Executive Director, Corporate Services & Chief Financial Officer
Mackay Hospital and Health Service
CANDIDATE INFORMATION PACK
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We respect and honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on this land and commit to building a brighter future together.
We also recognise Australian South Sea Islander people, their historical relationship with First Nations peoples and the contributions they have made in our community.
Executive Summary
- Exciting executive leadership role based in the Greater Whitsunday region
- Experienced innovative leader of Finance in a complex health organisation
- Broad and interesting portfolio across Corporate Services, including Digital and Information Services and Infrastructure Delivery.
The Opportunity
The Mackay Hospital and Health Service (Mackay HHS), based in the beautiful Greater Whitsunday region is more than just a workplace – it is a place to lead and make a difference. At the heart of the Mackay HHS vision is the creation of healthy, empowered and connected communities. This translates into a commitment of working together with our partners and communities to focus on delivering high quality, safe and equitable patient-centred care.
The Mackay HHS services approximately 185,000 people in an area of around 90,000km2 across the Mackay, Whitsunday and Isaac local government areas through its six hospitals, two multi-purpose health services and four community health services, and employs more than 3700 staff. The Mackay Base Hospital is the referral hospital for facilities at Proserpine, Bowen, Dysart, Clermont, Collinsville, Moranbah and Sarina.
The Role
The organisation is now seeking to appoint an Executive Director Corporate Services & Chief Financial Officer, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Mackay HHS. The role will lead the delivery of a consolidated portfolio of non-clinical services including Strategic Finance, Financial Accounting, Performance Analysis & Reporting, Digital and Information Services, Infrastructure Delivery, Building Engineering and Maintenance Services, Procurement, Contracts and Supply, Support Services and ensuring alignment and delivery consistent with strategic and business plans.
As an Executive, the position holder contributes effectively to the broad strategic agenda for the organisation. Quality care, supporting and empowering our workforce, commitment to sustainability; leveraging digital and emerging technology; and building for the future are at the forefront of Mackay HHS healthcare delivery, shaping services that respond to the growing needs of its diverse regional and rural communities.
The successful candidate will need to demonstrate:
- Significant senior leadership experience at an executive level managing multi-disciplinary programs and diverse work units
- Ability to work collaboratively with executive and leadership groups and healthcare teams
- Experience as an executive leader of strategic and operational financial management in a complex health environment
- Appropriate tertiary qualifications and membership of a recognised accounting professional body
This is an exciting time to join Mackay HHS. You'll have all the benefits of working for a growing regional health service while being part of a close-knit team that values who you are and what you do.
Janine Hammat, HardyGroup Principal Consultant:
M. +61 (0)488 555 858
E. jhammat@hardygroupintl.com
The Mackay Hospital and Health Service.
Eight hospitals. Four community health facilities.
One organisation.
Caring for you and your family.
Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) is a contemporary organisation providing extensive health services across six hospitals, two multi-purpose health services and four community health centres to a population of around 185,000 people.
We are a team of more than 3,500 dedicated staff providing support to the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday regions; stretching from Bowen and the Whitsundays in the north to St Lawrence in the south, and west to Clermont. Our region is about the size of Ireland, with a mix of regional and rural areas, covering an area of approximately 90,0002km.
Mackay HHS provides a working environment that embraces professional development, builds capabilities, provides roles with variety and flexibility, supports staff to maximise their health and wellbeing and encourages work life balance.
We are located in a vibrant regional area of tropical north Queensland which offers all the benefits of coast and country living, allowing you to pursue a wide range of interests and lifestyles in a secure, family-friendly and culturally diverse environment. Our climate is ideal for outdoor living with beautiful beaches, subtropical rainforest and vast open spaces. There is a good choice of quality schools, wide range of sporting clubs and excellent community facilities.
You can enjoy cafes, restaurants and bars, festivals, art galleries and interesting communities, making this a great place for those looking to escape busy metro cities and try life at a different pace. Our thriving economy is supported by a diverse range of tourism, agriculture, mining, education and health industries.
We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply for all advertised positions. People of all ages, abilities, genders and ethnicities are also encouraged to apply for positions. More on our Health Equity Strategy can be found on our website.
Mackay Base Hospital is a 265-bed facility and the main referral hospital for our region. It's a modern health care facility providing general medical, surgical, intensive care, cardiac, maternity, gynaecological, paediatric, orthopaedic, oncology, mental health, neonatal, radiography and allied health services. We also have adult, women’s and children’s outpatient departments.
Our community health centres offer mental health, child health, sexual health, Dental and breast screening services.
While the hospital has plans for its first major expansion in 10 years, Master Planning will occur first, to ensure the expansion can support growth and future community needs. A key foundation for this growth is the building of a multi-story carpark, planned to commence in 2026.
Strategic Plan (2024 - 2028)
Our vision: Healthy, empowered and connected communities
Our purpose: Together, we deliver high quality, safe and equitable patient-centred care, locally
Our strategic objectives: To build healthy, empowered communities, Mackay HHS will work with our partners and communities to focus on delivering Quality Care, Empowered People, building Healthy Communities, and being a Sustainable Organisation.
The MHHS Strategic Plan 2024–2028 outlines key priorities that will shape services over the coming years, including:
- Putting consumers, families and communities at the centre of care
- Strengthening First Nations health and health equity
- Investing in a capable, engaged and safe workforce
- Delivering financially sustainable services and value‑based care
- Harnessing digital innovation, data and research to improve outcomes
- Planning and building contemporary infrastructure that supports future demand
MHHS is supported by the Mackay Hospital Foundation, which raises funds to improve patient experiences, purchase equipment and support innovation and research across the Service.
Read the full Strategic Plan here.
Our values:
Collaboration
Through partnerships and co-operation, we drive innovation
- Build strong relationships
- Be open to new ways of doing things
- Be non-confrontational – try to understand others’ perspectives
- Involve others when making decisions
Trust
Having confidence and belief in each other to be able to rely and depend on our actions
- Own your actions and behaviours
- Look for solutions not blame
- Keep your word and do what you say
- Make your decisions based on fact not assumptions - don’t gossip
Respect
We show respect and compassion for the people we care for and work with
- Appreciate the values of difference – don’t be judgemental
- Be welcoming and listen to each other
- Be aware of your tone of voice and body language
- Value the opinion of others
Teamwork
We depend on and support one another individually and as a team
- Act as one health service
- Be aware of your personal triggers – manage your emotions
- Give and receive feedback constructively but don’t make it personal
- Be flexible, compassionate and offer to help
There is an expectation of each employee, by their colleagues, manager and the Executive, to exhibit values-based behaviours in the completion of all their tasks.
About the Division
The Corporate Services and Finance portfolio plays a central enabling role in MHHS’ success, with a strong focus on infrastructure, sustainability, digital transformation and contemporary corporate services. Key functions include:
- Strategic Finance and Financial Accounting
- Performance Analysis and Reporting
- Digital and Information Services
- Infrastructure Delivery (including the Mackay Base Hospital expansion, new wing and multi‑storey car park)
- Building, Engineering and Maintenance Services (BEMS)
- Procurement, Contracts and Supply
- Support Services and Business Administration Support Services
The portfolio has an annual divisional budget of approximately $96 million plus capital expenditure of around $50 million, with responsibility for finance services for ~2,950 FTE and leadership across approximately 368 FTE within Corporate Services. The total MHHS operating budget is around $770 million.
Role Specification
The Executive Director Corporate Services & Chief Financial Officer provides high level strategic leadership and direction in relation to corporate and finance related staff across the Mackay Hospital and Health Service (MHHS). This role is performed in alignment with the strategic direction, goals and local policies and professional standards of the Hospital and Health Service (HHS), as well as statutory accountabilities as outlined in the Financial Accountability Act 2009 and Hospital and Health Board Act 2011.
The Corporate Services Division is a consolidated portfolio of non-clinical services:
- Strategic Finance, Performance Analysis & Reporting
- Financial Accounting
- Building, Engineering & Maintenance Services (BEMS)
- Infrastructure Project Delivery
- Digital & Information Services
- Procurement, Contracts & Supply
- Operational Support Services
As a member of the MHHS Executive Team, you will contribute effectively to the MHHS Board’s strategic agenda. This will encompass the delivery of safe and equitable health services, and to be a partner in the delivery of a wider range of services to the population of the Mackay Region with the intrinsic intention of improving the health of the population.
The CFO provides leadership for the financial management of the organisation. Through influence, the CFO will ensure a proactive approach in the achieving performance against service agreement and negotiation of annual service agreement, management of budgets, the delivery of savings programs, and increasing income to ensure that the organisation continues to be viable.
The position holder will provide the necessary overview of financial practices across the organisation, ensuring that the business units have the freedom to manage within a financially stable environment.
The CFO has a key responsibility to advise the Board on performance against a key set of financial and performance indicators. This performance reporting role extends to a performance management role as the CFO leads the business unit performance reviews on a monthly basis.
The role also incorporates management of corporate Services portfolio, including Capital Infrastructure projects management, building and engineering services, Digital and Health Information Management services, Procurement and Supply services, and Operational services for facilities.
The CFO will be responsible for the following key role specific accountabilities:
Leadership
- Provide ethical decision making in the achievement of organisational goals, values and brand image.
- Provide executive level leadership in the delivery MHHS wide corporate services.
- Ensure appropriate governance and management systems are in place to effectively manage the services in accordance with relevant legislation and policy frameworks.
- Provide strategic leadership and influence decision making as a key member of the MHHS Executive Team.
- Provide executive level sponsorship of organisational wide initiatives, projects and priorities impacting the delivery of health services.
- Collaborate with clinical and corporate leaders to identify, lead and support innovative strategies which will enable the delivery of high-quality patient care.
- Build and implement sustainable systems that support and facilitate effective financial management for MHHS.
- Communicate a vision that generates positive and transparent behaviours and recognises and rewards behaviour that is aligned to the vision of MHHS, actively promotes a collaborative performance and values-based culture that propels the organisation forward and empowers our staff.
Financial Functions
- Provide high level advice and performance reporting to the MHHS Board of Directors, Health Service Chief Executive and the Executive Management team in all aspects of financial management, reporting and performance.
- Lead the Corporate Service division and influence productivity, efficiency and performance. Your influence and support innovative ways to deliver cost-effective high quality patient care.
- Lead the preparation of statutory reporting for the Health Service.
- Responsible for the financial direction and oversight of the annual operating budget and commercial strategy, developing long-term financial projections consistent with the MHHS strategic plan and goals.
- Lead planning, development, implementation and ongoing improvement of the financial and commercial framework, strategy, systems, and capability to ensure that the MHHS delivers sustainable and efficient health services.
- Develop and maintain a robust approach to budget setting, budget monitoring and sustainability planning in partnership with key clinical and other stakeholders.
- Ensure staff engagement in the budget setting process with a strong focus on clinical engagement.
- Maximise income generation opportunities.
- Strategic advice and input into the MHHS Board Finance and Audit and Risk Management Sub- Committees.
- Lead planning and negotiations with key stakeholders regarding the HHS Service Agreement, including other funding instruments related to resourcing of the MHHS.
- Lead the successful delivery of new corporate and financial systems and technologies, in alignment with wider Queensland Health enterprise solutions and MHHS initiated priorities.
- Lead commercial negotiations to ensure value for public money, and ensure the procurement and contracts function fulfils legal, statutory and policy requirements.
Corporate Services
- Lead the strategic direction, planning, decision making and overall performance of the Corporate Service Division including ICT, Health Information, Procurement and Contracts, Supply Services, Building Engineering and Maintenance (BEMS), Security, Hospitality Services, and Travel.
- Direct the delivery and provision of information technology services, systems, equipment and infrastructure to enable team members across multiple sites to operate effectively within a changing and agile environment and ensuring optimal service delivery and the prompt resolution of technical issues.
- Lead the provision of Building Engineering and Maintenance support services to the organisation across multiple locations, including facilities, accommodation and administrative requirements.
- Ensure the development of a robust strategic infrastructure planning process which links to the development of a strong clinical service strategy.
- Take the lead role in the management and implementation of the HHS Capital Works Program ensuring works undertaken are delivered on time, within budget and according to quality standards and lead HHS resource team aligned with major Health Infrastructure Queensland Projects for MHHS.
- Lead capital and asset strategy so that assets are planned, maintained and financially provisioned.
- Provide strategic advice, direction, improvement and coordination of major procurement opportunities.
People Management and Continuous Improvement
- Demonstrate and model MHHS values and leadership qualities in all interactions with key stakeholders, partners, direct reports and the broader workforce to enhance culture.
- Provide professional leadership and build a competent team, driving and building the framework for continuous development of staff to ensure superior performance across portfolio units.
- Maximise effectiveness by selecting, developing, managing and motivating a high performing team.
- Clearly define role expectations, monitor performance, provide timely and constructive feedback and facilitate employee development.
- Builds and maintains effective relationships with professional peers within other Health sector organisations, including the Queensland Health CFO network.
Quality, Safety and Risk
- Provide leadership of and take accountability for meeting MHHS’s Quality, Safety and Risk objectives and the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards in relevant areas of responsibility.
- As a member of the Executive Management Team ensure comprehensive compliance with service quality standards, occupational health and safety legislation, policies and procedures.
- Ensure timely and robust clinical coding takes place to enable a strong focus on the use of data for clinical engagement and improvement of efficiency and to ensure MHHS is fully recompensed for the work we do.
- Ensure safety and quality focus is addressed in the BEMS area where high risk activity may be undertaken by employees of MHHS.
View the full scope of these in the Role Description
Mandatory
- Bachelor of Business in Accounting, Commerce or equivalent tertiary qualification.
- Eligibility for membership of a recognised accounting professional body.
- Minimum of 10 years’ management and senior leadership experience in a similar‑sized organisation, with health sector experience highly regarded.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Positive Notice Blue Card (Working with Children).
- Class C motor vehicle licence and capacity to travel throughout the MHHS district.
- Compliance with vaccination requirements for vaccine‑preventable diseases as per Queensland Health policy.
Desirable
- Postgraduate qualifications in Business Administration, Public Administration or a related field.
- Executive experience in a large and complex health service delivery environment.
- 1.Achieves results: A minimum of ten years' experience at a senior leadership level in a HHS. Demonstrated high level capacity to analyse, understand and implement local future service delivery needs for incorporation into strategic and operational plans at a local and whole of organisation level. High-level knowledge of financial management legislation relevant to Queensland Health. Demonstrated strong track record in identifying and developing business and commercial opportunities for improvement.
- 2.Health system and change management: Demonstrated knowledge of the operations of a large and complex health service delivery organisation with experience in strategic business development and leadership capability at an executive level. Demonstrated high level experience at the executive level in the conduct and management of significant reform initiatives at a department level including fostering a work environment and teams that value performance, improvement, innovation and results.
- 3.Communication and Influence: Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to negotiate at the executive management level and with key stakeholders, resolve conflict and positively influence and motivate others in a significant environment of reform and change. Demonstrated ability to problem solve and develop innovative, sensitive and practical solutions and provide strategic advice to complex issues.
- 4.Leads and Manages: Demonstrated ability to provide successful executive level leadership and management/coordination of multi-disciplinary programs and diverse work units. A proven ability to strategically and effectively manage a service budget, including financial, physical and human resources in a complex and diverse health care setting. Make ethical decisions in order to achieve organisational and patient care goals.
- 5.Targeted assessment of core behavioural competencies: Strategic and Analytical Thinking
Demonstrated issue identification, analytical and research skills and the ability to implement strategies to improve organisational performance. Economic analytical skills to develop robust business cases.
- Political Savvy
- Intellectual Horsepower
- Managing Through Systems
View the full context of the criteria in the Role Description
The total package per annum for a HES2 (High) is from $263,731 to $284,962, inclusive of:
- Base salary
- Up to 12.75% employer superannuation contribution
- 17.5% annual leave loading
- Motor vehicle allowance
- Salary packaging benefits
- Access to the Employee Assistance Program and other wellbeing supports
Annual Divisional Budget: $96 million plus capital expenditure of approximately $50 million.
Direct and Indirect FTE: 368 FTE
Annual MHHS Operating Budget: ~$770m
MHHS FTE: ~2950 FTE
- Sustaining financial performance while demand and community expectations continue to grow across a dispersed regional and rural service.
- Balancing immediate operational pressures with long‑term strategic planning, including capital investment, digital transformation and workforce planning.
- Ensuring a robust strategic capital planning process that is closely aligned with clinical service directions and population health needs.
- Leveraging the breadth of the Corporate Services portfolio to drive integrated solutions across finance, digital, infrastructure and support services.
- Leading the Corporate Services division to influence productivity, efficiency and performance across the organisation.
- Maximising income generation and value‑based care opportunities in partnership with clinicians and service leaders.
- Strengthening partnerships with government, community, private sector and education providers to support service innovation and regional development.
Service Location: Mackay Base Hospital
Classification: HES2 (High)
Contract: Executive Contract
3 years plus possible 2 year extension
Additional Mandatory Requirements
All pre-employment checks are completed in accordance with the Recruitment and Selection Directive 07/23, the HR Policy B1 and the HR Policy B40 before an offer of appointment can be made. All requested documents must be certified by a Justice of the Peace or a Commissioner for Declarations:
- General Criminal History check
- Tuberculosis screen
- Internet Search
- Proof of Identity, three points of identification is required.
- Work Rights: Citizenship or Visa checks will be required to work in Australia.
- Bankruptcy and Insolvency
- Disqualified Directors Register Check
- Civil Litigation Search
- Social Profiles and Internet based web search
Mackay HHS Strategic Plan 2024 - 2028
Mackay HHS Health Equity Strategy 2022 – 2025
Mackay HHS Consumer and Community Engagement Strategy 2020 – 2024 Snapshot
Mackay HHS Consumer and Community Engagement Strategy 2020-2024
MHHS and NQPHN – Local Primary Healthcare Protocol
The closing date for applications is Sunday, 1 February 2026
The reference number to include in your application is H25_5329
Note: Please use the online HardyGroup platform to submit your application. It will only be accepted via email if agreed by the HG Principal Consultant prior to submission be accepted via email.
If you require assistance in submitting your application online, please contact Executive Search Coordinator, Bradie Hammat: via bhammat@hardygroupintl.com / +61 (0)417 882 900
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.
Your application must include:
- 1.A short response/cover letter addressed to the Principal Consultant
Document should be a maximum of 2 pages and outlines your alignment with the key capabilities, knowledge and experience in the context of you achieving the key accountabilities/responsibilities as contained under Selection Criteria. - 2.Your current CV or resume
Summary of education, qualifications, skills and experience, including relevant work history.
Note: Please use the online platform to submit your application. It will not be accepted via email.
Please see our written application guide here to help with your application.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
HG complies with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), all applications are treated by HG in strict confidence, however in submitting an application you are extending permission to share your application with the Selection Panel.
Personal Information will be used to assess your suitability for appointment to this Positions Health Services. As part of the selection process, personal information will be dealt with in accordance with HG’s Privacy Policy and the Information Privacy Act 2009.
For a confidential discussion, please contact:
Janine Hammat
HardyGroup Principal Consultant
M. +61 (0)488 555 858
E. jhammat@hardygroupintl.com
LIVING AND WORKING IN THE
GREATER WHITSUNDAY REGION
The Greater Whitsunday Region, also known as the Mackay Isaac Whitsunday region, offers an enviable lifestyle where natural beauty, community spirit, and opportunity come together. Living here means being surrounded by some of Australia’s most iconic landscapes and enjoying a pace of life that balances career success with adventure.
A World-Class Coastal Playground
The Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef are right on your doorstep - perfect for snorkelling, diving, and sailing among vibrant coral reefs and turquoise waters. Whitehaven Beach, with its pure white silica sand, is a local treasure and one of the most photographed beaches in the world.
Cape Hillsborough, north-west of Mackay
Rainforest and Hinterland Escapes
Beyond the coast, lush rainforests and national parks offer endless opportunities for exploration. Eungella National Park is a haven for hikers and nature lovers, with spectacular trails, waterfalls, and the chance to spot the elusive platypus. Finch Hatton Gorge is another favourite, where crystal-clear rock pools provide the ultimate natural swimming experience.
Sporting and Outdoor Lifestyle
Sport is part of the region’s DNA. Rugby league, cricket, netball, and soccer thrive in local clubs, while water sports such as sailing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding are everyday pursuits. Fishing - whether offshore, in estuaries, or freshwater streams - is a way of life, and golf courses and fitness facilities cater to those seeking structured recreation.
Eungella, 82km west of Mackay
Perfect Weather Year-Round
The tropical climate is one of the region’s greatest assets. Warm temperatures prevail throughout the year, with mild, dry winters and lush green summers. Average daytime temperatures range from 23°C in winter to 30°C in summer, making outdoor activities enjoyable in every season.
Araluen Cascades, Finch Hatton Gorge
Community and Convenience
Mackay is the vibrant hub of the region, offering quality schools, a university campus, healthcare services, and diverse dining and entertainment options. Rural areas provide a relaxed pace of life, surrounded by sugarcane fields and scenic valleys. Festivals, markets, and community events create a welcoming atmosphere for families and professionals alike.
Cedar Grove Track, Eungella National Park
Why Choose the Greater Whitsunday Region?
Living here means more than just a job - it’s a lifestyle where work meets paradise. Whether you’re exploring the reef, hiking through rainforests, or cheering on your local team, this region offers a unique blend of opportunity and adventure.
MTB Finch Hatton offers mountain biking in one of the world's oldest rainforests
Discover the Lifestyle for Yourself
Listen to MHHS staff talk in their own words about what they love about working in the Health Service.
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.