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Take the lead in shaping the future of healthcare as the Director of Operations at Southern Adelaide Local Health Network.

The Director of Operations provides strategic and operational leadership across SALHN, driving system-wide improvements in patient flow, service integration, workforce coordination, and operational performance. Working primarily through influence, collaboration, and partnership, the role brings together clinical, operational, and executive leaders to align priorities and deliver high-quality, efficient patient care.

A key focus of the position is improving access and flow across the hospital system, including emergency department performance, bed management, discharge planning, elective surgery throughput, and demand management. The Director also leads operational improvement and change initiatives, using data-driven decision-making and contemporary improvement methodologies to enhance safety, efficiency, patient experience, and workforce effectiveness.

In addition, the role provides strategic oversight of SALHN ambulatory services, including Outpatient Support Services, Hospital in the Home, and GP Plus, ensuring integrated care pathways and improved access to services. While much of the role relies on influence rather than direct authority, the Director maintains line management responsibility for key operational services and acts as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on operational risks, opportunities, and system pressures.

About you:

• Current registration, or eligibility for registration, as a Registered Nurse with AHPRA and the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.
• Extensive senior leadership experience within complex healthcare environments, including service management, strategic planning, and leading large-scale change initiatives.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and perform effectively under pressure.
• Demonstrated expertise in patient flow, quality improvement, clinical governance, risk management, and delivery of safe, person and family-centred care aligned with National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards.
• Strong understanding of contemporary healthcare systems, operational management, workforce leadership, relevant legislation, and stakeholder engagement within multidisciplinary settings.

The attached role description is currently under review and may be adjusted prior to appointment. All applicants will be provided with the finalised role description.

Want To Know More? Contact: Martin Keogh, Chief Operating Officer 0481 062 101,  martin.keogh@sa.gov.au

Application Closing Date: 11.55 pm Tuesday 23rd June 2026

Attachments:

• Role Description
• Australian applicant guidelines
• International applicant guidelines

Applicant Information:

• We also offer salary sacrifice benefits which provide the opportunity to save money by paying for some of your everyday expenses from your salary before it is taxed. Click here to find out more about salary packaging.
• The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.
• Appointment will be subject to a satisfactory Criminal History Check and Immunisation compliance as indicated on the Role description.
• SA Health Services are required to implement the Addressing vaccine preventable disease: Occupational assessment, screening and vaccination policy in the workplace.
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants are encouraged to apply.  Job ref: 940326