EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
MENTAL HEALTH & DENTAL SERVICES
NORTH METROPOLITAN HEALTH SERVICE (NMHS)
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Executive Summary
- Leads delivery of integrated mental health and dental services, driving high-quality, evidence-based care and system-wide coordination across a complex, multi-service environment.
- Shapes enterprise strategy and performance as a senior executive, influencing whole-of-health decision making, organisational reform, and service innovation at scale.
- Ensures robust clinical governance, workforce leadership, and financial stewardship, optimising resources and delivering outcomes within an activity-based funding framework.
- Builds strategic partnerships across government, primary care, and the broader sector — complemented by an exceptional lifestyle opportunity within one of Australia’s most desirable locations.
THE OPPORTUNITY
North Metropolitan Health Service (NMHS) is a major provider of public healthcare in Western Australia, delivering services across three tertiary and two secondary hospitals, supported by a workforce of more than 14,000 staff. NMHS provides a comprehensive range of specialist medical, surgical, mental health and obstetric services, alongside statewide programs and highly specialised multidisciplinary care, underpinned by strong research and education capability. Operating within a dynamic and evolving healthcare environment, the organisation is responding to increasing demand, workforce pressures, system reform and the ongoing need to deliver safe, high-quality and sustainable services.
We are seeking a passionate and committed leader for the role of Executive Director Mental Health and Dental Services at the North Metropolitan Health Service (NMHS).
This role will suit a highly capable executive who can navigate complexity, lead through change, and build trusted partnerships with executive colleagues and external stakeholders to deliver high-quality clinical services across a large and diverse health service.
THE ROLE
As a member of the NMHS Executive, reporting to the Chief Executive, you will have accountability for the delivery of safe, high-quality mental health and dental services, ensuring financial, performance and clinical outcomes are achieved.
In this role, you will:
- Lead a whole-of-service approach to the planning and delivery of mental health and dental services, including inpatient, community and specialised programs.
- Provide strong, visible leadership to multidisciplinary clinical and operational teams to support safe, high-quality care.
- Partner with key stakeholders, including the Mental Health Commission, the Chief Psychiatrist, and government and non-government agencies to support coordinated care.
- Provide strategic advice to the Chief Executive and NMHS Board on areas within the portfolio.
APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS
To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate:
- Executive leadership in the delivery of complex healthcare services, with the ability to lead multidisciplinary clinical services across large and diverse organisations. Experience in mental health service delivery or reform will be highly regarded.
- Proven ability to develop and implement organisation-wide service strategies and lead complex reform initiatives that improve clinical, operational and organisational performance.
- Exceptional capability to lead, influence and develop large, multidisciplinary teams while building trusted relationships with executive colleagues, clinicians, government agencies and external partners.
- Strong understanding of clinical governance, safety and quality frameworks, together with the ability to foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability and patient-centred care.
- Demonstrated personal integrity, sound judgement and commitment to ethical leadership, effective governance and the values of the North Metropolitan Health Service.
HOW TO APPLY
The closing date for applications is Friday, 31 July 2026.
For a confidential discussion about the position, please contact:
Liz Hlipala
HardyGroup Principal Consultant
M. +61 (0)401 122 301
E. lhlipala@hardygroupintl.com
Alternatively, you can book a confidential discussion with:
Lynette Taylor
HardyGroup Executive Director, Search and Recruitment
M: +61 (0)431 293 861
E: ltaylor@hardygroupintl.com
NORTH METROPOLITAN HEALTH SERVICE (NMHS)
About us
North Metropolitan Health Service (NMHS) is one of the largest health services in Western Australia, with three tertiary hospitals and two secondary hospitals, including:
- Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital
- King Edward Memorial Hospital
- Graylands Hospital
- Osborne Park Hospital
- Joondalup Health Campus.
Our highly skilled workforce includes more than 14,000 people dedicated to delivering sustainable, quality-health services.
We deliver a comprehensive range of adult specialist medical, surgical, mental health and obstetric services. Additionally, we offer a range of statewide and specialised multidisciplinary services from our hospital and clinic sites to people living across Western Australia, including:
- Dental Health Services
- Public Health
- State Forensics Mental Health Service
- BreastScreen WA
- Sexual Assault Resource Centre
- Cancer Network WA
- Genetic Health WA
Our medical research and education programs are well-renowned and support ongoing innovations in the treatment and care we provide. To support research, we collaborate with various partners to advance medical science and improve patient care.
Our values
In July 2024 the North Metropolitan Health Service Strategic Plan: Unleashing our Potential 2024 to 2027 (PDF) was launched.
The plan sets out our ambition and intent to be ‘a transformative leader, shaping the future of health care’. It reflects our collective aspirations and sets out our agenda for the next three years and beyond.
The strategic plan identifies six strategic objectives:
- 1.Driving excellence
- 2.Partnering with our communities
- 3.Advancing health equity and access
- 4.Becoming the best place to work
- 5.Building a sustainable future
- 6.Embracing innovation and research
The plan has been developed following an extensive consultation process with people across NMHS and our community.
The 2024-25 Annual Report (PDF) showcases our performance and achievements over the past financial year and provides insight into the breadth of services we deliver across Western Australia.
This report highlights the expertise, care, passion and innovation of our people, and the strategic programs underway to ensure our services meet the needs of our communities - today and into the future.
It also shows how we are meeting our strategic objectives and our vision of becoming a transformative leader, shaping the future of healthcare as well our continued focus on enhancing our services, delivering clinical excellence and providing a positive patient experience.
2025 At a Glance
NMHS - One team, many dreams
Role Specification
Responsible for the delivery of high-quality health care services across mental health and dental health service areas including the delivery of clinical programs, coordination with other providers and the efficient and effective management of all resources. Contributes to decision making on whole-of-health issues as part of the North Metropolitan Health Service (NMHS) Executive and works collaboratively to ensure coordination of health services at a NMHS area level.
1. Strategic Leadership and Accountability
- Lead the strategic planning, governance and delivery of Mental Health and Dental Services, ensuring high-quality, evidence-based care and compliance with clinical and legislative standards.
- Provide executive leadership across NMHS through workforce development, primary care coordination, resource allocation, financial management and strategic advice to the Chief Executive.
2. Communication and Consultation
- Build and maintain effective relationships with government, health, community and professional stakeholders to support service delivery and organisational objectives.
- Lead consultation, engagement and negotiation processes to support the development and implementation of strategic and operational initiatives.
3. Operational
- Oversee corporate and clinical governance systems, including quality, safety, risk management and clinical information management.
- Ensure the integration of clinical and non-clinical services while promoting ethical research and continuous service improvement.
4. NMHS Values – Care, Respect, Innovation, Teamwork and Integrity
- Model and promote NMHS values through leadership, decision-making and professional conduct.
- Foster a collaborative, patient-centred culture that supports high performance and innovation.
5. NMHS Governance, Safety and Quality Requirements
- Maintain a safe workplace and ensure compliance with safety, quality and accreditation standards.
- Drive continuous improvement, workforce performance, mandatory training compliance and adherence to organisational policies and legislation.
6. Other Duties
- Undertake additional duties and special projects as directed.
For a detailed description of key accountabilities, please see the role description.
1. Executive Leadership
Demonstrated executive leadership in the delivery of complex healthcare services, with the ability to lead multidisciplinary clinical services across large and diverse organisations. Experience in mental health service delivery or reform will be highly regarded.
2. Strategic Leadership and Service Reform
Proven ability to develop and implement organisation-wide service strategies and lead complex reform initiatives that improve clinical, operational and organisational performance.
3. Leadership, Influence and Partnerships
Exceptional capability to lead, influence and develop large, multidisciplinary teams while building trusted relationships with executive colleagues, clinicians, government agencies and external partners.
4. Clinical Governance and Service Excellence
Strong understanding of clinical governance, safety and quality frameworks, together with the ability to foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability and patient-centred care.
5. Integrity and Executive Judgement
Demonstrated personal integrity, sound judgement and commitment to ethical leadership, effective governance and the values of the North Metropolitan Health Service.
If a Medical Practitioner: eligibility for registration as a Medical Practitioner in Western Australia with relevant specialist medical qualifications or recognised equivalent.
Desirable Selection Criteria
1. Tertiary qualifications in a relevant clinical discipline and/or management.
Reports to: Chief Executive
Positions Under Direct Supervision:
FTE (role): ~2100 (direct & indirect FTE)
$228,342 – $244,818 (+ 12% super) / $259,480 – $278,203 (incl. 12% super)
If AMA MP: AMA 1-9, $333,305 – $432,658 (+ 12% super) / $373,302 – $484,577 (incl. 12% super).
Note: AMA base salary increase of +3.5% from September 2026
Relocation: NMHS is willing to consider relocation assistance including temporary accommodation and airfares (if applicable) for suitable candidates.
Location: Perth
Fixed Term Full Time appointment for 5 years, with the possibility of extension(s).
Classification: Health Executive Service (HES) Grade C – Health Professional
Directorate: Mental Health and Dental Services – Executive
Budget (entity): $3.2B
Budget (role): ~500M
Appointment Prerequisites
Appointment is subject to:
- Working with Children (WWC) Check, compulsory check for people who carry out child-related work in Western Australia.
- Provision of the minimum identity proofing requirements.
- Successful Criminal Record Screening Clearance.
- Successful Pre-Employment Integrity Check.
- Successful Pre-Employment Health Assessment.
The closing date for applications is 4pm (AWST), Friday, 31 July 2026.
The closing date and time are system‑generated. Any submissions after or on, 4:00pm on the closing date will not be accepted.
The reference number to include in your application is H26_5539.
Note: Please Apply Online Directly Using the Apply Now Link (through the WA government recruitment system).
Your application must include:
- Cover letter (maximum three (3) pages) outlining your interest in the role
- Statement against the key Applicant Requirements listed in this advertisement
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing your experience and achievements relevant to the role (refer to the attached job description form)
- Referees – the names and contact details of two (2) referees, including at least one (1) current or recent direct line manager or supervisor. (You will be contacted to confirm referee details before any contact is made.)
These documents should be complete and ready to attach prior to applying online. Please ensure you allow enough time to complete the online application process as you will be required to answer various questions and attach your documentation.
If you experience difficulties while applying online, please contact Employee Services on 13 44 77 for immediate assistance during business hours.
For a confidential discussion, please contact:
Liz Hlipala
HardyGroup Principal Consultant
M. +61 (0)401 122 301
E. lhlipala@hardygroupintl.com
Lynette Taylor
HG Executive Director, Search and Recruitment
M. +61 (0)431 293 861
E. ltaylor@hardygroupintl.com
Living and Working in Perth
Perth sits at the heart of Greater Perth, home to around 2.6 million people—over three-quarters of Western Australia’s population. With continued growth expected, the city is projected to reach nearly 3 million residents by the early 2030s and around 3.5 million by 2050, cementing its place as one of Australia’s major capital cities.
A City of Opportunity and Lifestyle
As Australia’s sunniest capital, Perth offers an unbeatable combination of career opportunities and laid-back living. With around 3,000 hours of sunshine each year, it’s easy to embrace an outdoor lifestyle while still enjoying all the benefits of a modern, thriving city.
Perth’s cultural scene is growing rapidly, with a dynamic mix of small bars, live music venues, art galleries, and street art precincts. The city is known for its creative dining experiences, from casual eateries to award-winning restaurants showcasing fresh local produce and world-class Western Australian wines.
Neighbourhoods like Northbridge, Fremantle and Mount Lawley are buzzing with nightlife, cafés, and events, making it easy to meet people and build a social network.
Urban Energy Meets Natural Beauty
Perth is a city where urban life and nature blend seamlessly. Within minutes, you can swap the office for ocean views or leafy parklands. The city boasts 19 stunning beaches—from the iconic white sands of Cottesloe to the surf-friendly waves of Scarborough—all within easy reach of the CBD.
Set along the Swan River, Perth’s natural beauty is one of its defining features. Kings Park and Botanic Garden, one of the world’s largest inner-city parks, offers more than 400 hectares of bushland, walking trails, and panoramic views over the skyline. It’s the perfect place to relax, explore Indigenous culture, or take in vibrant wildflowers during spring.
Getting Around and Staying Connected
Perth is one of the most accessible cities in Australia. The airport is located just 20 minutes from the CBD, with regular domestic and international flights connecting Perth to major cities and regional hubs.
Public transport is reliable and straightforward, with trains, buses, and ferries linking the city to outer suburbs and coastal areas. Many locals also choose to drive, with relatively easy traffic compared to larger cities like Sydney and Melbourne.
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ABOUT US
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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.