Chief Executive Officer

Step into a high-profile leadership role where your impact will shape the future health and wellbeing of a thriving regional community in South Australia.A rare opportunity has arisen for an experienced and accomplished leader in the health sector to join YNLHN as their Chief Executive. You will report to the Chair of the Governing Board, lead an Executive Team and workforce of around 1160 employees and be responsible for the provision, management and administration of health services and achieving the overall performance targets of the public health system for the YNLHN, as part of country South Australia and the whole South Australian health system.The CEO works closely with the Governing Board to achieve the strategic aims of the YNLHN and the State and Portfolio Health Plan consistent with Government Policy, statewide priorities and directions and the identified needs of the population. The role has strategic oversight of a multi-disciplinary executive team who provide the operational planning, implementation, staffing, budgets and resourcing to ensure the provision of coordinated health services for the benefit of the whole community. The specific range of services provided by the YNLHN include public acute, sub-acute, residential aged care, multi-purpose health services, community and allied health, and mental health services.YNLHN is a respected South Australian public sector employer known for its commitment to innovative health service delivery, progressive workplace practices, respect for culture and promotion of diversity and inclusion. It provides an ideal environment for high-performing leaders, with clear career advancement pathways and opportunities to contribute to health initiatives and outcomes and represent the Network at local, statewide and national forums.This position provides a unique platform to influence health outcomes at the local regional level, and health policy and funding initiatives at the state and national levels, while fostering a culture of collaboration and high performance within a local supportive team environment. With direct access to the Board Chair and Minister for Health and Wellbeing, your expertise will help drive government health priorities and deliver meaningful outcomes for communities across the northern region of South Australia.Key ResponsibilitiesWorks closely with and is accountable to the Governing Board for the delivery of the strategic aims and objectives of the organisation, enacting sound governance, management of an expenditure budget of $260 million and for meeting the requirements of the State and Portfolio Health Plan consistent with Government Policy, statewide priorities and directions and the identified needs of the population.Provides leadership, strategic direction and operational oversight to the Executive Team and more broadly across the organisation to ensure the YNLHN fulfils its purpose, effectively exercises its functions and delivers healthcare services within agreed budgets, and specified performance and quality standards, expected timeframes and in accordance with the LHN Service Agreement with the CE of SA Health.Leads and directs a multi-disciplinary executive team to provide the operational planning, implementation, staffing, budgets and resourcing to ensure the provision of coordinated health services for the benefit of the community and as part of country South Australia and the whole South Australian health system.Fosters a positive work culture by respecting culture, diversity and inclusion, nurturing talent, driving continuous improvement initiatives, supporting staff well-being and championing workplace health and safety.Establishes strong collaborative relationships and effective partnerships with senior leaders across government and SA Health entities, and with a diversity of community representatives from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, local organisations, local government, and with medical, nursing and allied health professionals to achieve shared goals.Meets the LHN's public reporting requirements, provides effective consultative mechanisms in relation to LHN activities and decisions, disseminates health-related information and responds to Ministerial and other inquiries about LHN activities and issues of public interest or importance.Ensures compliance with relevant legislation, works in accordance with the Code of Ethics for the South Australian Public Sector and maintains robust clinical and corporate governance standards.Key RequirementsExperience, understanding and demonstrated awareness of the political and socio-economic sensitivities that impact on the planning, development, funding, delivery and management of rural and regional health services.Relevant tertiary qualifications in fields similar to health services management, business management, allied health, social sciences, nursing, or medicine, and with extensive experience in the health sector and in particular, regional health environments.Proven ability to navigate politically sensitive environments, emphasising collaboration, stakeholder engagement and inclusivity, particularly with First Nations and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) partners.Demonstrated financial management and planning skills in the health care sector, balancing immediate operational needs with long-term sustainability goals, while fostering staff development and leading cultural change.Strong leadership and change management ability with a proven ability to shape and inspire diverse people and teams to work together collaboratively to achieve strategic and operational objectives in a complex environment.Strong influencing and relationship management skills, together with advanced negotiation skills to perform effectively in complex political environments, and to engage with stakeholders at all levels in the community and the health sector and across all tiers of government.Exceptional capability for strategic thinking, crisis responsiveness, and effective communication in the media and public forums and delivered for diverse audiences.A demonstrated understanding of corporate functions, including people management, finance, ICT systems, communications, clinical and corporate governance, quality systems and workplace safety, with a commitment to best practice governance and organisational resilience.Regular out of hours work activities and intra/interstate business travel are inherent to the role, however, these commitments are expected to be balanced with consideration for personal circumstances, self-care, and overall wellbeing, in line with SA Public Sector values.A current driver’s licence is essential to performing the requirements of the role.The YNLHN is committed to flexible working opportunities, professional growth and creating an inclusive workplace where the contributions of all employees and stakeholders are valued.Applications close Friday 21 November 2025 , please note Robert Walters are representing on behalf of ISC Consulting Pty Ltd.To apply, please click "Apply" or contact Ella Morgan directly on 08 8216 3553 or ella.morgan@robertwalters.com.au for a confidential discussion.