Clinical and Operations Project Lead

• Play a pivotal role in delivering one of South Australia’s most significant health infrastructure projects, shaping how care will be delivered for generations.
• Lead operational commissioning and readiness for a major tertiary hospital build, working at the interface of clinicians, executives, government and industry partners.
• Be part of a high-profile, fast-moving program with exposure to senior decision-makers and genuine future executive career pathways.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Women’s and Children’s Health Network (WCHN) is South Australia’s specialist health network for women, children and young people, delivering hospital, community, population health, education and research services across the state. As part of SA Health, WCHN is central to the State’s long-term health reform agenda, with a strong focus on safety, equity, integration of care and community partnership.

A flagship initiative within this agenda is the New Women’s and Children’s Hospital (New WCH) – a once-in-a-generation redevelopment that will transform paediatric and women’s health services in South Australia. The project is now in the schematic design phase and is progressing into detailed design, with commissioning and transition planning already underway.

The Clinical and Operations Project Lead role sits within the New WCH Project Team and reports to the Executive Director – New WCH. It is based in metropolitan Adelaide and is offered as a project-funded contract to June 2028, with an expectation of continuity through commissioning, post-move stabilisation and potential future project phases.

This is a rare opportunity to work at the centre of a major hospital build, influencing how services will operate, how staff will work, and how patients and families will experience care in the new facility.

THE ROLE

The Clinical and Operations Project Lead provides senior leadership and coordination of clinical and operational planning for the New WCH. The role is responsible for translating service, workforce and consumer requirements into practical operational models that support safe, efficient and person-centred care.

Key accountabilities include:

• Supporting governance, risk management, reporting and performance monitoring across the Clinical and Operations workstream.
• Leading health service and facility planning, including functional design input, operational workflows and future service models.
• Driving operational readiness and commissioning planning, including scheduling, transition and change management activities.
• Providing clinical and operational expertise to inform project decisions and support the strategic direction of WCHN.
• Managing and mentoring a multidisciplinary team of Clinical and Project Managers.
• Leading stakeholder engagement with clinicians, executives, consumers, government agencies, consultants and contractors.

The role works across a complex stakeholder environment, partnering with internal leaders, SA Health, the Department for Infrastructure, architects, builders and clinical end users. It is a highly visible role within the project governance structure, regularly briefing the WCHN Executive and Board.

THE CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate will bring proven experience in complex health infrastructure or service transformation environments, with a strong focus on operational commissioning, readiness and change.

The successful candidate will:

• Have demonstrated experience leading complex projects in health or large service environments, ideally including hospital builds or major redevelopments.
• Be highly resilient, adaptable and comfortable working under tight timeframes and evolving priorities and demonstrate sound judgement and the ability to prioritise in a pressured, fast-moving environment.
• Bring strong change management capability, with the ability to engage clinicians, end users and executives through periods of significant transition.
• Possess excellent analytical, planning and data interpretation skills, with confidence presenting to senior leaders and government stakeholders.
• Meet the minimum eligibility requirements for appointment to this dual-classified role at Registered Nurse Level 5.2 or Allied Health Level 5, including holding the relevant professional qualification and current registration applicable to their discipline.

This role will suit a senior project or operational leader who is motivated by large-scale impact, thrives in complex systems, and is seeking exposure to a landmark public health project with longer-term career potential.

For a confidential discussion, please get in touch with:

Janine Hammat
​HG Principal Consultant
​M. +61 (0)488 555 858 | E. jhammat@hardygroupintl.com

HOW TO APPLY

The closing date for applications is Tuesday, 24 February 2026.

The reference number to include in your application is H26_5350.