Deputy Director of Allied Health

• Play a key leadership role in driving innovation, research, workforce development, and strategic growth across one of Victoria's largest and most dynamic Allied Health programs.

• Collaborate directly with senior leaders to influence service delivery and strategy across 18 sites, overseeing high-impact portfolios including research, NDIS, and clinical governance.

• Join St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne—a leading Catholic not-for-profit health service—where integrity, compassion, and excellence guide everything we do.

Join St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne (SVHM) — St Vincent's has been a leader in Australia's health and aged care landscape for more than 165 years. Since our founders, the Sisters of Charity, opened our first hospital in 1857, our services and people have been behind some of Australia's most important medical breakthroughs. We are a microcosm of our Australia's health and aged care system and are uniquely positioned to lead and respond to our rapidly changing environment.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Deputy Director of Allied Health to join our leadership team and play a pivotal role in supporting the operational and strategic direction of the Allied Health and Pharmacy Program (AH&P) at SVHM. In this senior leadership role, you will collaborate with the Director of Allied Health (DAH), Chief Allied Health Officer (CAHO), and the Allied Health Leadership Team to manage and oversee the operational and professional management of Allied Health staff across SVHM).

This position is based at our Fitzroy campus supporting the DAH in fostering innovation and evidence-based practices to ensure we meet patient demand while striving for service growth, clinical excellence, and financial accountability.

About the Role

Reporting to the Director of Allied Health (DAH), the Deputy Director of Allied Health will be supporting service provision across the AH&P Program, in collaboration with the Director of Allied Health, Chief Allied Health Officer (CAHO), and the Allied Health Leadership team. The position will support the DAH in the operational responsibility and accountability and support the DAH in the management and growth of services to best meet patient demand, striving for evidence-based practice and service innovation.  The role will support the CAHO with the portfolios of Allied Health Workforce and Education.

This role will have direct operational reporting responsibilities, and will have specific operational responsibility and accountability for Allied Health Research, Projects and NDIS portfolios within the AH&P Program.

The  Deputy Director of Allied Health is a pivotal member of the Allied Health leadership team. The role will work collaboratively with the DAH, CAHO, AH&P Managers and other key stakeholders in fostering the AH&P Program strategic vision. The role will be accountable for the achievement of  specific KPIs, articulated within the DAH and the Operational directorate plan, including specific targets set under the Statement of Priorities in terms of access, activity, quality and financial performance as they relate to the AH&P program.

Classification: Director of Allied Health – Grade 6 or equivalent
Enterprise Agreement: Victorian Allied Health Professionals (VAHPA) Agreement 2021–26 or equivalent

Your Key Impact Areas

Operational and Strategic Program Leadership

• Provide high-level leadership across the Allied Health & Pharmacy (AH&P) Program, ensuring excellence in service delivery, professional standards, workforce management, education, and research. Champion evidence-based practice and continuous improvement in designated areas of responsibility.

Financial Management and Accountability

• Partner with the Director of Allied Health to oversee and manage the AH&P Program's multi-million-dollar budget. Drive initiatives to ensure financial sustainability, performance against KPIs, and strategic investment in services aligned with organisational goals.

Research, Projects and NDIS Portfolio Oversight

• Lead the design, governance and implementation of Allied Health research initiatives, strategic projects, and NDIS services. Build capacity for innovation and evidence-based practice across the AH&P Program.

Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration and Integration

• Strengthen collaboration with General Managers and Clinical Program leaders to ensure Allied Health and Pharmacy staff are effectively integrated into multidisciplinary teams, contributing to coordinated, high-quality care.

Clinical Policy and Service Development

• Work in partnership with the CAHO and DAH to co-design clinical policies, models of care and workforce strategies that elevate service capability, improve patient outcomes, and uphold professional excellence across disciplines.

Strategic Service Alignment and Coordination

• Ensure Allied Health services are planned, coordinated, and delivered in alignment with SVHM's mission, values, and strategic objectives. Support seamless care across programs, sites and settings.

Service Growth and Funding Opportunities

• Support the identification, development and implementation of funding submissions and service expansion initiatives. Collaborate with senior leaders to position the AH&P Program for future growth and system-wide impact.

About You

You are an experienced and visionary Allied Health leader, ready to step into a pivotal executive role that shapes the future of integrated, person-centred care. With a proven track record in senior health leadership, you bring strategic insight, operational excellence, and a deep commitment to workforce development and evidence-based practice.

You thrive in complex healthcare environments and are recognised for your ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, foster innovation, and deliver impactful outcomes. Your collaborative leadership style, strong financial acumen, and deep understanding of clinical governance enable you to influence system-wide improvements while keeping patients and staff at the heart of everything you do.

To be successful in this role, you will need:

Essential Requirements

Qualifications and Registration

• Tertiary qualification in an Allied Health profession.

• Current registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), or eligibility for membership with the appropriate professional association for self-regulated Allied Health professions.

• Postgraduate qualification in health service management or a relevant field (or currently working towards one).

• Minimum of three years' experience in a senior Allied Health leadership role.

Experience and Expertise

• Extensive knowledge and clinical experience across Allied Health disciplines.

• Proven leadership experience in a senior management role within the public health sector, with a track record of delivering high-performing services.

• Demonstrated excellence in people leadership, including the ability to inspire, develop, and empower staff while cultivating an inclusive and high-performance workplace culture.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the capacity to build effective partnerships across complex health systems and multidisciplinary environments.

• Demonstrated ability to lead transformational change and service improvement initiatives, working with motivated and specialised teams.

• In-depth understanding of clinical governance, quality assurance, continuous improvement, research and education frameworks within Allied Health and Pharmacy services.

• Contemporary understanding of public health systems, and current issues and opportunities relevant to the Allied Health and Pharmacy workforce.

• Demonstrated ability to lead autonomously while fostering collaboration across executive and operational leadership teams.

• High-level business acumen, including significant experience in budget development, financial management, and strategic resource planning.

Why Choose SVHM?

Purpose. Growth. Leadership. Legacy.
SVHM offers far more than a role — we offer a platform to lead systemic impact, grow professionally and influence the future of Allied Health across Victoria.

You will benefit from:

• Salary packaging and generous leave provisions

• Access to leading education, research, and innovation initiatives

• A culture grounded in respect, inclusion, learning and service

• Flexible work options across a multi-campus network

• Executive mentorship and leadership development pathways

Vaccination and Compliance Requirements

This is a Category A position. Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 and other specified diseases is required. A National Police Check and, where applicable, NDIS Worker Screening Check are mandatory prior to employment.

Equal Opportunity

We celebrate diversity & inclusion and are committed to equal employment opportunity for everyone.

How To Apply

Please submit your application via the Apply Now button, including your resume and cover letter.

For a confidential chat or to know more about the role, please contact Mel Gregory-Director of Allied Health on

Please note: Shortlisting and interviews may commence prior to the closing date.

Respectfully, no recruitment agencies.

Please see below for a copy of the position description.

KEY POSITION DETAILS

Job Title: Deputy Director of Allied Health

Reports to: Director of Allied Health

Industrial Agreement: Victorian Allied Health Professionals (VAHPA) Single Interest Enterprise Agreement OR Medical Scientists, Pharmacists and Psychologists (Victorian Public Sector) (Single Interest Employers) Enterprise Agreement

Classification: Deputy Director of Allied Health- Grade 6 or equivalent

Risk Category: A

LOCAL WORK ENVIRONMENT

Allied Health services at SVHM include multiple allied health professions who provide patient centred care across all clinical programs.  The  Deputy Director of Allied Health provides direct support to the Director of Allied Health, who has overall responsibilityfor the  Allied Health and Pharmacy Program (AH&P), which provides operational and professional oversight for 260 FTE and approximately 350 people, through the AH&P Leadership structure. In addition, AH&P discipline managers have professional oversight of Allied Health and Pharmacy staff who report operationally to other clinical programs at SVHM.  In total there are approximately 450 FTE Allied Health (headcount 600) working across SVHM. This position is based at the Fitzroy Campus of SVHM, but will provide support across all SVHM sites and Programs and is expected to attend these sites on a regular basis.

POSITION PURPOSE

Reporting to the Director of Allied Health (DAH), the Deputy Director of Allied Health will be support service provision across the AH&P Program, in collaboration with the Director of Allied Health, Chief Allied Health Officer (CAHO), and the Allied Health Leadership team. The position will support the DAH in the operational responsibility and accountability for an annual operating budget in excess of $90 million and 265 full time equivalent staff across the AH&P Program.  The role will support the DAH in the management and growth of services to best meet patient demand, striving for evidence-based practice and service innovation.  The role will support the CAHO with the portfolios of Allied Health Workforce and Education.

This role will have  direct operational reporting responsibilities, and will have specific operational responsibility and accountability for Allied Health Research, Projects and NDIS portfolios within the AH&P Program.

The  Deputy Director of Allied Health is a pivotal member of the Allied Health leadership team. The role will work collaboratively with the DAH, CAHO, AH&P Managers and other key stakeholders in fostering the AH&P Program strategic vision. The role will be accountable for the achievement of  specific KPIs, articulated within the DAH and the Operational directorate plan, including specific targets set under the Statement of Priorities in terms of access, activity, quality and financial performance as they relate to the AH&P program.

POSITION DUTIES

• Support effective operational and strategic leadership across the AH&P Program, including  leading service delivery, financial management, professional standards of practice, human resources management, education and research initiatives for specific areas of the AH&P Program

• In collaboration with the DAH, support the development and accountability of the overall AH&P Program budget, ensuring financial responsibility and accountability, and implement strategies that meet budgetary targets and key performance indicators

• Responsibility for the Allied Health Research, Projects and NDIS  portfolios within the AH&P Program.

• Collaboration with  the DAH, General Managers and Clinical and Operational program managers to support Allied Health & Pharmacy roles within multi-disciplinary teams

• Collaboration with the CAHO, DAH to support the development of clinical policies, plans and programs to enhance the service capability of the Allied Health professions, ensuring excellence in patient centred care

• Work closely with programs/departments to ensure Allied Health services planning, organising, integration and coordination is aligned to the mission and values of SVHM and organisational priorities

• Assist the DAH, AH&P Progam Managers and other senior staff in developing funding and service growth opportunities

INCUMBENT OBLIGATIONS

General

• Perform the duties of the position to the best of their ability and to a standard acceptable to SVHM

• Comply with, and ensure all those in the area they manage comply with all SVHM policies, procedures, by laws and directions

• Display adaptability and flexibility to meet the changing operational and strategic needs of the business

Leadership

• Act as a senior leader, demonstrating and modelling exemplary professional conduct and behaviour in accordance with SVHM values and code of conduct

• Collaboarte with the DAH in the   development of  a strategic direction and future vision for AH&P, aligned with the strategic priorities of SVHM, and underpinned by discipline strategic and operational plans

• Foster an organisational culture of excellence, innovation and positive people management

Clinical Quality and Safety 

• Ensure AH&P service delivery is evidence-based and of the highest standard to meet the needs of consumers within allocated resources

• Cllaoborate with the DAH to ensure implementation of the SVHM Clinical Governance Framework across the AH&P program

• Ensure AH&P staff allocated to specific programs have the skills, experience, supervision and appropriate credentialling (as relevant) needed to fulfil their roles.

• Foster a culture which promotes evaluation and continuous improvement, resulting in enhanced services, evidence-based practice and clinical innovation

• In conjunction with the Allied Health research lead, provide staff with the opportunity to initiate or participate in research projects and reduce the knowledge to translation gap, including application for funding and research grants, where feasible

• Collaboarte with the DAH to ensure all clinical staff maintain their clinical registration (or equivalent for self-regulated professions) and any required indemnity cover

• Collaborate with other SVHM Managers to implement the SVHM safety, quality and clinical risk management agenda

• Provide feedback to more senior management in relation to problems or issues that impact on safety and clinical quality

Person Centred Care

• Actively support consumers to make informed decisions about their treatment and ongoing care

• Ensure consumers are aware of their rights and responsibilities and how to provide feedback

Health and Safety

• Ensure all health and safety related policies, procedures and directions are complied with in the area they manage

• Foster a culture that supports learning and reporting of incidents/errors/near misses within the Riskman system and discuss in relevant discipline forums

• Ensure all those in the area they manage treat others with respect, behaving professionally and in accordance with the SVHM Code of Conduct and undertake annual Workplace Culture and Equity Training and all Mandatory Required Learning

• Conduct regular safety audits with Site Managers and Workplace Health and Safety Representatives and implement required improvements

• Minimise Workcover costs by actively assisting the return to work of any employee injured in the area they manage.

• As required, comply with fit-testing and PPE requirements

Human Resource Management

• Provide leadership and support for direct reports and monitor and appraise their performance.

• Build an inclusive workplace culture where people can feel empowered to contribute, creating an environment for collaboration and high performance.

• Develop and maintain a workforce strategy for the recruitment and retention of AH&P staff to ensure that SVHM is an employer of choice that attracts and retains outstanding AH&P employees

• Collaborate with the DAH ro ensure effective, timely and respectful communication channels are established between the AH&P Leadership team and relevant Clinical General Managers / Clinical Directors/Operational managers to inform of any workforce changes that are likely to impact service delivery

• Ensure coordination and management of clinical education of students in liaison with the  DAH, Allied Health Clinical Educators, General Managers and relevant policies and procedures.

Financial Management

• Support the development of the annual budget allocation for the AH&P Program working in collaboration with the DAH,  COO, Finance, AH&P Managers and General Managers

• Monitor FTE and expenditure to ensure spending remains within budget allocation

• Demonstrate appropriate financial stewardship through ethical, honest and responsible use of financial resources

• Ensure contracts are in place and current for all contracted services and lodged in the SVHM contract system

• Ensure decision making remains within delegated authority

SELECTION CRITERIA

ESSENTIAL REGISTRATION, LICENSE OR QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Tertiary qualification in an Allied Health Profession

• Registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), or eligible for membership with the appropriate Professional Association for self-regulated Allied Health professions

• Minimum of 3 years experience in a senior allied health leadership role

• Post graduate qualification in health service management or relevant field, or working towards a relevant post graduate qualification

EXPERIENCE and OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Extensive knowledge and experience in Allied Health

• Extensive leadership experience in a senior management role within the public health sector

• Demonstrated advanced leadership skills and experience in people management, including an ability to actively develop and empower staff, develop high performing teams and build a positive workplace culture

• Sound interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to initiate and foster strong working relationships with a range of stakeholders within a complex and dynamic environment

• Demonstrated experience in leading service improvement initiatives and change processes, with capacity to work with highly motivated professional disciplines

• Demonstrated understanding of clinical governance, quality assurance, continuous improvement, education and research in the context of Allied Health and Pharmacy within a public health setting

• Current knowledge of contemporary health systems, professional and practice issues with respect to Allied Health and Pharmacy professions

• Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively with a multidisciplinary leadership team to deliver safe consumer focused care.

• Significant strategic business and financial acumen with extensive budget management experience

At St Vincent's we acknowledge the importance of creating a work environment that is welcoming, safe, equitable and inclusive for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Employees. As part of our Commitment to Reconciliation and Closing the Gap in employment related outcomes, we encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

For further information, visit or get in contact at

View Reconciliation Action Plan

View Code of Conduct