DIRECTOR CLINICAL OPERATIONS
FAMILY PLANNING AUSTRALIA
CANDIDATE INFORMATION PACK
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Executive Summary
- Lead the optimisation and evolution of complex clinical operations across multi-site clinics, day surgery, outreach and virtual services, with genuine scope to redesign service models, improve productivity and strengthen commercial performance.
- Shape the future of reproductive and sexual health services in NSW, working with an experienced executive team to deliver an ambitious new five-year strategy in a values-driven, mission-led organisation.
- Make a measurable impact, with accountability for an ~$8.4m portfolio and ~49 FTE, balancing clinical excellence, client-centred care and financial sustainability.
THE OPPORTUNITY
This is a rare opportunity to join Family Planning Australia at a pivotal point in its evolution, as the organisation undertakes significant cultural, operational and commercial transformation. With a newly endorsed and ambitious five-year strategy, the organisation is focused on growth, innovation and improving access to high-quality reproductive and sexual health services across New South Wales. The Director, Clinical Operations will play a critical leadership role in shaping contemporary, client-centred service models that strengthen sustainability while reinvesting surplus into mission-driven outcomes for priority communities.
The role offers the opportunity to lead meaningful change in an organisation that is values-driven, purpose-led and nationally respected, while also unlocking untapped commercial potential. For a senior leader seeking to combine impact, complexity and influence within a not-for-profit health environment, this role presents both challenge and reward.
THE ROLE
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Director, Clinical Operations is responsible for the strategic, financial and operational leadership of all clinical services, including metropolitan clinics, outreach and virtual services, the Day Surgery Unit and Talkline services. The role leads the Clinical Services Directorate with accountability for an operating budget of approximately $8.4 million and a workforce of around 49 FTE, supported by Practice Managers and the Director of Nursing / Deputy Director of Clinical Operations.
Working closely with the Medical Director, Director of Nursing and executive colleagues, the role is central to evolving the approved clinical operating model, improving productivity, strengthening commercial performance and ensuring the delivery of safe, high-quality, accredited care. A key focus will be on streamlining service pathways, embedding digital and technology-enabled solutions, strengthening management capability and accountability, and ensuring the Directorate contributes positively to organisational sustainability and strategic growth.
THE CANDIDATE
The successful candidate will be a commercially astute and operationally strong senior leader with experience managing clinics and/or a day surgery unit. They will bring a demonstrated ability to lead service transformation, improve operating models, uplift productivity and build capable, accountable management teams, while maintaining a strong focus on quality, safety and client experience.
While direct experience in reproductive and sexual health services will be advantageous, it is not essential. Candidates may come from primary care, day surgery, private healthcare, hospital operations or not-for-profit health environments, provided they bring strong operational leadership capability, financial acumen and experience leading change. A collaborative, inclusive leadership style is critical, along with a genuine alignment to Family Planning Australia’s values and a commitment to delivering accessible, culturally responsive services to priority populations.
For a confidential discussion, please get in touch with:
Sarah Buckler, HardyGroup Principal Search Consultant
M. +61 (0)429 486 740
E. sbuckler@hardygroupintl.com
FAMILY PLANNING AUSTRALIA (NSW)
Family Planning Australia (FPA) is the leading provider of reproductive and sexual health services in NSW. We are an independent not–for–profit organisation which aims is to advance lifelong sexual and reproductive health and rights.
Family Planning Australia
Family Planning Australia is committed to excellence in meeting the reproductive and sexual health needs of the community. We achieve this by providing best practice, accredited clinical services, enhancing the knowledge and skills of service providers through professional education and training, improving the body of knowledge about reproductive and sexual health through rigorous research and evaluation, and leading international development projects to promote the rights of marginalised people in developing countries.
We have five clinics and numerous outreach sites across NSW, providing best practice care for every body in every family. As well as face-to-face healthcare, we offer telehealth services, a Talkline, Pregnancy Help Line and an extensive health promotion service. In Newington, Sydney, we have a licensed day procedures unit.
Our diverse business is trusted to deliver accredited education programs for professionals across Australia and undertake rigorous research and evaluation into issues and trends in reproductive and sexual health.
Our international development program advances sexual and reproductive health and rights in the Pacific, and we advocate as a non-governmental organisation with United Nations consultative status.
Family Planning Australia is an independent, not-for-profit organisation responsible to a voluntary board of directors and we rely on government funding, donations and self-generated income to provide our services. We are registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC). Our government funding comes from the Federal and NSW governments, as well as Local Health Districts.
Founded in 1926, we are the oldest family planning service in Australia.
Who we are
We work to advance lifelong sexual and reproductive health and rigths.
We respect the rights of our clients to make choices about their reproductive and sexual health and we treat each and every person with respect, dignity and understanding.
We are experts on contraception, pregnancy options, sexually transmissible Infections (STIs), sexuality and sexual function, menstruation, menopause, common gynaecological and vaginal problems, cervical screening, breast awareness and men’s sexual health.
Family Planning Australia Research Centre undertakes nationally and internationally recognised research which underpins our clinical practice.
What we do
We provide clinical services, health promotion and education and training at clinics in Newington, Fairfield, Penrith, Newcastle and Dubbo and use partnerships to deliver services in other key locations.
We also provide health information and education and training for doctors, nurses, midwives, teachers and other health, education and welfare professionals.
We see more than 27,000 clients annually at our clinics and our education services conduct courses with close to 1000 professionals each year.
Our Talkline service, 1300 658 886, provides a confidential, non-judgemental telephone and email information and referral service for all who need advice across NSW.
We also work to provide reproductive and sexual health services in the Pacific through funding from DFAT, UNFPA and donations. Find out more about our international development work here.
Who we help
Our clinics welcome everyone and provide high quality reproductive and sexual health services.
Our education and training services provide expert education for doctors, nurses, teachers and other health, education and welfare services.
We reach out in particular to priority communities including people from culturally and linguistically diverse and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds, people with disability, young people, and people from rural and remote communities.
Our Vision
That everyone thrives in a sexually healthy world.
Our Role
To advance lifelong sexual and reproductive health and rights.
Our Values
Role Specification
The Director of Clinical Operations provides leadership to the Clinical Services Directorate and is responsible for the evolution of the approved clinical service operating model. The role will work with our communities to design and deliver high quality accessible clinical services, while achieving commercial objectives.
The Director of Clinical Operations is directly responsible for the Practice Managers, State Social Worker, and the Day Surgery Unit via the Director of Nursing/Deputy Director of Clinical Services.
The position works collaboratively with the Medical Director and Director of Nursing in regard to policy, clinical practice and professional education as it relates to client care and clinical risk management in Family Planning Australia, to maintain and enhance high quality and professional reproductive and sexual health (RSH) care and practices.
The Director of Clinical Operations collaborates with each Family Planning Australia directorate as necessary to support achievement of the strategic goals and operational targets.
The role ideally requires Reproductive and Sexual health knowledge, sound judgment and critical thinking, excellent communication and negotiation skills, management skills and experience and the ability to lead a multidisciplinary team.
The budget of the Directorate is $8.4m with 49 full-time equivalents.
Main Responsibilities
Leadership
- Lead the operations of all services within the Directorate and assume responsibility for achieving the financial and activity targets of the Directorate
- Develop the Directorate business plan linked to FPA strategy, and lead target setting for clinical units in line with funding requirements
- Identify opportunities for enhanced commercial operations, seeking out new opportunities in line with FPA’s role and specifically consider how we can extend reach to priority populations in NSW
- Advise and work with relevant members of the Executive on strategies to maintain an effective and efficient workforce
- Oversee and participate in recruitment, ongoing development and implementation of retention strategies
- Be a positive role model, facilitating the development of peers, other members of the team and the working environment
- Establish, manage and strengthen internal and external partnerships and relationships with stakeholders
- Lead development and implementation of relevant policies and procedures to meet legislative and regulatory requirements, in consultation with the clinical leadership team
- Contribute to the advocacy role of FPA
- To consider how to adopt and promulgate digital capability to support service delivery and streamline operations while aligning to FPA Polices and risk appetite
- Provide input in the identification of research priorities for Family Planning Australia
- Any other duties within the scope of the role as directed by CEO
Clinical safety and quality
- To work seamlessly with the Director of Nursing Services, Medical Director, and Quality and Risk Manager to ensure NSQHS standards are achieved and maintained
- Develop and maintain a continuous quality improvement approach to clinical service delivery in line with national accreditation standards
- Adhere to the Incident Management policy to report and escalate any clinical issue with medicolegal implications within the specified time frame
- Contribute to clinical safety outcomes by ensuring maintenance of high standards of clinical documentation and result management
- Work with Director of Nursing, Practice Managers, Clinical Quality Nurse Manager, Quality Implementation Support Nurses and Nurse Unit Manager –Day Surgery, Manager Education and Manager International Program to identify and support staff who may require further development of clinical skills
- Collaborate with the Director of Nursing and Medical Director to implement clinical governance and quality improvement systems by providing expert opinion on service improvement initiatives
- Work with the Director of Nursing, Clinical Quality Nurse Manager and Quality Improvement Nurses to ensure implementation of recommendations from quality assurance activities, including changes to clinical service delivery
- Maintain confidentiality and privacy in relation to information of clients, health professionals or other persons obtained in the conduct of the role
General Accountabilities
Financial and resource management / administration
- Maintain appropriate resource allocation, and effective management and administrative practices, in accordance with organisational policies, processes and delegations of Family Planning Australia
- Budget responsibility for the Directorate
Human Resources
- Coach, mentor and support staff to achieve their highest potential and the vision of Family Planning Australia
- Foster a climate of open communication that ensures staff are informed of organisational goals, strategies and activities to facilitate the provision of safe and effective services
- Be involved in performance reviews of all direct reports
- Ensure recruitment and selection of appropriately skilled staff is in accordance with legislative requirements
- Ensure ongoing compliance of all skilled staff with certifications and credentialling
- Ensures Family Planning Australia provides a supportive learning environment for all staff
Essential Qualifications
- Relevant qualifications which could include a degree in Business, Health Administration or other
- Postgraduate management qualifications or equivalent leadership experience
Essential Skills, Experience and Knowledge
- Experience in leadership and management of a multi-disciplinary team
- Experience in leading quality improvement, clinical governance and risk management activities
- High level problem-solving skills with a track record in identifying service gaps and provision of solutions to streamline processes and benchmark best practices
- Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills
- Demonstrated understanding of project management and experience in leading change
- Knowledge and experience in primary health services development
- Strong advocacy and networking skills, with demonstrated ability to develop and maintain partner relationships with internal and external stakeholders
- Developing knowledge of how digital enablement can support the design and delivery of clinical services
- Sound knowledge of current reproductive and sexual health issues
- Demonstrated commercial acumen
- Skills in development of a business case, grants and submissions for funding
Values
- Family Planning Australia is a pro-choice organisation – staff are expected to fully support an individual’s right to choose regarding their pregnancy, whether that be parenting, adoption / foster care or abortion.
- As an abortion service provider, all staff in the organisation are expected to actively participate in the provision of abortion services in line with the full scope of the role they are appointed to.
- In this role this means leading and participating in the provision of both medical and surgical abortion services.
- Must have a human rights focus and support the Family Planning Australia values:
- Compassionate
- Collaborative
- Empowerment
- Bold
See the position description here for a detailed outline of the Family Planning Australia Capability Framework
- 1.Executive leadership of multi‑site, multidisciplinary clinical services
Proven success leading complex, multi‑disciplinary teams across fixed, mobile, outreach and virtual services to deliver safe, accessible care, while meeting activity and workforce targets. - 2.Clinical governance, risk and quality improvement
Demonstrated capability to implement and sustain NSQHS‑aligned clinical governance, incident management, documentation standards and continuous quality improvement that lift clinical outcomes. - 3.Commercial and operational acumen
Track record in budgeting and financial stewardship (~$8m scale or comparable), business planning, and development of business cases/grant submissions that support growth and productivity. - 4.Change, project and digital enablement leadership
Experience leading service redesign and projects from concept to benefits realisation—leveraging digital tools to streamline operations and enhance client experience. - 5.Stakeholder engagement, advocacy and partnership building
Strong interpersonal, negotiation and networking skills to build strategic internal/external partnerships, engage communities (including priority populations), and contribute to sector advocacy. - 6.Sector knowledge and values alignment
Sound knowledge of reproductive and sexual health, commitment to human‑rights based, pro‑choice care (including leading medical and surgical abortion services), and alignment with FPA values (Compassionate, Collaborative, Empowerment, Bold).
The budget of the Directorate is $8.4m.
Operating within a for purpose not for profit, balancing clinical excellence within budget constraints while maintaining compliance with all legislative and regulatory requirements.
Leading a diverse and complex organisation through ongoing change to meet objectives detailed in the five-year strategic plan.
Ensuring the Clinical Services Directorate is making a positive contribution to FPA’s vision and role and is enabling commercial success.
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
Responsible for: Providing leadership for the strategic, financial and operational management of all clinical services both fixed site, mobile, outreach and virtual, Day Surgery Unit and talkline services
The Directorate has 49 full-time equivalents.
Collaborates with:
- Executive
- Education Services
- Health Promotion
- Research Centre
- International Programme
Please Discuss with your HardyGroup Consultant
Location: Metropolitan Sydney
- Metropolitan (Newington, Fairfield & Penrith) Clinics
- Note: occasional travel to all clinics across NSW is required
Executive Contract
Permanent, Full time 38 hours/week
Other Requirements
- A Criminal Record Check and a Working with Children Check are required prior to commencement in this role
- Vaccination/immunisation requirements apply to this role
- Current unrestricted NSW Driver’s License
Work health and safety
- All employees are responsible for ensuring that they work in a manner which minimises the risk of injury to themselves, other workers, clients and visitors
- Senior staff are responsible for ensuring that safe work practices are in place and all employees abide by safety instructions
- Any potential risk must be reported to the employee’s manager immediately for investigation and remedy
- Any breaches of safety procedures must be reported through the incident management procedures and any employee found breaching safety requirements will be subject to disciplinary action which may include termination of employment
The closing date for applications is Tuesday, 24 February 2026.
The reference number to include in your application is H26_5352
Note: Please use the online HardyGroup 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: sprebble@hardygroupintl.com | +61 (0) 430 219 787
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:
Ms Sarah Buckler PSM
HG Queensland State Manager
M. +61 (0)429 486 740
E. sbuckler@hardygroupintl.com
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