Operational Director Acute Services

Permanent Full-Time - Part Time applications considered

Are you ready to lead where it truly matters?

At Yarrawonga Health, we’re looking for an exceptional clinical leader to join our Senior Leadership Team as Operational Director Acute Services (ODAS). This is a pivotal role responsible for shaping the future of Acute Services while ensuring every patient receives safe, high-quality, compassionate care.

If you thrive in complex environments, lead with values, and know how to turn strategy into action — keep reading.

The Opportunity

As ODAS, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across:

• Acute Inpatient Services
• Urgent Care Centre
• Perioperative Services
• Infection Prevention & Control
• Education
• Staff Health
• After Hours Coordinators

You’ll work closely with the Executive Director Clinical Services and Executive Team to drive performance, strengthen clinical governance, and position Acute Services for sustainable growth.

This role isn’t just oversight — it’s impact.

You will:

• Lead safe, high-quality service delivery aligned with National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards
• Oversee operational and financial performance
• Champion innovation and continuous improvement
• Optimise patient flow, bed management and escalation processes
• Build strong, engaged teams who deliver excellence every day

What We’re Looking For

You’re an experienced senior health leader who can confidently balance strategy, people leadership and operational performance.

Essential:

• Current AHPRA nursing registration
• Postgraduate qualification in a health-related field
• Minimum 5 years’ senior leadership experience
• Proven expertise in clinical governance, budgeting and resource management
• Strong data literacy and ability to drive improvement through performance insights
• Demonstrated success leading through change
• Highly developed communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Values-based leadership with the ability to inspire and influence

Desirable:

• Membership of a relevant professional body
• Master’s qualification

Why This Role Matters

This is your opportunity to:

• Shape the strategic direction of Acute Services
• Influence organisation-wide decision making
• Lead service growth and innovation
• Drive measurable improvements in consumer outcomes
• Strengthen workforce capability and engagement

You won’t just manage services — you’ll shape the future of care delivery for the Yarrawonga community.

💛 Why Yarrawonga Health?

At Yarrawonga Health, our values guide everything we do:

Respect. Integrity. Collaboration. Compassion. Excellence.

We are a community-focused rural health service committed to delivering high-quality care while fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace. In this role, you’ll help shape the capability and confidence of our nursing workforce — making a lasting impact on both staff and patients.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

At Yarrawonga Health, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating a culturally safe, inclusive and respectful workplace.

We warmly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work. We value the knowledge, strength and leadership that First Nations peoples bring to our organisation and community.

We also welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures, abilities, genders, sexual orientations and identities, including members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the community we serve and to fostering an environment where everyone feels safe, supported and empowered to thrive.

📝 How to Apply

Submit your application via the Yarrawonga Health Careers portal including:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Responses to the Key Selection Criteria (found in the Position Description)

📅 Applications close: 13th March 2026

Please note: Interviews may be conducted prior to the closing date and the position may be filled early if a suitable applicant is identified.

📧 Enquiries:

Chris Gartside – Executive Director Clinical Services

Email: Chris.Gartside@yh.org.au

Additional Requirements

All employment is subject to:

• Satisfactory Police Check
• NDIS Worker Screening Check
• Mandatory influenza vaccination (proof required)
• Additional vaccinations/serology as applicable to the role