Chief Executive, Western Sydney Local Health District

Chief Executive, Western Sydney Local Health District

• Lead one of Australia’s most complex and high-impact health districts
• Shape strategy, culture and system-wide performance
• Drive innovation, equity and service excellence in Western Sydney

Lead one of Australia’s largest and most diverse health districts, delivering safe, high-quality and equitable care across Western Sydney.

The organisation

Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) is one of Australia’s largest and most significant public health services, serving a rapidly growing and diverse population across metropolitan Western Sydney. Operating within NSW Health, the District delivers a comprehensive range of acute, sub-acute, mental health, community and specialist services through a network of major hospitals, health facilities and community-based programs.

At the center of one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions, Western Sydney is defined by its extraordinary diversity, dynamic communities and sustained economic growth. Across the District, world-class hospitals including Westmead Hospital, Blacktown Hospital, and Cumberland Hospital anchor a broader network of health, education and research excellence. This strength continues to expand with significant government investment and major infrastructure projects, including the new hospital development at Rouse Hill, designed to meet the needs of rapidly growing communities in the north-west. Together with leading universities, research institutes and commercial partners, Western Sydney is emerging as a powerful and increasingly diverse hub for health, innovation and education in New South Wales.

Guided by a strong commitment to equity, access and quality, WSLHD is supported by a highly dedicated workforce known for its loyalty, professionalism and deep connection to the communities it serves. The district plays a pivotal role in advancing statewide health priorities while responding to the unique needs and opportunities of Western Sydney.

The opportunity

Reporting to the Board and the accountable to the Secretary of NSW Health, the Chief Executive provides pivotal leadership, management and strategic direction to Western Sydney Local Health District. The role carries responsibility for sound governance, financial sustainability, clinical quality and organisational performance, ensuring the district meets its statutory, operational and reporting obligations and delivers against the District Service Agreement within an approved budget.

The Chief Executive will lead the development and delivery of strategic, clinical and operational plans that support equitable access, integrated care and strong patient outcomes across a highly complex service environment. A central focus of the role is building strong, collaborative relationships across hospitals, community services, universities, research institutes, government agencies and sector partners to maximise the potential of the Westmead Health and Innovation Precinct and related regional assets.

This is a rare opportunity to shape the next phase of the district’s evolution. Working closely with the Board, senior clinicians and the executive leadership team, the Chief Executive will guide the implementation of a new strategic direction, strengthen organisational capability and ensure the district is well positioned to respond to future growth, community need and system reform. The role provides the opportunity to establish a cohesive, high-performing and enduring leadership team that supports continuity, accountability and long-term impact.

Operating in a highly visible and politically complex environment, the Chief Executive represents the district at senior government, inter-district and national forums. The role requires confident, collaborative engagement with Ministers, the Ministry, clinicians, unions, community leaders and the media, ensuring transparent communication, constructive relationships and strong advocacy for Western Sydney.

With the commissioning of major new facilities, including Rouse Hill Hospital and significant new mental health infrastructure, alongside ongoing development across the Westmead Health and Innovation Precinct, this role offers a unique opportunity to lead major service expansion and system transformation at scale, delivering lasting benefit for communities now and into the future, and contributing to the strength and coherence of the NSW public health system.

About you

You are an accomplished senior executive with experience operating at the most senior levels of the health system or equivalent level within complex public or private health systems. You bring deep experience in hospital, district, network or system-level health service delivery, together with a strong understanding of clinical governance, patient safety, quality improvement and public sector accountability.

You are recognised as a highly collaborative and inclusive leader who brings diverse groups together around shared purpose. You have demonstrated capability in strategic planning, financial management and performance leadership within a health context, and you are skilled at balancing operational discipline with innovation and long-term service development.

With strong political and organisational acumen, you are confident navigating highly scrutinised healthcare environments and engaging constructively with Ministers, Boards, senior clinicians and stakeholders. You lead with integrity, resilience and clarity, and you are committed to building strong executive teams and a positive, values-led culture that supports excellent patient care.

You bring the energy, ambition and long-term commitment required to lead one of Australia’s most significant health districts through its next decade of growth and transformation. Relevant tertiary qualifications or equivalent senior health sector experience are required.