Executive Director Aged Care

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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 throughout a number of key facilities across Hamilton Base Hospital, Coleraine, Penshurst and Merino. With a Dual CE responsible for Casterton Memorial Hospital, there is close collaboration with this health service as well.
With a population of approximately 10,000 and a catchment of 16,500, Hamilton is at the heart of Victoria's Southern Grampians region, and WDHS is the region's largest employer. With a bold vision to create Australia's Healthiest Rural Community, WDHS offers high-quality care across hospital services, aged care, community health, and outreach programs, supporting diverse communities through innovative initiatives and multidisciplinary healthcare teams. Western District Health Service is also part of the Southwest Local Health Service Network.
The Role
With continued growth, Western District Health Service is looking to appoint an Executive Director of Aged Care (EDAC) to be based at its main site at Hamilton Base Hospital in Hamilton, Victoria. Reporting to the CEO, this pivotal, newly created position will have full strategic oversight of the provision of aged care services delivered by WDHS, including residential sites, independent living units and community-based services. This role will play and active role in the South West Local Health Service Network across key initiatives in Aged care. The EDAC will ensure safe, high-quality, person-centred care for all older people, providing strategic direction, upholding compliance with aged care legislation, and fostering a culture of respect, accountability, and empathy. The role will prepare WDHS for current reform changes and strategically position WDHS as a key provider of aged care into the future.
Key Responsibilities
As part of the Executive Leadership Team, the EDAC will oversee a total FTE of approximately 160 and a budget of $21 million, across 6 residential Aged Care facilities (total of 174 beds), Transitional Care Program beds and a range of home-based Aged Care services under Support at Home, CHSP & HACC funding streams.
Key Focus Areas Will Include:
Leadership and Strategic Management
Clinical and Care Governance
Compliance and Accreditation
Financial & Resource Management
Workforce and Human Resource Management
Stakeholder and Community Engagement
Consumer-Centred Care and Resident Advocacy
Risk Management and Emergency Preparedness
Required Skills & Experience
This is a rare opportunity for a dynamic, values-driven Health or Human Services leader with deep clinical insight, strategic acumen, and a passion for person-centred care to lead our Aged Care Services into the future.
You'll bring executive-level experience, a strong grasp of aged care legislation and quality standards, and the ability to drive transformational change across complex, multidisciplinary teams.
If you're a Registered Nurse with a proven track record in clinical governance, operational excellence, and stakeholder engagement and you thrive in environments where compassion meets innovation, we would love to hear from you.
Additionally, you will bring:
Strong operational and financial management acumen, ensuring efficient service delivery, optimised resource utilisation, and achievement of financial targets while maintaining high-quality care
Proven experience managing resources effectively and leading teams through complex change in alignment with Aged Care reforms
Qualifications as a Registered Nurse with current registration with AHPRA
Executive leadership experience in aged care, health, or human services with demonstrated ability to manage large, multidisciplinary teams
Strong knowledge of Aged Care Quality Standards, the Aged Care Act and contemporary aged care service delivery models
Proven ability to lead organisational change, service improvement, and compliance reform
Demonstrated skills in financial and operational management, including budget development and reporting
Strong communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder engagement skills, including community consultation and advocacy
Knowledge of workforce development, industrial relations, and employee wellbeing strategies in complex care environments.
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 Greater Hamilton region is rich with lifestyle opportunities and facilities. Whether you are already living in the area or considering a tree change to Regional Victoria, working for WDHS will enable you to pursue your profession, build your career and enjoy a great work/life balance. With the Grampians National Park and stunning beaches on your doorstep in Warrnambool, Port Fairy and Portland, and wineries dotted in between, a better lifestyle is waiting for you
Next Steps
For further details, please contact Zoe Allan at Miller Leith for a confidential discussion on or .
At WDHS, we value the unique backgrounds, experiences and contributions that our staff and visitors bring to our service. First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, people of all ages, with disabilities, and culturally and linguistically diverse people are encouraged to apply.
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