Director of Medical Services, Psychiatrist – Northern NSW Local Health District

• Executive clinical leadership role shaping Mental Health and Alcohol & Other Drugs services across Northern NSW
• Influence system-wide clinical governance, quality, safety, and service innovation
• Senior appointment suited to an experienced Psychiatrist with strong leadership credentials

THE OPPORTUNITY

Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) is seeking an outstanding medical leader to appoint as Director of Medical Services – Mental Health, Alcohol & Other Drugs (MHAOD). This senior leadership role provides strategic and operational oversight of clinical governance, quality, and medical workforce leadership across a diverse and complex service portfolio. Reporting professionally to the Executive Director of Medical Services and operationally to the Director of MHAOD, the role offers the opportunity to deliver meaningful improvements in patient outcomes, service performance, and clinician engagement across the District.

THE ROLE

The Director of Medical Services is accountable for providing senior clinical leadership and ensuring high standards of medical governance across all MHAOD services. The role leads and influences initiatives aimed at improving quality and safety, reducing unwarranted variation in care, and enhancing performance outcomes. It involves working closely with clinical directors, executive leaders, and multidisciplinary teams to support service and workforce planning, foster a positive and professional medical culture, and lead change in a dynamic environment. The position also contributes to research, quality improvement, and performance evaluation activities, while ensuring compliance with legislative, regulatory, and policy requirements at both State and Commonwealth levels.

THE CANDIDATE

The successful candidate will be a highly credible medical leader with current or eligible registration as a Specialist Psychiatrist and Fellowship of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists. You will bring strong knowledge of the NSW Mental Health Act, demonstrated experience in clinical leadership or management roles, and well-developed people leadership and stakeholder engagement capabilities. Experience in service planning, quality improvement, and research is essential, as is the ability to influence strategic direction and deliver operational outcomes in complex health systems. Alignment with NSW Health values of Collaboration, Openness, Respect, and Empowerment is critical, along with a willingness to travel across the District as required.

For a confidential discussion, please get in touch with:

Pete Carter
​HG Principal Consultant, Australia & New Zealand
​M. +61 (0)448 729 077 | M. +64 (0)27 287 5937
E. pcarter@hardygroupintl.com

HOW TO APPLY

The closing date for applications is Sunday, 31 May 2026

The reference number to include in your application is H26_54846