EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
PUBLIC HEALTH AND CLINICAL EXCELLENCE
NORTH METROPOLITAN HEALTH SERVICE (NMHS)
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Executive Summary
- Provide executive leadership for clinical safety, quality, public health and consumer-centred care across one of Western Australia’s largest and most complex health services.
- Drive excellence in clinical governance, accreditation, infection prevention, patient safety and continuous improvement to enhance health outcomes for diverse communities.
- Partner with executive, clinical, government and community leaders to influence health policy, strengthen system performance and shape the future of public health service delivery.
- Join a highly influential executive leadership team while enjoying the lifestyle benefits of Western Australia and making a lasting impact on the health and wellbeing of communities across the state.
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 a passionate and committed leader for the role of Executive Director Public Health and Clinical Excellence at the North Metropolitan Health Service (NMHS).
Join NMHS at a pivotal time in its commitment to clinical excellence, patient safety and population health, where executive leadership will directly influence the quality and sustainability of healthcare outcomes across the health service.
As Executive Director Public Health and Clinical Excellence, you will shape organisation-wide strategy, drive innovation in clinical governance and public health, and provide trusted advice to the Chief Executive and Board on the priorities that matter most to patients, communities and the health system.
THE ROLE
In this role, you will:
- Lead the strategic direction for public health, clinical excellence, patient safety, quality, and consumer engagement across North Metropolitan Health Service, shaping system-wide initiatives that improve healthcare outcomes for Western Australians.
- Provide expert advice to the Chief Executive, Board and Executive team on clinical governance, safety, quality, public health priorities, emerging risks, accreditation requirements and organisational performance.
- Drive the development and oversight of clinical governance frameworks, safety and quality systems, and continuous improvement programs that support excellence in patient care across one of Australia's most complex health services.
- Champion consumer-centred care by leading engagement and participation strategies that ensure patients, families and communities help shape the design, delivery and improvement of health services.
- Lead organisational improvement and cultural transformation initiatives, supporting Clinical Directors, Heads of Department and senior leaders to strengthen accountability, performance and excellence across the service.
APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS
To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate:
- Extensive senior executive leadership experience in clinical governance, patient safety and quality improvement within a large and complex health service, with the ability to provide strategic leadership across public health and related service portfolios.
- A demonstrated ability to lead organisation-wide safety, quality, consumer engagement and public health strategies that improve clinical outcomes, service performance and community health outcomes.
- Proven experience establishing and strengthening clinical governance frameworks, accreditation programs, risk management processes and systems that promote excellence in patient care.
- A strong track record of building influential relationships and working collaboratively with executive teams, boards, clinicians, government agencies, community stakeholders and external partners to achieve strategic objectives.
- Tertiary qualifications in a relevant health-related discipline and, where applicable, eligibility for registration with the relevant professional authority, combined with the integrity, judgement and leadership capability expected of a senior health executive.
HOW TO APPLY
The closing date for applications is Friday, 16 October 2026.
For a confidential discussion about the position, please contact:
Sarah Buckler
HardyGroup Principal Consultant
HardyGroup
M. +61 (0)429 486 740
E. sbuckler@hardygroupintl.com
Alternatively, for a confidential discussion about the position, please contact:
Lynette Taylor
HardyGroup Executive Director, Search and Recruitment
HardyGroup
NORTH METROPOLITAN HEALTH SERVICE
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:
- 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 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
- As Executive Director Public Health and Clinical Excellence, you will shape organisation-wide strategy, drive innovation in clinical governance and public health, and provide trusted advice to the Chief Executive and Board on the priorities that matter most to patients, communities and the health system.
- Responsible for analysis and provision of high-level expert advice on key clinical safety and quality issues within the health service, and at a State and National level.
- Responsible for leading Public Health functions including communicable disease control, health promotion and related statewide services. Works collaboratively with the Executive Team and other clinical staff to achieve the delivery of high-quality patient care and clinical services.
- Contributes to decision making on whole-of-health issues as part of the North Metropolitan Health Service (NMHS) Executive and oversees the strategic direction and planning for safety and governance for the service.
- Provides leadership to Clinical Directors, Clinical Leads and Heads of Department to ensure there is strong engagement in safety and quality across the organisation. Leads consumer participation and engagement strategies across the service.
1. Strategic Leadership and Accountability
- Provide executive leadership across clinical safety, quality, governance and public health, contributing to NMHS-wide strategic decision-making and organisational performance.
- Lead organisational risk management, workforce capability, resource stewardship and continuous improvement to ensure effective, compliant and high-performing services.
2. Communication and Consultation
- Lead consultation, forums and stakeholder engagement to address safety, quality, consumer engagement and public health priorities.
- Build and maintain influential relationships with internal and external partners, acting as NMHS's key representative on portfolio matters.
3. Specific Position and Operational Responsibilities
- Set the strategic direction for Public Health, Clinical Excellence, Patient Safety and Consumer Engagement, ensuring robust clinical governance and accreditation compliance across NMHS.
- Oversee statewide public health programs, safety and quality reporting, consumer participation and clinical performance improvement to enhance patient outcomes and service delivery.
4. NMHS Values: Care, Respect, Innovation, Teamwork, Integrity
- Demonstrate NMHS values in all leadership, decision-making and workplace interactions.
5. NMHS Governance, Safety and Quality Requirements
- Promote a safe, compliant and high-quality working and patient care environment, aligned with legislative and accreditation requirements.
- Support workforce performance, development and continuous improvement through effective leadership, training and governance practices.
6. Other Duties
- Undertake other responsibilities as directed by the Chief Executive.
For a more detailed description of key accountabilities, please see the role description.
Key Applicant Requirements
- Extensive senior executive leadership experience in clinical governance, patient safety and quality improvement within a large and complex health service, with the ability to provide strategic leadership across public health and related service portfolios.
- A demonstrated ability to lead organisation-wide safety, quality, consumer engagement and public health strategies that improve clinical outcomes, service performance and community health outcomes.
- Proven experience establishing and strengthening clinical governance frameworks, accreditation programs, risk management processes and systems that promote excellence in patient care.
- A strong track record of building influential relationships and working collaboratively with executive teams, boards, clinicians, government agencies, community stakeholders and external partners to achieve strategic objectives.
- Tertiary qualifications in a relevant health-related discipline and, where applicable, eligibility for registration with the relevant professional authority, combined with the integrity, judgement and leadership capability expected of a senior health executive.
Reports to: Chief Executive
Positions Under Direct Supervision: 4
- Director Safety, Quality, Consumer Experience – HSO Grade 11, FTE 1.0
- Manager Clinical Excellence – HSO Grade 10, FTE 1.0
- Director Public Health – HSO Grade 11, FTE 1.0
- Principal Consultant – HSO Grade 9, FTE 1.0
FTE (entity): 10,595 (entity)
FTE (role): ~150 (direct & indirect FTE)
Total Remuneration: $255,808 – $274,449 (incl. 12% supperannuation)
If AMA MP: AMA 1-9 $343,304 – $445,638 (+12% super) / $384,500 – $499,115 incl. 12% super (excl. allowances)
Relocation: NMHS is willing to consider relocation assistance including temporary accommodation and airfares (if applicable) for suitable candidates.
Location: Perth
Classification: Health Executive Grade B - Corporate
Directorate: North Metropolitan Health Service
Budget (entity): $3.2B
Budget (role): ~$25M+
Appointment Prerequisites
Appointment is subject to:
- Evidence of a current “C” or “C.A.” class driver's licence.
- 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, 16 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_5583.
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:
Sarah Buckler PSM
HardyGroup Principal Consultant
M. +61 (0)429 486 740
E. sbuckler@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
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.