Director, Mental Health Drug and Alcohol - Wagga Wagga

• Lead the transformation of mental health, drug and alcohol services
• Join a collaborative, purpose-driven executive leadership team
• Drive community impact while growing your leadership experience

The Organisation

Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) spans over 125,000 square kilometres in southern NSW, serving a diverse population of more than 240,000 across rural and regional communities. As the largest employer in the region, MLHD operates 33 hospitals and 12 primary health care centres, supported by a workforce of over 5,000 staff. MLHD delivers specialist mental health and drug and alcohol services across both acute inpatient and community settings, with key service hubs in Wagga Wagga, Griffith, Deniliquin, Tumut, Young and Temora. Guided by the values of collaboration, openness and respect, MLHD is committed to delivering person-centred, culturally safe care for all.

The opportunity

The Director, Mental Health Drug and Alcohol (MHDA) is a pivotal senior leadership role within Murrumbidgee LHD accountable for setting and implementing strategic direction and service transformation while also overseeing the day-to-day operational delivery of the mental health drug and alcohol services across the Murrumbidgee region. Reporting to the Executive Director, Service Delivery, and leading a team of six direct reports, the role drives innovation, integration, and outcomes-focused care that responds to evolving community needs.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the design, delivery and continuous improvement of MHDA services spanning community-based and acute care settings.
• Driving complex change and service transformation through strong clinical governance, consumer focus and stakeholder engagement.
• Managing operational budgets and performance to ensure the delivery of safe, high-quality and efficient clinical services.
• Building capability and culture across multidisciplinary teams to support innovation, workforce excellence and sustainable service models.
• Influencing internal and external partnerships to improve patient outcomes, system integration and long-term population health impact.

About You

Our ideal candidate is a strategic and values-led senior leader with deep expertise in managing large-scale service delivery functions, ideally within the mental health, drug and alcohol or broader health ecosystem.  An understanding of Activity Based Funding models is also beneficial.  A natural collaborator and people-centric leader, you will also possess:

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Health Management, Business or other relevant fields and equivalent extensive senior management experience in line with the position.
•  An understanding of contemporary issues in Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol, with the ability to align services to national, state and District priorities.
• A track record of successfully leading strategic planning, transformation initiatives and major projects across diverse clinical and operational settings.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement, communication and team leadership skills, with the ability to inspire, influence and deliver sustainable change.
• Strong capability in resource management across financial, human, and physical assets to ensure efficient, high-quality service outcomes.

Essential requirements for the role include a National Police Check, Vaccination Category B, Class C Drivers' license and the ability /willingness to travel for work purposes noting this may involve driving long distances within the health service.

What’s on Offer

This is an exciting time to join Murrumbidgee LHD and lead the Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol service as the District looks to bring a fresh approach to service delivery to enhance culture and connectivity of the MHDA team while also driving innovative and community led service models.

How to Apply

For a confidential discussion or role related questions, please contact Hannah Arnott of The Orchard Talent Group on (02) 9157 6226 or email hannah@orchardtalent.com.au.

To apply please submit your current CV via the link. Please note applicants must have a legal right to work in Australia. 

Applications close 10 June 2025