Director of Clinical Services – Cardiac and Surgical Services in Malvern

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.

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.

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

• 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.
• 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.

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.

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. 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.

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 plus a Working with Children Check (WWCC) may also be requested. Vaccination for COVID-19 is highly recommended.