H25_5018

Chief Operating Officer – WCHN

Applications close: Sunday 27th April 2025

A rare opportunity to be part of a progressive and innovative leadership team at the forefront of an exciting transformation as we progress towards the new Women’s and Children’s Hospital
Lead person-centred healthcare provision for women, babies, children and young people that puts consumers and community at the centre of everything we do
Live and work in one of the world’s most liveable cities with beautiful beaches, wine regions and cultural and sporting events

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Women’s and Children’s Health Network (WCHN) in South Australia is looking for a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join the Executive team. WCHN puts consumers and community at the centre of everything and works in partnership with consumers, families, the community and other service providers to promote, maintain and restore the health of all consumers in our care.

The Network is South Australia’s leading provider of specialty care and health services for women, babies, children and young people, and their families. Services include Aboriginal Health Services, Child and Adolescent Mental health Service, Child and Family Health Service, Child Protection Service, 3D Health (Disability), Health and Recovery Trauma Safety Services (including Metropolitan Youth Service, Cedar Health Service and Yarrow Place Rape and Sexual Assault Service) and the Women’s and Children’s Hospital. The new Women’s and Children’s Hospital is currently being constructed with the first sod having been turned in April 2024. It is due for completion in 2030-2031.

At the Women’s and Children’s Health Network, we recognise that our greatest asset is our people. We are committed to fostering an environment where both clinical, team and leadership capabilities are developed to the highest standards. We prioritise the continuous development of our staff, ensuring access to ongoing education, professional growth opportunities, and support for career advancement.

Our commitment extends beyond professional growth to the wellbeing of our staff. We understand that a healthy and supported workforce is crucial to delivering the best possible care to our patients and communities.

Through these efforts, we aim to build a skilled, motivated and well workforce that thrives within a culture of collaboration, respect, and compassion—ensuring that our staff not only excel in their roles but also feel valued and supported in their professional journey.

Adelaide is one of the world’s most liveable cities, perfectly positioned just a short drive from some of Australia’s most unique, globally-renowned regions, and South Australia is one of the more affordable places to live and work in Australia.

THE ROLE

The COO is an Executive position reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) accountable for operational performance and clinical service delivery across the network. The COO leads a high-performing team with responsibility for ensuring that services deliver integrated, consumer-centred care in alignment with the Network’s strategic goals.

Focused on driving cohesive leadership and upholding high standards in both corporate and clinical governance, the COO fosters a culture of quality, accountability, and innovation. This role involves service planning and commissioning efforts to improve healthcare access, care integration, and quality outcomes for women, children, and their families. The COO ensures efficient resource management, capacity planning, and high standards of performance.

THE CANDIDATE

The perfect candidate for this role will demonstrate the broad range of skills, capabilities and attributes in the context of the role description and will be able to demonstrate:

Innovative, strategic and systems thinking, resilience, adaptability and purpose;
High levels of credibility and the ability to influence, build and maintain great relationships and develop high trust including with clinicians;
Strong commitment to delivering service excellence through the active engagement of consumers in shaping and delivering superior service experiences that result in better person centered care outcomes and consultation with internal and external stakeholders particularly consumers and their families;
Significant experience in clinical and corporate governance particularly as it relates to Accreditation;
Ability to lead and navigate through ambiguous and complex issues in highly demanding circumstances both strategically and operationally;
Inspiring and engaging Leadership skills to role model and instill the values of Compassion, Respect, Equity, Accountability and Together for Excellence across the whole organisation;
Excellent business acumen to lead and deliver strong business performance in accordance with SA Health standards.;
Extensive senior experience in paediatric and/or women’s health which includes working with consumers and staff from culturally diverse backgrounds.