Principal Project Manager

About the role:

This position is a Fixed-Term, Full-time role from 1 November 2024 to 30 June 2026.

The Principal Project Manager, Victorian Healthcare Experience Survey (VHES), is responsible for leading the end-to-end planning, design, and management of the process for a system to enable Victorian public health services to conduct patient experience surveys and use the data locally, as well as to report Patient Reported Experience Measures (PREMs). This role enables the successful execution of a large-scale, multi-year contract that will supply health services and government with critical insights for service improvement, policy development, and enable compliance with departmental reporting requirements.

Operating at a senior level, the Principal Project Manager will:

• Oversee the development and management of procurement strategies, processes and contracts for a digital system to provide a statewide survey capacity for Victorian public health services, ensuring alignment with departmental policies, risk management frameworks, and value-for-money principles.
• Lead the design and implementation of project plans, governance structures, and stakeholder engagement strategies to ensure the survey meets its objectives, timelines, and quality standards.
• Coordinate cross-functional virtual teams, including subject matter experts in analytics, digital health, procurement and legal services to deliver project milestones and manage dependencies.
• Provide authoritative advice to executive leadership, contribute to strategic planning, and represent the department in high-level forums and governance committees.
• Partners with subject matter experts from Analytics, Digital Health and Strategy, Health Share Vic, Architecture and Planning branches to coordinate design and development of a technically sound solution.
• Develop deep expertise in the department's approved platforms and systems, ensuring all solutions are aligned with enterprise architecture and technology strategy.

The successful candidate will demonstrate extensive experience in strategic project and procurement management within the health or public sector, exceptional stakeholder engagement skills, and a commitment to delivering high-impact, evidence-based outcomes for Victoria's health system.

Please review position description for further information about the role.

About us:

At the Victorian Department of Health we want a future where Victorians are the healthiest people in the world. A Victoria where our children and people thrive, our workplaces are productive and safe, and our communities are more connected.

We see it as our job to support Victorians to stay healthy and safe. And to deliver a world-class healthcare system that ensures every single Victorian can access safe, quality care that leads to better health outcomes for all.

About you:

The Department of Health is seeking a highly skilled and strategic Principal Project Manager to lead the Victorian Health Experience Survey (VHES) program. This role plays a key part in delivering insights that inform health service improvement and enhance outcomes for patients and communities across the state.

As Principal Project Manager, you will lead the planning, coordination, and delivery of complex projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and aligned with departmental objectives. You will develop detailed project plans, monitor progress, manage risks, and deliver measurable outcomes that support system-wide improvements in healthcare quality and performance.

A strong focus on stakeholder engagement is essential. You will build and maintain productive partnerships across government, the health sector, and external providers to ensure collaboration and commitment to shared goals. Through effective influence and negotiation, you will gain support for ideas, secure consensus, and drive continuous improvement.

You will also demonstrate strategic planning capability-translating long-term goals and policy direction into clear, practical actions that guide daily operations and ensure alignment with the Department's vision.

This position requires a proactive, analytical, and results-driven leader who can balance strategic thinking with hands-on project management. Your ability to communicate effectively, manage competing priorities, and deliver high-quality outcomes will be key to success in this role.

Join the Department of Health and contribute to strengthening the Victorian health system through the effective management and delivery of a program that directly informs better care and patient experiences.

Mandatory

• Experience in managing the delivery of large strategic digital/technology solutions, with demonstrated ability in managing the planning, design and delivery of procurement activities and documentation for a Request for Tender process in government settings is essential.
• Minimum of 5 years project management experience is desirable. Having developed and maintained project documentation, including plans, schedules, risk/issues register and governance artefacts.

Desirable

• Minimum of 2 years project management experience within the Victorian Public Service is desirable.
• Qualifications with an ICT component or an equivalent discipline and/or relating to health, data analytics, contract or digital project management would be highly regarded but not mandatory.
• Project Management certification (e.g., PRINCE2, AgilePM, PMP) or equivalent is desirable but not mandatory.
• Proven track record in establishing and supporting governance structures, including steering committees and executive level oversight, with several stakeholders, large impact (e.g., statewide), and with multiple site roll-out is desirable.
• A knowledge and understanding of the healthcare sector, experience in hospital and health environments and its operating processes and information systems is desirable.

On a personal level, the candidate will be creative and open to new ideas, actively seeking ways to improve practices and services while maintaining a strong focus on delivering high-quality outcomes for customers. They will demonstrate attention to detail, work collaboratively with others, and foster a respectful and cooperative team environment that supports shared goals and continuous improvement.

What we offer:

• The opportunity to perform meaningful work, making direct contributions toward enabling Victorians to be the healthiest people in the world.
• A wide range of growth and development opportunities within the department and wider Victorian Public Service & Sector.
• A strong commitment to work-life balance, including a diverse array of flexible working arrangements.

How to apply:

Applications should include a resume and a cover letter. Click the `Apply' button to view further information about the role including key contact details and the advertisement closing date.

We are committed to developing and supporting a workforce that is well equipped and highly motivated to provide responsive and quality services to all Victorians. We continue to build an inclusive workplace that embraces diversity of backgrounds and differences to realise the potential of our employees for innovation and delivering services aimed at enhancing the lives of all Victorians. All roles can be worked flexibly and we encourage applications from Aboriginal people, people with disability, LGBTIQ+ and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. Please contact us if you require any adjustments to participate in the recruitment process at For more information on our commitment to inclusion and diversity see inclusion and diversity at the Department of Health.

If you have any queries in relation to recruitment processes at Health, or experience any issues in applying, please feel free to email Please note that unsolicited applications will not be replied to. If you have questions regarding the role specifically, we would advise you to reach out to the contact listed on the advertisement directly.

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