Lead strategic, at scale health service operations across Canberra Health Services

Drive innovation, impact and performance improvement through collaborative and visionary leadership

Champion sustainable, high-quality care for the local community

The Position

Canberra Health Services (CHS) seeks to appoint a dynamic and visionary leader to serve as Chief Operating Officer (COO). This is a pivotal executive role responsible for driving efficient, patient-centred health service delivery across the organisation. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer of Canberra Health Service (Ms Janet Zagari), the COO will lead strategic initiatives that enhance access, performance, and patient flow across the care continuum.

Collaboratively leading and working in close partnership with General Managers and other senior executives, the appointed candidate will be required to develop and lead the continued implementation of innovative systems and processes that support operational excellence and continuous improvement to operational, financial and quality and safety outcomes This role includes oversight of the network Operations Centres and leadership of cross-border health service delivery agreements, ensuring financial sustainability and high-quality outcomes.

Managing a budget of circa $1.97B and workforce of circa 9000FTE, the successful candidate will bring extensive experience in tertiary hospital and health service operations, a collaborative leadership style, and a commitment to taking diverse teams on a reform and improvement journey in a public health service setting. With a focus on building strong stakeholder relationships and fostering a culture of safety, quality, and innovation, the COO will play a key role in shaping the future of healthcare in the ACT and surrounding regions.

Remuneration: SES3.4. The position attracts a remuneration package ranging from $ 444,628 – $460,418 depending on current superannuation arrangements of the successful applicant. This includes a cash component of $394,757.

Contract: The successful applicant will be engaged under a performance-based long-term contract for a period of up to five years. Prospective applicants should be aware that long-term engagements are tabled in the ACT Legislative Assembly.

The Organisation

Canberra Health Services (CHS) is focussed on the delivery of high quality, effective, person-centred care. CHS provides acute, sub-acute, primary and community‐based health services, to the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and surrounding regions.

The Canberra Hospital (TCH) is a large single campus hospital providing trauma services and most major medical and surgical services to the Australian Capital Territory and acts as a tertiary referral centre for the region including surrounding New South Wales health networks.

North Canberra Hospital (NCH) is a busy secondary hospital with an emergency department servicing the North of Canberra and surrounds. NCH includes acute and sub-acute services with a new hospital build in the planning stages. NCH includes nearby Clare Holland House, delivering public palliative care services on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin,

University of Canberra Hospital (UCH) provides specialist rehabilitation in both inpatient and outpatient settings

CHS provides a range of general and specialist health services to people of all ages from six Community Health Centres located across Canberra. Community-based services include early childhood, women and children’s health, dental, mental health and alcohol and drug services. Treatment for nonlife-threatening illness and injury is also provided by five Walk-in Centres, 365 days per year.

For more information on the organisation visit: www.canberrahealthservices.act.gov.au

Applications close: 5 September 2025

To apply: click 'Quick apply', using reference , addressing your cover letter and resume to , of Future Leadership, or call 1300 347 437 for further information.

A candidate information pack is available to download by visiting: https://futureleadership.com.au/your-career/opportunities/

For further information on Future Leadership and additional opportunities please visit https://futureleadership.com.au