Lead one of Australia's most significant regional health services and shape the future of healthcare across northern Queensland, delivering impact at a scale few executive roles can offer | Take the helm of a high-performing organisation with a workforce of more than 8,000 people, an annual operating budget exceeding $1.6 billion, a robust reputation for service excellence and an ambitious agenda for future growth | Influence healthcare delivery across the state while driving innovation, workforce capability, strategic partnerships and system-wide improvement | Enjoy the unique lifestyle of tropical north Queensland while leading Northern Queensland's largest tertiary referral health service and advancing research, education and innovation through strong partnerships with James Cook University and other key stakeholders.

The Opportunity

Townsville Hospital and Health Service (THHS) is one of Australia's leading regional health services and a recognised centre for tertiary healthcare, research, education and innovation. Serving more than 250,000 people across northern Queensland, THHS operates 21 facilities, including Townsville University Hospital, the region's largest tertiary referral hospital.

With more than 8,000 employees, and an annual operating budget exceeding $1.6 billion, the service combines significant scale and complexity with a strategic focus on growth, sustainability and service excellence. Supported by substantial infrastructure investment and a solid partnership with James Cook University, the organisation is well positioned to continue advancing healthcare delivery, workforce development and innovation across northern Queensland.

Working closely with the Board and executive team, the successful candidate will shape strategy,



influence system-wide priorities and drive organisational performance and impact.

Townsville offers an enviable coastal lifestyle with easy access to the Great Barrier Reef, Magnetic Island and national parks, this is a career-defining opportunity for an accomplished health executive.

The role

Reporting directly to the Townsville Hospital and Health Board, the Health Service Chief Executive (HSCE) is accountability for ensuring the organisation delivers its strategic priorities and provides safe, effective and productive health services. You will lead a large and diverse health service, ensuring person-centred care remains at the heart of decision-making while driving performance, sustainability and service excellence.

The HSCE will ensure robust governance, risk, compliance and clinical governance frameworks while overseeing organisational resources. Working closely with executive colleagues, clinicians and operational leaders, you will foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, innovation and organisational learning that strengthens capability and enhances outcomes for patients and communities.

The role requires strong strategic relationships across the healthcare system. You will engage with government, health service partners, universities, community representatives, regulatory bodies and professional organisations to advance shared priorities and strengthen healthcare delivery across Queensland.



You will also collaborate with Queensland Health, other Hospital and Health Services and key stakeholders to ensure THHS responds to community needs.

The Candidate The successful candidate will be an accomplished executive with a proven record of leading large, complex organisations. You will bring significant experience operating at chief executive or equivalent executive level, with demonstrated success delivering organisational strategy, leading major workforces, managing substantial financial resources and navigating complex stakeholder environments. A strong understanding of contemporary healthcare delivery, including workforce, infrastructure, technology, funding and governance, will be essential.

You will be recognised for your ability to build high-performing cultures, lead and develop executive teams, and create an environment that empowers people while maintaining accountability for results. Strong political acumen, sound judgement and exceptional communication and negotiation skills will enable you to build trusted relationships across government, Boards, clinicians, consumers, academic partners and the broader community.

Equally important is a genuine commitment to patient-centred care, health equity and culturally responsive service delivery. You will be a values-driven and resilient leader who demonstrates integrity, authenticity and clarity of thought, while inspiring confidence in those around you.

Candidates seeking further information are encouraged to contact Paul Ingle, M. [+61 (0)402 796 125](tel:+61 (0)402 796 125) - E. [email protected] or Sarah Buckler, HardyGroup QLD State Manager and Principal Consultant - M. [+61 (0)429 486 740](tel:+61 (0)429 486 740) - E. [email protected]

📌 Health Service Chief Executive (Douglas Shire)
🏢 Department of Health - Queensland
📍 Douglas Shire