- Lead People & Culture strategy for a dynamic, growing health service.
- Drive workforce planning, talent, and wellbeing initiatives.
- Shape a positive, high-performing, and compassionate workplace.
The Position
Northern Health is seeking an outstanding Chief People Officer (CPO) to join its Executive Team. Reporting to the Chief Executive, the CPO will provide strategic leadership and oversight of the People & Culture directorate, ensuring the delivery of progressive, responsive, and high-impact human resource services that support Northern Health’s mission to deliver exceptional healthcare to Melbourne’s northern community.
As a key executive, the CPO will drive workforce planning, talent acquisition, capability development, and foster an inclusive, high-performing organisational culture. The role is responsible for leading all people-related functions, including workforce planning, talent acquisition, human relations, payroll and remuneration, learning and capability, occupational health & safety, and wellbeing. The CPO will champion innovation in people systems and processes, oversee programs and policies that promote a safe and healthy workplace, and ensure compliance with relevant legislation and best practice standards.[
The successful candidate will be a visionary leader with demonstrated experience in executive HR roles within large, complex organisations, preferably in healthcare or the public sector. They will possess advanced knowledge of employment law, industrial relations, and contemporary HR practices, and have a proven ability to anticipate future workforce trends and translate them into actionable strategies. Commitment to equity, inclusion, and the principles of public health service delivery is essential.
The Organisation
Northern Health is the major provider of acute, maternity, sub-acute, mental health, specialist, community, and home-based services in Melbourne’s rapidly growing outer north. Services are delivered across five main campuses: Northern Hospital Epping, Broadmeadows Hospital, Bundoora Centre, Craigieburn Centre, and Kilmore District Hospital, as well as multiple mental health service locations. Northern Health’s emergency department treats over 110,000 patients each year, and the organisation cares for over 97,000 patients admitted annually, supporting a diverse community born in more than 185 countries, speaking over 107 languages, and following over 90 religions or beliefs. With over 8,000 dedicated staff and an annual revenue turnover exceeding $900 million, Northern Health is committed to innovation, inclusion, and community wellbeing.
The organisation’s Strategic Plan 2025-29 sets out a vision of “creating a healthier future by working together, innovating and delivering great care,” underpinned by the values of Safe, Kind, and Together. Northern Health is focused on supporting the community to ‘stay well’, developing strong partnerships with other health service providers, and driving research and education to deliver excellent care and develop the next generation of clinicians and health care leaders.
To apply – click ‘Apply Now’, using reference NRHchp0925, addressing your cover letter and resume to Michael De Santis and Liz Jones of Future Leadership™, or call 1300 347 437 for further information.
