Director of Clinical Services - Cardiac and Surgical Services

Director of Clinical Services – Cardiac and Surgical Services
Permanent Full Time position | Cabrini Malvern location

A rare senior clinical operations role at a defining moment of growth and transformation.
Opportunities of this scope, timing, and influence are uncommon. This is a chance to join at the right moment, lead at the highest level, and help shape the future of cardiac and surgical care within a respected, values-driven organisation.

Lead What Matters. Shape What’s Next.
As Director of Clinical Services – Cardiac and Surgical, you will lead one of the hospital’s most critical portfolios at a time of growth, transformation, and renewed purpose.

We are entering an exciting phase of expansion, with major redevelopment commencing mid-2026 to significantly grow our cardiac and surgical services and meet the evolving needs of our community. This role offers the opportunity to influence not only how care is delivered today, but how cardiac and surgical services are designed for the future.

We are seeking an experienced and future-focused clinical leader to join our team as Director of Clinical Services – Cardiac and Surgical. You will play a critical role in shaping the future of surgical care—ensuring patient experience, safety, and staff wellbeing remain at the centre of all decision-making.

You are trusted to stabilise, strengthen, and then transform—bringing people with you through change rather than driving it from the sidelines.

Why This Role Is Different
It is about the right role, at the right moment, for a leader ready to leave a lasting legacy.

A role with real influence
This is not a maintenance role. You will hold genuine authority across surgical services, shaping strategy, operational performance, and workforce capability in a complex and dynamic clinical environment.

A values-driven organisation
As a not-for-profit Catholic hospital, our purpose extends beyond activity and metrics. Compassion, dignity, and patient experience sit at the heart of every decision, supported by strong governance and an unwavering commitment to safety.

A pivotal moment of growth
With redevelopment and expansion of cardiac and surgical services on the horizon, this role will play a central role in planning, transition, and delivery—ensuring the organisation is ready for the next decade of care.

A supportive, collegial and high-calibre executive team
You will join a collaborative, experienced, and highly supportive executive group that values partnership, challenge, and shared accountability. Leadership here is collective, not siloed.

A leadership role that develops leaders
You will be trusted and expected to lead through coaching and mentoring—developing Nurse Managers and emerging leaders, strengthening culture, and building sustainable leadership depth across surgical services.

Who We’re Looking For
This role is intended for a leader who has already been here before.

• Has significant experience leading cardiac, surgical or acute hospital services
• Are values aligned
• Thinks strategically while maintaining strong operational discipline
• Is confident operating at senior level in complex clinical environments
• Champions Patient Safety, Work Health and Safety, and Patient Experience
• Leads with credibility, visibility, and calm authority
• Communicates with clarity, warmth, professionalism and a coaching mindset
• Thrives in complexity and is energised by change and transformation

We are seeking a leader who is energised by change, grounded in safety and quality, and motivated by the opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting impact.

Essential Criteria

• Registered Nurse with current AHPRA registration
• Postgraduate qualification in nursing, health management, or related discipline
• Demonstrated senior leadership experience in surgical or acute clinical services
• Strong understanding of clinical governance and NSQHS Standards

Desirable

• Experience in private and/or not-for-profit healthcare
• Formal leadership or executive development training
• Experience leading service redesign or large-scale change

Why join Cabrini?
You’ll be part of a values-driven organisation committed to delivering exceptional patient care, where we offer:

• Salary Packaging up to $18,850 per year tax free to increase your take-home pay
• Access to a range of staff benefits including retail offers, fitness passport, discounted hospital services and savings on eligible private health fund services
• Opportunities for career growth and professional development
• Parking on site for $4 per day(where available) as well as discounted Myki Commuter fares
• A mission driven, values-led organisation with an enjoyable workplace culture

To view the full position description click here

For more information please contact: Megan Mills, Group Director Nursing, Allied Health and Clinical Education - 0421 662 357

Does this sound like your new role? Bring your skills and enthusiasm to Cabrini Health and help optimise the patient experience and health outcomes for our community.

Cabrini Health acknowledges the importance of creating a work environment that is welcoming, safe, equitable and inclusive for people of all backgrounds and abilities. Inclusion is core to our mission.

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.

Working for Cabrini

Cabrini Health is a Catholic, private, for-purpose health service located in Melbourne’s southeast. Inspired by the mission and ethic of care of the Cabrini Sisters, providing quality, compassionate care to our community for more than 75 years.

There is something special about Cabrini Health. Our highly skilled staff and specialists incorporate clinical research, innovative models of care and state-of-the-art technology to deliver the best possible care and outcomes for our patients. We demonstrate our mission to serve our community through outreach programs that support asylum seekers, provide healthcare in rural communities and in underdeveloped countries.

Our size, reputation and growth strategy ensure genuine opportunities for our people to learn, grow and realise potential.

Our values: Compassion - Integrity - Courage - Respect

MANDATORY FOR ALL NEW STAFF TO CABRINI

Employment with Cabrini Health will be based on satisfactory background checks such as professional references, National Police Check, vaccinations for annual Influenza and COVID-19 (recommended), plus a Working with Children Check (WWCC) may also be requested.