Gunnedah District Hospital - Health Service Manager
Lead with impact and heart at Gunnedah Hospital — where your decisions shape a thriving regional community.
Employment Type: Permanent Full Time
Position Classification: Nurse Manager Grade 5
Remuneration: $159,796.87 - $1625,04.94 Per Annum + 12% Super + Salary Packaging
Hours Per Week: 38
Location: Gunnedah
Requisition ID: REQ637586
Applications Close: Monday 23rd February
Interviews forecasted for 26 & 27 February and 2nd March
Hunter New England Local Health District is seeking an experienced, forward-thinking and strategically focused Heath Service Manager to lead clinical services at Gunnedah Hospital.
This is a rare and significant leadership opportunity to step into a newly refurbished health facility and drive the next generation of healthcare delivery across Gunnedah and the broader regional network.
This role offers the platform to lead large-scale service development, implement innovative models of care, and influence clinical redesign across a complex and diverse healthcare environment. It is ideally suited to an accomplished leader ready to deliver strategic transformation while maintaining excellence in patient-centred care.
About the Role
As Health Service Manager, you will provide strategic and operational leadership to ensure the delivery of safe, high-quality and sustainable clinical services across Gunnedah Hospital.
You will lead service innovation and redesign while ensuring strong operational performance, workforce capability and patient outcomes.
Key responsibilities include:
Leading operational and strategic planning aligned with service performance targets and KPIs
Driving innovation and clinical redesign to support future-focused healthcare delivery
Developing and implementing new and evolving models of care across inpatient and service areas
Leading workforce strategy, performance management and capability development
Managing complex clinical services across a diverse and high-demand healthcare environment
Strengthening patient flow and service coordination across the hospital and peripheral facilities
Collaborating across multidisciplinary teams, network facilities and Local Health District partners
Leading change initiatives that enhance patient outcomes and service sustainability
Ensuring safe, culturally respectful and patient-centred care delivery
This role requires a leader who can confidently balance strategic planning with operational service delivery, and who is motivated to challenge traditional approaches to healthcare.
About You
You are a highly capable and experienced healthcare leader who thrives working across complex service environments and enjoys building and transforming services to meet future healthcare needs.
You will demonstrate:
Current AHPRA registration as a Registered Nurse
Postgraduate qualifications in leadership, management or related discipline
Extensive leadership experience across complex health service environments
Proven ability to develop and deliver strategic service plans and lead organisational change
Strong experience in service innovation, clinical redesign and model of care development
Demonstrated capability managing workforce performance, financial resources and service KPIs
Advanced problem-solving and systems-thinking capability
Strong stakeholder engagement skills, including building partnerships across community, network services and the Local Health District
A proactive, outcomes-focused leadership approach with the confidence to think differently and drive improvement
Why You’ll Love Gunnedah
Located in the heart of the Liverpool Plains, Gunnedah offers the perfect balance between career opportunity and quality lifestyle. Known as the Koala Capital of the World, Gunnedah combines strong community spirit with excellent local amenities and stunning natural surroundings.
Living in Gunnedah offers:
A vibrant regional centre with excellent schools, childcare and family-friendly facilities
Strong sporting, cultural and recreational opportunities including golf, water sports, equestrian activities and community events
Easy access to national parks, walking trails and outdoor recreation
A thriving local food and agriculture scene with farmers markets and local dining
Affordable housing and the opportunity to enjoy space, lifestyle and work-life balance
Convenient access to Tamworth and major regional services
Gunnedah is a community that values its health services and supports those who lead them, offering a strong sense of purpose and connection rarely found in metropolitan settings.
Benefits
At Hunter New England Health, you’ll build a career where your leadership has visible and lasting impact while enjoying the lifestyle benefits regional living provides.
Relocation assistance through The Welcome Experience
Monthly Allocated Days Off (full-time)
4 weeks annual leave (pro-rata part-time)
Salary packaging options up to $11,600 plus novated leasing
Fitness Passport – discounted fitness and wellbeing memberships for you and your family
Employee Assistance Program for staff and family members
Need more information?
1) Click here for the Position Description
2) Find out more about applying for this position
For role related queries or questions contact Rebecca Smith on Rebecca.Smith7@health.nsw.gov.au
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Information for Applicants:
Applicants will be assessed against the essential requirements and selection criteria contained within the position description (link below). For assistance addressing selection criteria visit: https://bit.ly/3vL5fq2
Stepping Up Website is a resource designed to help indigenous job applicants apply for positions in NSW Health. For more information, please visit: https://bit.ly/HNEHealthSteppingUp
This is a Category A position. Recommended applicants will be reviewed for compliance with NSW Health policy directive PD2024_015: Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination against Specified Infectious Diseases for Category A positions prior to offer. All new employees must agree to comply with the requirements outlined in the policy.
Hunter New England Local Health District, we are an inclusive employer dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. Our commitment to a workforce that reflects the community we care for is essential for delivering the highest quality healthcare to our community. We encourage people with diverse lived experiences to apply. If you require any accommodations or adjustments to the recruitment process please let us know when you apply or at any stage of the process. We will work with you to meet your needs and create the best possible experience. Please contact HNELHD-Diversity@health.nsw.gov.au
Hunter New England Health is dedicated to fostering a child-safe environment that respects and upholds the rights of children and young people, aligned with NSW Health’s commitment to implementing the Child Safe Standards. We aim to ensure that children and young people feel safe, supported, and included in their care. All current and prospective staff are expected to prioritise the safety, welfare, and well-being of children and young people, actively working to protect them from harm and abuse.
To be eligible for permanent employment in this position you must be an Australian Citizen, or a permanent resident of Australia, or a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand Passport. Employment of a temporary visa holder may only occur if no suitable local candidate is identified for the position; in this instance, you may only be offered employment in line with the conditions and expiry date of your visa.
We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position.
