contractual and funding environments.
- A solutions‑focused, adaptable mindset with the judgement to manage risk while enabling innovation.
- Leadership capability to build effective teams, foster collaboration and model organisational values.
This is an outstanding opportunity for a Commercial Director or CFO who wants to operate at the centre of organisational decision-making and make a tangible impact on the sustainability and success of a respected private hospital.
For a confidential discussion, please get in touch with:
Liz Hlipala, HardyGroup Principal Search Consultant
M. +61 0401 122 301
E. lhlipala@hardygroupintl.com
Western Hospital
“Your Hospital That Cares."
“We are committed to providing outstanding care in partnership with our patients,
rewarding careers for our staff with an innovative vision for the future.”
Western Hospital is a private, fully accredited acute surgical facility located in the heart of Henley Beach, South Australia. Since opening its doors in 1974, we have proudly served the western suburbs community with a strong commitment to excellence in healthcare.
Western Hospital has completed major capital works including an additional 15 inpatients beds on Tennyson Ward and a new Surgery Admissions Clinic. This allows an integrated patient flow from admissions to theatres to Tennyson Ward or discharge, creating a better patient experience. Future capital works include an expanded Sterilising Department with higher capacity equipment.
We are committed to providing outstanding care in partnership with our patients, rewarding careers for our staff, and an innovative vision for the future. Western Hospital continues to uphold the values and mission that have guided us for over four decades — delivering high-quality, personalised care with compassion and integrity.
Our patients benefit from the comforts of modern healthcare in a warm, welcoming environment. All overnight patients are guaranteed a private room with a private ensuite, access to complimentary Wi-Fi, free overnight on-site parking (if required), and restaurant-style meals that cater to individual preferences.
Accredited by the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards, we take great pride in maintaining rigorous clinical standards while offering a caring, community-focused approach. Our experienced and friendly team is united in our commitment to putting patients first, ensuring that every experience at Western Hospital is one of trust, respect, and genuine care.
At Western Hospital, we are proud to be known as:
“Your Hospital That Cares.”
Western Hospital services include:
- Acute Medical Services
- Breast Clinic
- Cardiology
- Dermatology
- Dietitian
- Gastroenterology
- GP Clinical
- Intensive Care Clinic
- Ophthalmology
- Physiotherapy
- Oncology
- Gynaecology
- Palliative Care
- Pathology
- Pharmacy
- Radiology
- Surgical Services
Role Specification
The purpose of the Commercial Director / CFO is to provide financial analysis, statutory compliance, reporting and lead relevant functions at Western Hospital. The Commercial Director / CFO will be pivotal for Western Hospital to achieve business plan objectives through their indepth understanding of financial performance, drivers contributing to the performance and implementation of improvement priorities.
The Commercial Director / CFO will have an excellent understanding of the growing financial challenges in the private health sector and work in association with the other members of the Western Hospital Executive Management team influencing innovative ways of appropriately managing commercial risk. The Commercial Director / CFO will report to the CEO supporting the translation of data into key insights, and will use a structured problem-solving approach to support the design and delivery of commercial solutions to business challenges. Having an aptitude for finding contractual and commercial solutions to real challenges is a crucial part of the role.
Key Accountabilities associated with this role includes:
- Commercial analysis and problem solving
- Statutory reporting obligations
- Commercial negotiations and reporting
- Leadership and stakeholder management
- Safety and wellbeing
View the comprehensive Key Result Areas and Responsibilities in the Role Description here
Essential skills, experience and knowledge include:
- 1.Finance, Economics or Commerce qualifications
- 2.Proven experience in finance or commercial role
- 3.Experience working in health businesses, ideally working with/in private hospitals
- 4.Demonstrated management and leadership skills.
- 5.Ability to work effectively in a team environment and manage strategic programs
- 6.Ability to analyse information and draw key insights for a broad range of stakeholder groups
- 7.Ability to exercise initiative and sound judgement.
- 8.Excellent negotiation and interpersonal skills
- 9.Hold a continuous improvement approach
- 10.Ability to work independently and in a team
- 11.Problem solving abilities – ability to engage with complex issues and identify opportunities and solutions
View the full scope of these in the Role Description.
The incumbent has to have a qualification in Finance, Economics or Commerce.
The Commercial Director/CFO reports directly to the CEO of Western Hospital.
Is negotiable based on skills and experience. Please discuss with the Principal Consultant.
Service Location: Adelaide
The closing date for applications is Thursday, 4 June 2026.
The reference number to include in your application is H24_4989.
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: lhlipala@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:
Consultant Name
Liz Hlipala, HardyGroup Principal Search Consultant
M. +61 0401 122 301
E. lhlipala@hardygroupintl.com
LIVING AND WORKING IN ADELAIDE
Adelaide is one of the world’s most livable cities, perfectly positioned just a short drive from some of Australia’s most unique, globally renowned regions, so whether you choose city, suburban or country life, South Australia offers something for everyone.
South Australia is one of the more affordable places to live and work in Australia, with more than two-thirds of residents owning their homes. Adelaide continues to be one of the most cost-competitive markets for setting up business and leasing office space, and the regions are even more affordable.
A short drive from Adelaide is the Adelaide Hills which are brimming with wildlife encounters, cultural discoveries, wineries and some of the best scenery. The Barossa Valley and Clare Valley are about a two hour drive north, the Fleurieu Peninsula one hour south, and Kangaroo Island accessible within a few hours by ferry or 30 minutes by plane.
South Australia prides itself on nurturing a diverse cultural experience: from food and wine through to hosting outstanding world-class art, cultural and sporting events. Many of Australia’s best wine regions are also spread across South Australia, and with more than 200 cellar doors on Adelaide’s doorstep that are well worth a visit.
Affectionately known as the ‘Festival State’, South Australia prides itself on hosting outstanding internationally recognised cultural events. Home to the ‘Adelaide Fringe Festival’, the ‘Adelaide Festival’ and ‘Womadelaide’ just to name a few.
South Australians love to play and watch sport, and for many it’s a passion and a way of life. Adelaide Oval is one of the nation’s most highly-regarded sporting venues, and plays host to Australian Rules Football, Cricket as well as concerts and other events. The Vailo Adelaide 500 is an annual event and the Adelaide Street Circuit is world renowned both for the excellent racing and the race atmosphere that takes over the city. LIV Golf Adelaide offers an unparalleled weekend of golf, food and entertainment as well.
Whether you are looking for things to do in Adelaide’s city or are seeking to visit South Australia’s beautiful regions, you will be amazed by the diversity of experiences on offer.
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.