DIRECTOR MIDWIFERY & NURSING
WOMEN & NEWBORN HEALTH SERVICE (WNHS)
NORTH METROPOLITAN HEALTH SERVICE (NMHS)
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Executive Summary
- Lead midwifery and nursing strategy, governance and professional leadership for Western Australia’s specialist tertiary women’s and newborn health service.
- Drive excellence in clinical care, workforce development, patient flow, infection prevention and evidence-based practice across a complex health environment.
- Partner with executive, clinical and academic leaders to shape the future of women’s, maternity and newborn services at both health service and statewide levels.
- Join an influential executive leadership team while enjoying the lifestyle benefits of Perth and contributing to outcomes that impact women, babies and families across Western Australia.
THE OPPORTUNITY
North Metropolitan Health Service (NMHS) provides timely access to high-quality health care, embracing acknowledged best practice to deliver improved clinical outcomes in the face of rising challenges for all healthcare providers. The NMHS comprises a mix of tertiary, specialist, and generalist hospitals. Our north metropolitan catchment area covers almost 1000 square kilometres. Our population represents about 28 per cent of Western Australia’s total and is projected to grow to more than 0.9 million by 2031.
We are seeking an exceptional healthcare leader for the role of Director Midwifery and Nursing, Women and Newborn Health Service (WNHS).
Based at King Edward Memorial Hospital, this pivotal executive position provides professional leadership, strategic direction and governance for midwifery and nursing services across WNHS as part of NMHS. As a member of the executive team, you will play a critical role in shaping organisational strategy, strengthening clinical excellence and ensuring the delivery of safe, high-quality and patient-centred care.
This is a unique opportunity to influence the future of women’s and newborn healthcare, lead service-wide improvement initiatives, and contribute to statewide midwifery and nursing priorities within one of Australia's leading specialist health services.
From 1 July 2027, Women and Newborn Health Service will integrate with the Child and Adolescent Health Service, into a new Health Service Provider.
THE ROLE
In this role, you will:
- Provide executive leadership, professional stewardship and strategic direction for midwifery and nursing services across WNHS.
- Lead the development and implementation of strategic and operational plans that support organisational priorities, clinical excellence and sustainable service delivery.
- Drive quality improvement, innovation and evidence-based practice to enhance patient outcomes and clinical care systems.
- Oversee midwifery and nursing workforce strategy, staffing, workforce development, succession planning and capability building across the service.
- Ensure robust clinical and corporate governance, risk management and safety frameworks that support high-quality patient care.
- Build strong partnerships with clinicians, executive leaders, universities, professional bodies and government stakeholders to advance midwifery, nursing and women’s health priorities.
- Contribute to statewide leadership, policy development and professional initiatives affecting midwifery, nursing and maternity services across Western Australia.
APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS
To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate:
- Significant executive or senior leadership experience in nursing and/or midwifery within a large, complex healthcare organisation.
- A demonstrated ability to lead strategic reform, service improvement, workforce development and organisational change in challenging healthcare environments.
- Extensive experience in clinical governance, patient safety, quality improvement and the delivery of high-performing health services.
- Strong stakeholder engagement skills with a proven ability to influence and collaborate across executive, clinical, academic and government sectors.
- A commitment to fostering a culture of innovation, research, education and continuous improvement.
- Eligibility for registration as a Registered Nurse and/or Midwife with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, together with the integrity, judgement and leadership capability expected of a senior executive.
HOW TO APPLY
The closing date for applications is Monday, 19 October 2026.
For a confidential discussion about the position, please contact:
Emma Hay
HardyGroup Principal Consultant
M. +61 (0)411 894 540
E. ehay@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.
King Edward Memorial Hospital (KEMH) (external site) joined the Maternity Unit at Osborne Park Hospital along with other specialist statewide health services to form the Women and Newborn Health Service (WNHS), providing clinical care to women and families.
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:
- Driving excellence
- Partnering with our communities
- Advancing health equity and access
- Becoming the best place to work
- Building a sustainable future
- 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 illustrates how we are meeting our strategic objective of becoming a transformative leader; shaping the future of healthcare with a 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
The Director Midwifery and Nursing works in partnership to provide effective leadership, governance, strategic planning and operational management of the Women and Newborn Health Service (WNHS).
This position will be required to initiate, implement and operationalise strategies for the WNHS as part of North Metropolitan Health Service (NMHS) and Department of Health WA.
In collaboration with nursing/midwifery co-directors, this position will provide strategic leadership, direction and professional advice relating policy development on nursing, midwifery, patient care, service delivery issues including evidence-based practice.
This position oversees the provision of infection control services, bed management and daily midwifery and nursing resource requirements of the Hospital. As a tertiary teaching hospital, service co-directors have a role to lead state-wide issues associated with women and newborn health. As part of the Executive team, this position will be jointly responsible for the clinical and corporate governance of the health service.
1. Duties
- Provide executive leadership for midwifery and nursing across the WNHS, ensuring excellence in clinical practice, professional standards, clinical and corporate governance, patient safety, and evidence-based care.
- Lead strategic and operational planning, service delivery, workforce capability, quality improvement, research, innovation, and organisational culture to achieve WNHS objectives and continuous improvement.
- Drive operational performance and financial sustainability through effective resource management, achievement of service targets, risk management, stakeholder collaboration and delivery of safe, efficient and high-quality patient care.
2. Communication and Consultation
- Foster a patient-centred, collaborative and multidisciplinary culture that promotes leadership development, education, and excellence in care delivery.
- Build and maintain strong stakeholder relationships, representing the WNHS at executive, state and national levels and contributing to strategic planning, policy development and service improvement.
3. Specific Position and Operational Responsibilities
- Ensures integration between clinical and non-clinical services.
- Undertakes business continuity, contingency management and emergency preparedness planning for the service.
4. NMHS Values: Care, Respect, Innovation, Teamwork, Integrity
- Reflect the NMHS values in the way you work, behave and make decisions.
5. NMHS Governance, Safety and Quality Requirements
- Maintain a safe, compliant and high-quality environment through effective governance, risk management, workforce performance, and adherence to legislative and policy requirements.
- Champion continuous quality improvement, patient safety, consumer-centred care and compliance with national healthcare standards.
6. Other Duties
- Undertakes other duties as directed.
For a detailed description of key accountabilities, please see the role description.
1. Executive Nursing and/or Midwifery Leadership
Significant executive or senior leadership experience in nursing and/or midwifery within a large, complex healthcare organisation.
2. Strategic Leadership and Organisational Reform
Demonstrated ability to lead strategic reform, service improvement, workforce development and organisational change in challenging healthcare environments.
3. Clinical Governance and Service Excellence
Extensive experience in clinical governance, patient safety, quality improvement and the delivery of high-performing health services.
4. Leadership, Influence and Partnerships
Strong stakeholder engagement skills with a proven ability to influence and collaborate across executive, clinical, academic and government sectors.
5. Innovation, Research and Workforce Development
A commitment to fostering a culture of innovation, research, education and continuous improvement.
6. Professional Credibility, Integrity and Executive Judgement
Eligibility for registration as a Registered Nurse and/or Midwife with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, together with the integrity, judgement and leadership capability expected of a senior executive.
Desirable Selection Criteria/Qualifications
- Sound knowledge of national and state health policy frameworks which impact on health service delivery in WA.
- Management experience in a public teaching hospital.
Reports to: Executive Director
Positions Under Direct Supervision:
- Patient Flow
- DNAMER (Department of Nursing and Midwifery Education and Research)
- Transfusion Medicine
- Blood Management
- IPM (Infection Prevention
- Corporate Nursing and Midwifery
Total Remuneration: HES Level A $234,360 to $252,490 (incl. 12% super)
Relocation Allowance
- Relocation costs can be agreed upon as part of the recruitment process. As a guide, the HSU clause 30 outlines-
- reasonable cost of conveyance of the employee and Dependants
- employee’s household furniture effects and appliances up to a maximum volume of 45 cubic metres, provided that a larger volume may be approved by the Employer in special cases;
- $633.00 for accelerated depreciation and extra wear and tear
- kennelling and transporting of domestic pet or pets up to a maximum amount of $233.00.
- freight charges of the employee’s motor vehicle
- Relocation costs can be agreed upon as part of the recruitment process. As a guide, the HSU clause 30 outlines-
Location: King Edward Memorial Hospital, Subiaco (Perth)
Fixed Term Full-Time appointment for 5 years, with the possibility of extension(s).
Classification: Health Executive Grade A – Health Professional
Directorate: Corporate and Executive Services
Department: Corporate and Executive Services
Budget (entity): $3.2B
Appointment Prerequisites
Appointment is subject to:
- Evidence of current registration by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia must be provided prior to commencement.
- 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), Monday, 19 October 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_5574.
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 AWST business hours.
For a confidential discussion, please contact:
Emma Hay
HardyGroup Principal Consultant Medical Specialist
M. +61 (0)411 894 540
E. ehay@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.
For more Information visit:
- https://www.australia.com/en/places/perth-and-surrounds.html
- https://www.visitperth.com/
- https://www.experienceperth.com/
- https://www.perth.wa.gov.au/
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.