EMPLOYMENT

Executive Leadership Opportunity | Drive Operational Excellence | Northeast Victoria Full Time, 3 or 5 Year Fixed Term Contract 76 hours per fortnight Northeast Health Wangaratta (NHW) is the major health provider in the Central Hume region with an extensive range of acute, sub-acute, aged care and community services. Executive Leadership Opportunity | Drive Operational Excellence | Northeast Victoria About the Role Northeast Health Wangaratta (NHW) is seeking a dynamic and experienced Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead our Clinical Operations Directorate. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and forming a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, this pivotal role will guide the delivery of safe, high-quality, and patient-centred care across a broad portfolio of acute, sub-acute, ambulatory, and community services. The COO will provide both strategic and operational leadership, with a strong emphasis on systems thinking, service improvement, healthcare reform, and financial stewardship. The position holds responsibility for a budget in excess of $123 million and a workforce of approximately 655 FTE. You will work closely with fellow Executives and Senior Leaders to ensure effective, integrated service delivery within a managed care environment. The COO also plays an important role in advising the CEO and Board of Directors on matters of strategic significance, performance, and innovation. Key Responsibilities Lead the strategic and operational performance of clinical services including inpatient and ambulatory care, care at home, specialist outpatient clinics, and infection prevention and control. Foster a high-performance culture centred on patient safety, quality, and continuous improvement. Strengthen service integration, workforce planning, and system-wide alignment to strategic priorities. Partner with internal and external stakeholders to support sustainable and responsive healthcare delivery. Lead, support, and develop a high-performing leadership team across three operational directorates. Positions reporting to the COO: Operational Director, Patient Access & Flow Operational Director, Specialist Services Operational Director, Allied Health and Community Services About You You are an experienced senior healthcare leader with a proven track record in leading complex hospital or health service operations. You bring a collaborative leadership style, a deep commitment to patient care, and the ability to navigate clinical, financial, and strategic demands with confidence and integrity. You will demonstrate: Executive-level leadership experience in a hospital or large health service environment. Sound understanding of clinical governance, performance management, and contemporary healthcare reform. Proven capability in leading large multidisciplinary teams and managing substantial budgets. Highly developed interpersonal and negotiation skills, with a strong values-driven approach to leadership. Why Join NHW? At NHW, we are proud to be a regional health service with a strong reputation for clinical excellence and a culture grounded in fairness, respect, and collaboration. We offer: A values-based environment where Fairness, Excellence, Respect, Kindness, Integrity, and Courage are at the heart of everything we do. Opportunities for professional development, leadership growth, and cross-sector collaboration. The chance to make a lasting impact on the health and wellbeing of our regional community. Our Region: Wangaratta has a population of approximately 30,000 and our catchment serves a community of around 100 000 throughout the northeast. An easy 2 ½ hours drive on the Hume freeway from Melbourne and less than an hour to Albury airport with direct flights to most of the large Australian cities. We have over 11 schools including private Catholic and Anglican schooling options for pre-year 12. Our region is a popular destination year-round. It boasts multiple national parks, picturesque small towns, award winning restaurants, wineries and breweries. Whether you want to hike, mountain bike and ski in the mountains, paddle the rivers or cruise on the rail trails there is something for everyone in the northeast. https://www.visitwangaratta.com.au/Home https://www.victoriashighcountry.com.au/snow/ The successful applicant will benefit from: Competitive remuneration, novated leasing and full salary packaging benefits Available. If you have relocated permanently you may also be able to substantially increase your take-home pay by salary packaging some or all of your relocation costs. Employee Assistant Programs (EAP) Well being programs and discounted corporate gym membership Social Club Benefits Support for our diverse workforce Applying for the role: To discuss the role in confidence, please contact Libby Fifis, NHW Chief Executive Officer via 03 5722 5453. Confirmation of Influenza Vaccination or an approved medical exemption is required upon application. Covid Vaccination is strongly recommended A PD for this role can be downloaded below or at www.northeasthealth.org.au/careers/jobs/ Applications must include a cover letter, CV and address the key selection criteria from the PD Employment Statutory Declaration form must be submitted with your application To apply for this position hit Apply Now/Join Now or head over to our careers page at www.northeasthealth.org.au/careers/jobs/ All additional documents can be uploaded within the application after filling in the key selection criteria Applications close Sunday, 17th of August 2025 NHW do not accept unsolicited applications from recruitment companies J-18808-Ljbffr