Head of Operations Governance and Quality Assurance

• Salary breakdown: Up to $170,000 + Superannuation + Salary Packaging ($15,900.00 + Meal & Entertainment expenses)
• Randwick Location
• Play a pivotal role in scaling innovative mental health services, clinical trials, and research translation programs 

About the Institute

Located on the lands of the Bidiagal Clan of the Dharawal Nation (Randwick, NSW), Black Dog Institute is the only Medical Research Institute in Australia to investigate mental health across the full lifespan, our aim is to create a mentally healthier world for everyone. For over 20 years, we have been at the forefront of mental health research and have maintained a reputation as the face of mental health research and treatment in Australia. 

Through our unique ‘translational’ research approach, we turn our world-class research into treatments, prevention strategies, clinical services, educational programs, and e-health products. These allow us to continue our work in leading Australia’s population health response, and champion the ongoing conversation of mental health in our society.

Our work is used to distributed through the public and is used to drive evidence informed change across the mental health sector, setting the foundation for a brighter and healthier future for all.

Benefits

• 35 hour work week, flexible hours agreements & 9-day fortnights
• Salary Packaging: $15,900.00 of your base salary tax free & up to $2650.00 meal & entertainment
• Family first, people first culture, we put our research into action at work to make sure we maintain mental health and wellbeing at work
• Pet friendly workplace
• Leave benefits including public holiday swap, gifted annual leave, and wellbeing leave 
• Employee discounts 

The Role

Reporting to the Director of Clinical Services and working closely with Clinical Leads, you will provide strategic and operational leadership to ensure services operate within a high-quality, financially sustainable and scalable framework.

 You will be responsible for strengthening governance and risk management practices, optimising workforce and operational performance, enhancing patient experience, and supporting the successful implementation of innovative clinical and research initiatives. You will also play a key role in translating successful programs into sustainable operating models that can be adopted across Black Dog Institute and partner organisations.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead operational performance across the Clinical Services Directorate.
• Drive business planning, workforce strategy and resource optimisation.
• Oversee governance, risk management, compliance and quality assurance frameworks.
• Monitor financial performance and support strategic investment decisions.
• Champion patient-centred service design and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead operational delivery of grants, funded programs, clinical trials and strategic projects.
• Develop meaningful performance reporting, dashboards and data-driven decision-making processes.
• Support new partnerships, service expansion opportunities and organisational growth.
• Build scalable operational and quality frameworks that enable innovation and long-term impact.

Skills & Experience Required 

You are an accomplished operational leader who thrives in complex and mission-driven environments. You bring a strategic mindset, strong governance expertise and a track record of translating ambitious goals into sustainable operational outcomes.

To be successful, you will have:

Essential

• A tertiary qualification in health management, healthcare administration, public health, business management, psychology, nursing, allied health or a related discipline.
• Significant experience leading complex healthcare, clinical, research or service delivery operations.
• At least five years' experience in a senior leadership role with accountability for operational performance, governance, workforce management and strategic outcomes.
• Experience leading organisational change, service transformation and implementation of new operating models or services.
• Strong knowledge of healthcare governance, regulatory compliance, accreditation and quality improvement frameworks.
• Experience overseeing clinical, patient management, CRM or research platforms.

Desirable

• Experience working within the not-for-profit sector.
• Knowledge of university, research or academic environments

Inclusion at BDI  

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible recruitment experience where all candidates can fully participate in the process.

We warmly encourage applications from First Nations peoples, culturally and racially diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and others from underrepresented backgrounds.

We recognise that not everyone has had equal access to opportunities, and valuable skills and perspectives can be gained through diverse life experiences.

If this role excites you but you don’t meet every listed requirement, we still encourage you to apply as your lived experience and insights are important to us.

Accessibility

If you have accessibility requirements or require information in an alternative format, please email workplaceadjustments@blackdog.org.au or phone 02 9382 4530 

Privacy

We respect your privacy and confidentiality. We only provide information to other staff where it is needed to arrange workplace adjustments.

How to Apply 
To become a part of the Black Dog Institute team, follow the link to ELMO to apply and submit your most up to date resume. If you are shortlisted for the role, we will call you and let you know you are successful. Please do not respond to any suspicious emails requesting you to upload your ID or personal details. 

Commencement of employment with the Institute is subject to the completion of relevant pre-employment checks, include reference checks, a National Criminal History Check, and other role-specific requirements.
These checks are conducted in line with the Institute’s commitment to providing a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for all employees, and check outcomes are reviewed and applied fairly and in accordance with the inherent requirements of the role