- Lead operational excellence at Australia’s premier specialist women’s hospital, shaping care models with statewide impact.
- Drive organisational transformation, innovation and performance in a dynamic, purpose‑driven environment.
- Influence the future of women’s health through strong partnerships, system leadership and statewide reform.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Royal Women’s Hospital is Australia’s leading specialist hospital for women and newborns and is recognised for its clinical excellence, statewide service leadership and its strong advocacy for women’s health. As a tertiary organisation with a long-established commitment to innovation, evidence-based practice and health equity, the Women’s plays a central role in improving outcomes for women and babies across Victoria. Its services span maternity, neonatal intensive care, gynaecology, fertility, cancer services, subspecialty programs, research and education, underpinned by a deep commitment to addressing inequity and advancing care for communities whose needs have historically been overlooked or stigmatised.
THE ROLE
The Chief Operating Officer holds overarching responsibility for the safe, high‑quality and efficient operational delivery of all clinical services across the Royal Women’s Hospital. As the operational leader of a statewide tertiary specialist service, the COO ensures that core programs—including maternity, neonatal intensive care, gynaecology, planned surgery, emergency and ambulatory services—operate seamlessly and consistently meet performance, access, safety and patient‑experience expectations. The role drives contemporary models of care, leads redesign and improvement initiatives, advances digital and data‑enabled operational capability (including developing the Virtual strategy for the Women’s), and ensures that clinical governance and accountability frameworks are appropriately utilised and effective. With direct oversight of clinical operational leaders and responsibility for clinical workforce optimisation, service planning, capacity management and financial performance, the COO plays a central role in translating the hospital’s strategy into high‑performing, integrated and sustainable health services.
Equally, the COO is a key strategic partner to the Chief Executive and Executive Leadership Team, contributing to long‑term organisational direction and leading major change across a complex and high‑acuity environment. The role requires strong system‑level engagement, representing the Women’s in statewide service planning, policy development and reform forums; building productive partnerships with government, Safer Care Victoria, the Parkville Local Health Service Network, academic institutions and community organisations; and ensuring the Women’s remains a recognised leader in women’s health across Victoria. Through this combination of operational excellence and system influence, the COO strengthens the hospital’s leadership position and shapes the future of specialist women’s and newborn healthcare, ensuring that services evolve in line with growing demand, emerging evidence and the Women’s long‑standing commitment to equity, innovation and exceptional care.
THE CANDIDATE
The successful candidate will be an accomplished senior healthcare executive with deep operational experience in tertiary and complex service environments. They will bring the strategic insight and operational discipline required to oversee large-scale clinical services, manage performance, and deliver measurable improvements in quality, safety and efficiency. They will demonstrate strong leadership capability, sound judgement and the ability to build trust with clinicians, executives and government stakeholders. An ability to lead through complexity, shape change, influence outcomes and maintain clarity under pressure will be essential. Commitment to equity, inclusion and the Women’s values will underpin their approach to both leadership and decision-making.
For a confidential discussion, please get in touch with:
Liz Hlipala
HardyGroup Principal Consultant
M. +61 (0)401 122 301
E. lhlipala@hardygroupintl.com
HOW TO APPLY
The closing date for applications is Sunday, 22 February 2026
The reference number to include in your application is H26_5349
