- Lead the Wheatbelt regional health system, taking executive responsibility for the direction, performance and delivery of health services across a diverse regional network.
- Shape the future of healthcare across the Wheatbelt, translating strategy and community need into high-quality, responsive and sustainable services.
- Make an impact at both regional and system level, driving performance, strengthening leadership capability and influencing the broader direction of WA Country Health Service.
- Combine a significant health executive leadership opportunity with the lifestyle and experience of living and working in regional Western Australia.
THE OPPORTUNITY
WA Country Health Service (WACHS) delivers public health services across regional and remote Western Australia, supporting communities of more than half a million people across one of the largest health jurisdictions globally. WACHS spans approximately 2.5 million square kilometres through a broad network of hospitals, health campuses and community-based services. Its seven regions include the Midwest, alongside Kimberley, Pilbara, Goldfields, Wheatbelt, Great Southern and South West. Its mission is to deliver and advance high-quality care for country Western Australian communities, with strategic priorities spanning access and equity, sustainable service delivery, workforce, partnerships, innovation and healthy communities.
Within this extensive service environment, the Wheatbelt Directorate is accountable for the delivery of safe, high-quality, efficient and economical health services. It operates within government and legislative requirements and provides reporting and responses to the Minister for Health, Department of Health, WACHS Board and WACHS Chief Executive.
The Executive Director Wheatbelt is a significant regional leadership position, reporting to the Chief Operating Officer and accountable for the development and delivery of publicly funded health services across the region. The role combines strategic leadership with direct accountability for the effective and efficient management of the regional service network and its resources, ensuring services reflect population needs and are delivered within allocated resources.
THE ROLE
The Executive Director Wheatbelt leads a diverse regional portfolio encompassing business services, population health, strategy and service development, nursing and midwifery, medical services, regional operations, human resources, infrastructure support services, aged care, mental health and Aboriginal health. The role also carries responsibility for developing regional leadership and staff performance, community and public relationships, and representation of WACHS beyond the region.
Key responsibilities include:
- Lead and coordinate regional health services, ensuring publicly funded services align with the identified health needs of the Wheatbelt population.
- Set strategic and operational direction, leading the development and implementation of strategic and business plans for the regional service network while contributing to WACHS-wide vision, goals, policies and strategies.
- Maintain strong operational and resource stewardship, ensuring effective management and monitoring of financial, workforce, physical and other resources across the regional network.
- Drive quality, risk and service effectiveness, implementing comprehensive risk management and improvements to the quality, cost and effectiveness of health service delivery.
- Strengthen leadership and organisational capability, supporting leadership development and the effective management of regional staff performance.
- Build strong community and stakeholder relationships, acting as a senior leader and ambassador for WACHS within the Wheatbelt and representing the organisation externally as required.
- Contribute to WACHS-wide leadership, assuming responsibility for an additional portfolio as part of the organisation’s broader management team.
THE CANDIDATE
The successful candidate will be an accomplished senior leader with extensive experience initiating, leading and reviewing service delivery outcomes within a complex environment. They will bring the strategic capability to establish clear direction and identify matters of critical organisational importance, balanced by the judgement, initiative and practical leadership required to translate strategy into results.
They will have demonstrated capacity to build organisational capability, mobilise professional expertise, lead change and deliver outcomes through uncertainty. Importantly, they will understand the close relationship between high-quality service delivery and disciplined stewardship of financial, physical, technological and information resources.
A collaborative and influential leadership style will be essential. The successful candidate will be able to build productive internal and external relationships, facilitate cooperation and partnerships, develop people and communicate effectively with different audiences. They will demonstrate professionalism, integrity, sound judgement, resilience, personal courage and a clear commitment to safe, high-quality service delivery.
Current knowledge of relevant legislative and regulatory requirements is essential. Tertiary qualifications in health and/or hospital management are highly desirable.
For an experienced executive, this is an opportunity to take substantial responsibility for the performance, direction and sustainability of health services across the Wheatbelt, while contributing to the broader leadership of WA Country Health Service.
For a confidential discussion, please get in touch with:
Pete Carter
HG Principal Consultant
M. +61 (0)448 729 077 | E. pcarter@hardygroupintl.com
HOW TO APPLY
The closing date for applications is 4pm (AWST) Friday, 4 December 2026
The reference number to include in your application is H26_5604
Note: Please use the online WA Government platform to submit your application (Apply Now button below). It will not be accepted via email.
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