Executive Director, Operations - South Eastern Sydney Local Health District
Executive Director, Operations
South Eastern Sydney Local Health District
Band 2
Role Title: Executive Director, Operations
South Eastern Sydney Local Health District (SESLHD) is seeking a dynamic and experienced leader with a proven track record of delivery to undertake the role of Executive Director, Operations, SESLHD.
Ideal candidates will have strong skills in developing senior managers to build capacity and capability, with an ability to maintain a broad view of the organisation while supporting local accountability.
The role will work in close partnership with the executive team and leaders across the organisation, with responsibility for day-to-day operations of the District and for driving excellence in service provision to our community.
The role is available on an ongoing full-time basis.
About us
The vision for South Eastern Sydney Local Health District (SESLHD) is ‘exceptional care, healthier lives’. SESLHD is committed to enabling our community to be healthy and well, and to providing the best possible compassionate care when people need it. SESLHD covers a geographical area of 468 square kilometres from Sydney’s Central Business District in the north to the Royal National Park in the south. SESLHD proudly delivers health care to around 930,000 residents and also provides a key role in caring for residents of Lord Howe Island. SESLHD manages nine hospitals and also delivers high quality health care across a variety of community-based services ranging from pre-birth to palliative care.
SESLHD is in an exciting chapter, with a new Chief Executive who commenced in January 2026 and with our newly launched Exceptional Care, Healthier Lives 2026–2028 strategic plan.
About this role
With your skills and experience, you can contribute to the millions of ways we’re enriching health and develop your career as part of the largest health organisation in Australia.
The Executive Director, Operations leads and manages the day-to-day operations of SESLHD, across a broad range of health service delivery settings and functions, to ensure the delivery of high quality, safe and efficient health services for the community in line with the strategic directions of NSW Health and SESLHD.
As a senior executive within SESLHD, the role provides significant input into the development and oversight of strategic and operational plans. The position plays a critical role in maintaining and enhancing relationships with the Ministry of Health and other NSW Health organisations, as well as external partners.
The role reports to the Chief Executive and is the senior point of advice to the Chief Executive on all operational and organisational performance matters. Positions reporting into the Executive Director, Operations include the general managers of all our hospitals, mental health services, population and community health services, as well as other clinical and support services.
This is an ongoing, full time, Band 2, Health Service senior executive (HSSE) role. An attractive remuneration package within the range of $337,767 to $376,309 per annum (SOORT 2026), with annual performance reviews, will be negotiated with the successful applicant.
The base location for this role is flexible and can be discussed with the successful applicant. SESLHD’s main geographical locations are in Sydney CBD, Randwick, Kogarah and Caringbah. As a member of the SESLHD executive team and given the responsibilities of the role and the services it manages, the role has a regular presence at all locations.
For further information, download the role description.
About you
We are seeking motivated and committed individuals who can support the work of NSW Health, who meet the essential role requirement of:
Tertiary qualifications in a related field and/or demonstrated extensive proven experience at a senior management level in a substantial and complex organisation engaged in clinical service delivery
In addition, ideal candidates will have:
A commitment to mentoring and fostering the development of senior managers to strengthen leadership capability and accountability.
Demonstrated ability to contribute to the management of the organisation’s financial position through operational management and oversight of delivery of clinical services
A strong track record in achieving outcomes, through influencing and negotiating with a variety of stakeholders.
Applying for this role
Please review the role description and submit your up-to-date resume and a brief cover letter including a short statement in response to the two target questions (1-2 pages)
1. Describe a role in which you led a significant performance uplift across a large health organisation, and outline how you built co-operation and overcame barriers to achieve sustainable results
2. Provide an example of where achieving results was heavily reliant on you influencing people in other organisations to deliver these results. How did you go about achieving this? What impact did it have?
For role related queries or to arrange a time for a short discussion on the role, contact Leisa Rathborne, Chief Executive via email to Leisa.Rathborne@health.nsw.gov.au and quote REQ687998.
If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process, please contact the Office of the Chief Executive via email.
Closing Date: Monday 21 September 2026 (11:59pm)
Our commitment to diversity and inclusion
In NSW Health, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and flexible environment which reflects the community and customers we serve. We actively promote the employment of women, people with a disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTIQ+ community and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
If you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and would like assistance with your application or to obtain more information on how to apply, please visit The Stepping Up Initiative.
To be eligible for employment in these roles you must be an Australian citizen, or a permanent resident, or a New Zealand citizen, or hold a valid visa with permission to work in Australia.
Additional information
This recruitment may be used to create a Talent Pool for similar future roles (ongoing or temporary) that may arise over the next 18 months.
For more information on applying visit the Ministry of Health Career portal
Please note the selection process will include a range of comparative assessment techniques to assist in determining your suitability for the role.
Don't miss your chance to embark on this fulfilling journey! Apply now!
