Executive Director People

Overview

The Company

Western District Health Service (WDHS) is a progressive regional health provider that offers a comprehensive range of acute inpatient services, residential aged care and primary and community health services across Hamilton Base Hospital, Coleraine, Penshurst and Merino. WDHS is part of the South West Local Health Service Network and aims to create Australia’s Healthiest Rural Community.

The Role

WDHS is looking to appoint an Executive Director of People and Wellbeing based at Hamilton Base Hospital, Hamilton, Victoria. Reporting to the CEO, this newly created role will shape a high‑performing, inclusive culture across multi‑site operations, drive workforce planning, organisational development and employee wellbeing, and lead integrated efforts to streamline operations and progressive people programs. The role offers influence in building leadership capability and shaping organisational culture.

Key Responsibilities

With oversight across all WDHS campuses and supporting Casterton Memorial Hospital via a local service agreement, the Executive Director of People and Wellbeing will ensure best practice human resources practices and processes and support staff health and wellbeing.

- Strategic People Leadership
- Human Resources & Industrial Relations
- Wellbeing, Safety & Occupational Health
- Organisational & Cultural Development
- Workforce Planning & Capability Development
- Leadership Team Development
- Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
- Workforce Systems & Compliance

Other responsibilities as required to support the role and WDHS strategic objectives.

Required Skills & Experience

You should be a seasoned senior leader in Human Resources, Workforce or Organisational Development with experience in highly regulated environments such as hospitals, healthcare or the public sector. You will be a strategic thinker who collaborates with executive teams to align people and culture initiatives with organisational goals, fostering performance, inclusion and staff engagement. You should be confident navigating complex ER/IR matters and understand compliance, leadership and culture as drivers of organisational success.

- Strong track record in leading change and embedding values-based leadership, ideally in multisite environments
- Experience supporting employee wellbeing, mental health and safety
- Passion for developing high-performing, innovative teams
- Outstanding communication and stakeholder engagement skills
- Knowledge of key legislation including OH&S Act 2004 (Vic), Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth), and Gender Equality Act 2020 (Vic)
- Familiarity with the Victorian Public Sector (VPS) or similar regulatory environments
- Postgraduate qualifications in HR, IR, Business, or Health Management; experience with Victorian Public Health Services or related policy reform highly regarded

Benefits

- Vehicle included
- Flexible working arrangements with additional leave purchase options
- External professional development funding support after 12 months
- Internal training and development opportunities
- Salary packaging options
- Free on-site car parking

The Hamilton region offers lifestyle opportunities, with proximity to Grampians National Park, beaches in Warrnambool, Port Fairy and Portland, and local wineries. WDHS supports a healthy work/life balance.

Next Steps

For further details, contact Zoe Allan at Miller Leith for a confidential discussion on 0417 558 531 or zoe@millerleith.com.au.

WDHS values diverse backgrounds and encourages applications from First Nations people, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people of all ages, those with disabilities, and culturally and linguistically diverse people.

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