- Lead Kinhaven as its first Chief Executive
- Bring two respected services together as one
- Shape early parenting across Victoria

The organisation

Kinhaven is a new Victorian public health service and specialist early parenting service, formed through the voluntary merger of the Queen Elizabeth Centre (QEC) and Tweddle Child and Family Health Service. Together they bring more than two centuries of care and support to thousands of Victorian families each year. Kinhaven will be established on 1 April 2027 under the Health Services Act 1988. It will operate from all of QEC’s and Tweddle’s existing sites across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.

The opportunity

Kinhaven is appointing its inaugural Chief Executive. Reporting to the Board, and taking the lead of a transformation program already well under way, you will guide the organisation through its foundational years: bringing two established workforces together as equals, building a shared culture and identity, progressively integrating systems and operations through to 2028, and delivering the perks of the merger without disruption to the families Kinhaven serves.

Kinhaven's vision and values will be shaped by its first Chief Executive and Board, partnering with staff, families and communities. You will work closely with government, Victoria's early parenting centres, Aboriginal communities and partners, and be a strong public voice for babies, children and families.

About you

- A person-centred unifier. You build trust quickly, foster a positive workplace culture, and bring two proud teams together as one.
- A health service leader. You bring senior executive experience in health or community services, with oversight of clinical governance, accreditation,



finance and statutory board partnership. A clinical background is not essential.
- Grounded in early childhood. You understand infant and early childhood development, relationships and attachment, and apply it to service quality and strategy.
- A proven transformation leader. You have led significant change or integration, can show the outcomes it delivered, and know how to sequence it so services and staff maintain confidence.
- Values-led and inclusive. You are committed to equity, cultural safety and co-design with First Nations and culturally diverse communities.

This is a full-time executive contract of up to five years under the Victorian Government's HEER Policy, with flexible working and a visible presence across sites. The appointment is subject to Secretary approval, with a start by 1 April 2027.

How to apply

A full candidate briefing pack is available at https://searchlightgroup.com.au/jobs/chief-executive-officer-8/

Please upload a CV and a cover letter of no more than two pages via https://searchlightgroup.com.au/jobs/chief-executive-officer-8/

Applications close 23 November 2026. If you have any questions prior to applying, please contact Michael Holdway on 0400 006 513. All enquiries and applications are treated in strict confidence. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and people with disability are warmly encouraged to apply.

Applications close

Midnight on Monday 23 November 2026. Applications are reviewed as they are received, so early contact is encouraged.

Contact

Michael Holdway · Managing Director, Searchlight Group · Mobile 0400 006 513 · Direct (03) 9600 1137 · [email protected]

📌 Chief Executive Officer (Melbourne)
🏢 searchlight group
📍 Melbourne