Operational Director - Young Adults & Mental Health Services

About the role

Mater Health is seeking an Operational Director of Young Adult and Mental Health Services to lead a newly established permanent full-time role at Mater Hospital Brisbane.

This key position oversees integrated services including Catherine’s House, Clarence Street, QCEIDAH, the Emotional Health Unit, Young Adult Support Unit, and Mater in Mind. The role involves managing senior leaders, ensuring high-quality, evidence-based care, driving operational efficiency, financial sustainability, and strategic growth, especially in young people’s and perinatal mental health.

The Operational Director will secure diverse funding streams, deliver on KPIs and develop a strategy aligned with Mater’s broader goals to support private growth and service excellence.

Salary: Commensurate with experience plus superannuation and access to not-for-profit salary packaging up to $15,900 + access to many staff benefits!  

What you’ll be doing

You will lead and coordinate the integrated Young Adult and Mental Health services at Mater, driving strategic, operational, and financial outcomes while fostering a positive, collaborative culture and delivering contemporary, consumer-focused models of care.

• Represent Young Adult and Mental Health services within the Mater hospital leadership group and set the strategic agenda aligned with organisational priorities
• Provide strong leadership and direct line management to Directors and service managers, developing a high-performing leadership team
• Foster a positive workplace culture by engaging and supporting your team and broader service stakeholders
• Build and maintain high-level relationships with internal teams, external partners, and consumers to enhance service integration and collaboration
• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of contemporary models of care informed by robust consumer programs
• Oversee continuous improvement initiatives, risk management, and ensure compliance with accreditation standards and relevant legislation
• Drive performance management, coaching, and development of your direct reports to maximise service delivery and outcomes
• Manage financial sustainability and operational efficiency across private and public service streams, contributing to strategic decision-making
• Lead business development activities including grant applications, business cases, and philanthropic opportunities
• Promote workplace health and safety, embedding change management practices and innovation in service delivery

About you

You are an experienced healthcare leader with strong strategic, financial and operational skills, able to inspire teams and deliver high-quality, integrated clinical services across private and public care settings.

• Proven experience in healthcare management with qualification in a health-related discipline & relevant registration
• Demonstrated background working within clinical services delivering both private and public healthcare
• Strong strategic planning capabilities combined with financial acumen and in-depth knowledge of health funding arrangements
• Experience managing and leading teams within a health setting, with a minimum of two years’ leadership highly regarded
• Qualifications in health administration or related fields and project management experience are a plus
• Skilled in human resource management, coaching, and performance improvement initiatives
• Agile, resilient, and able to balance competing priorities across diverse service streams
• Excellent written, verbal, and public speaking communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders
• Proficient in contemporary practice management software and data analysis to support decision-making and problem-solving
• Detail-oriented with a strong focus on continuous improvement and innovative solutions across healthcare services
  

Why join us?

Mater is Queensland’s largest not-for-profit network of public and private hospitals and healthcare services, bringing together world-class expertise across healthcare, education,  fundraising & philanthropy and research. With more than 14,000 employees, 13 facilities and almost 700,000 patients cared for each year, we're committed to empowering people to live better lives through improved health and wellbeing.

At Mater, our people are at the heart of everything we do. You'll join a values-driven organisation that combines compassionate care with innovation, education and research, creating meaningful career opportunities while making a genuine difference in the communities we serve.

What’s in it for you?

• Career growth opportunities across healthcare, corporate, research and leadership pathways
• Professional development and learning through Mater Education and internal development programs
• Generous salary packaging to help maximise your take-home pay
• Health and wellbeing support, including EAP, pastoral care and discounted private health insurance
• Fitness Passport access and a range of lifestyle, retail and travel discounts
• Discounted parking and reduced prices at Mater cafés and coffee outlets
• A supportive culture where your contributions are recognised and your development matters

Whether you're looking to grow your career, develop new skills or be part of something meaningful, Mater provides the opportunity to thrive while making a lasting impact.

Be part of something bigger. Make your move with Mater. #GetBetterWithMater

Applications close Tuesday, 15th September 2026 – please note, we may contact applicants prior to the closing date, please do not hesitate to APPLY NOW.

Direct applications only — we are not engaging recruitment agencies at this time. All successful candidates may be required to complete pre‑employment checks (including criminal history, working rights, medical and working with children checks).

Mater offers a safe, supportive, flexible and inclusive workplace where everyone is valued. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and abilities. Visit our Reconciliation webpage. 

Mater ensures all children have an environment suitable for their safety and wellbeing through proper supervision and safeguarding practices.