General Manager

Shape the Future of Mental Health Care with Strategic Leadership and Meaningful Impact

Employment Type: Permanent Full Time

Position Classification: Health Manager Level 6

Remuneration: $182,575 - $199,405 Per Annum + 12% Super + Salary Packaging

Hours Per Week: 40

Location: Mater Mental Health Centre, Waratah

Requisition ID: REQ599457

Applications Close: Monday, 15th September 2025

Interviews to be held on Friday, 26th September 2025

About The Opportunity

Hunter New England Health invites applications from visionary leaders for the role of General Manager - Mental Health Services. This executive position is responsible for the management and strategic direction of inpatient, outpatient, and community mental health services across the district.

You will play a critical role in ensuring services meet and exceed quality, safety, and operational targets. This includes driving innovative service delivery models, integrating care across diverse settings, and fostering strong collaboration with clinicians, community providers, and key stakeholders.

The role demands a forward-thinking leader who can balance operational priorities with transformational change, delivering services that respond effectively to the evolving needs of both metropolitan and rural populations.

Where You'll Be Working

Based in Newcastle, a thriving coastal city renowned for its vibrant culture, accessible lifestyle, and stunning natural surroundings, this role offers an excellent quality of life.

You will be supported by a highly experienced Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and have access to a broad professional network across Hunter New England Health. Collaborative relationships with Primary Health Networks, private hospitals, local GPs, and community organisations will be integral to your success.

Additionally, you will have resources and frameworks to foster innovation, improve patient outcomes, and ensure efficient use of funding and operational resources.

Why Join Us?

This is a rare opportunity to lead at the forefront of mental health reform within one of NSW's largest health districts. You will have the autonomy and influence to design and implement reforms that significantly enhance mental health service delivery and patient outcomes.

Hunter New England Health is committed to cultural respect, equity, and closing the gap in health disparities. You will contribute to an organisation that values continuous improvement, workforce development, and compassionate leadership.

• Generous Time Off: Enjoy Monthly Allocated Days Off plus 4 weeks of annual leave to rest, recharge, and do more of what you love.
• Paid Parental Leave: Supporting your family journey with paid leave for eligible employees – because work-life balance matters.
• Salary Packaging Benefits: Maximise your take-home pay with salary packaging of up to $11,600 annually, plus novated leasing options.
• Fitness Passport: Stay active and healthy with discounted gym memberships for you and your family
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Free, confidential counselling and support services for you and your immediate family – whenever you need it.

What You'll Bring

We're seeking a senior healthcare leader with:

• Proven success in leading complex, multi-site health services, preferably with mental health experience
• Strong financial acumen and expertise in managing large operating and capital budgets
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build effective partnerships across clinical, community, and government sectors
• A demonstrated commitment to delivering culturally respectful care and improving access for rural and underserved populations
• A leadership style aligned with NSW Health's Excellence Framework, promoting accountability, transparency, and staff engagement

If you're motivated by the challenge of shaping high-quality mental health services across diverse communities, we want to hear from you.

Need more information?

1) Click here for the Position Description

2) Find out more about applying for this position

For role related queries or questions contact Anand Swamy on

Requirements

• Tertiary qualifications in health administration, in business or related degree with a health related focus and/or relevant equivalent extensive senior management experience in line with the position.
• Eligible to drive in NSW and willing to travel for work purposes.

Additional Information

• At Hunter New England Local Health District, we are an inclusive employer dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. Our commitment to a workforce that reflects the community we care for is essential for delivering the highest quality healthcare to our community. We encourage people with diverse lived experiences to apply. If you require any accommodations or adjustments to the recruitment process please let us know when you apply or at any stage of the process. We will work with you to meet your needs and create the best possible experience. Please contact for confidential support to ensure an equitable, barrier-free application process.
• To be eligible for permanent employment in this position you must be an Australian Citizen, or a permanent resident of Australia, or a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand Passport. Employment of a temporary visa holder may only occur if no suitable local candidate is identified for the position; in this instance, you may only be offered employment in line with the conditions and expiry date of your visa.
• We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position.

Information for Applicants

Applicants will be assessed against the essential requirements and selection criteria contained within the position description (link below). For assistance addressing selection criteria visit:

Stepping Up Website is a resource designed to help indigenous job applicants apply for positions in NSW Health. For more information, please visit:

This is a Category A position. Recommended applicants will be reviewed for compliance with NSW Health policy directive PD2024_015: Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination against Specified Infectious Diseases for Category A positions prior to offer. All new employees must agree to comply with the requirements outlined in the policy.

Salary Packaging: is beneficial to most Hunter New England Health employees and may increase your take-home pay Salary package a range of personal expenses including novated motor vehicle leases, relocation expenses, and HECS/HELP debt. Find out more by contacting SalaryPackagingPLUS via or

Hunter New England Health employees may be eligible for a range of benefits such as allocated days off (ADO) for full time employees, long service leave, paid maternity leave, and salary packaging options including meal expenses.

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