Deputy Director of Nursing - Women's Children and Specialist Outpatient Services | Warrnambool

Job Description

Position overview

• Employment Type: Full time, Ongoing position
• Location: Warrnambool Campus
• Classification: Deputy Director of Nursing 8b Campus

About the role

South West Healthcare (SWH) is seeking an experienced and collaborative nursing and midwifery leader to join our senior leadership team as Deputy Director of Nursing (DDON) - Women, Children and Specialist Outpatient Services.

In this leadership role, you will provide strategic and operational oversight of nursing and midwifery services across the portfolio, supporting the delivery of safe, high-quality, and family-centred care for our community. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), with a professional reporting line to the Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer,  you will play a key role in service improvement, workforce development, clinical governance, and operational performance.

As SWH's designated Senior Midwife, you will champion excellence in midwifery practice, strengthen governance and professional standards, and help shape innovative services that meet the evolving needs of women, children, and families across the region.

What you bring

You are a respected health leader with expertise in clinical governance, service delivery, and leading change to improve quality, safety, and outcomes. We are looking specifically for the following;

• Current dual registration with AHPRA as both a Registered Nurse and a Registered Midwife.
• Demonstrated knowledge of contemporary practices and innovation in the provision of the full breadth of Women's, Children's and Specialist Outpatient Services, including regulatory and mandatory requirements.
• Extensive experience at nursing and midwifery management level with relevant postgraduate/tertiary management qualifications or working towards same, Master's level qualification is desirable.
• Demonstrated understanding of business principles which apply to the health industry in Australia.
• Demonstrated experience in budget and KPI development, review and monitoring.
• Demonstrated evidence of achieving innovative cultural change through implementing and evaluating, performance, policies and standards pertaining to clinical nursing and midwifery services.
• Demonstrated knowledge and expertise in quality, safety and clinical governance principles; and their application to risk management within a healthcare environment, including formulating new approaches and developing comprehensive implementation strategies for services.
• Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively with external partners and staff at all levels of the organisation.
• Demonstrated high level organisational ability including the ability to set priorities and achieve results, to work autonomously and meet deadlines, and be outcome focused.
• Excellent writing and analytical skills including a demonstrated ability to prepare reports using clear, concise language, logical sequencing and content appropriate to the purpose and audience.

What we offer

You will enjoy benefits such as:

• Excellent salary packaging options including meals & entertainment, novated leasing and additional superannuation contributions
• Internal and external professional development opportunities
• A range of internal development opportunities focusing on personal development such as resilience and mentoring workshops and comprehensive leadership programs
• Excellent terms and conditions of employment

Who we are

As an organisation, SWH prides itself on its values, of Care, Respect, Excellence, Integrity and Leadership, and its overall dedication to the local community. Learn more about SWH here.

SWH is the largest health service in South West Victoria, providing acute, mental health, rehabilitation, and aged care together with an extensive range of primary and community health services across the South West catchment. SWH is the lead agency for the South West Local Health Service Network, presenting an exciting opportunity for SWH to provide strong leadership and support across the entire region. With a population of approximately 39,000 and a catchment of 100,000 Warrnambool is the regional centre of Victoria's Great South Coast.

To learn about the vibrant city and region please visit: http://www.warrnambool.com/

How to apply

Submit your application by selecting the Apply button below and include a cover letter and resume by Sunday 6 December 2026. Please ensure you address the selection criteria as outlined in the position description.

The successful applicant will be required to be eligible for and undergo the following:

• Police Record Check
• Employee Working with Children's Check, where required
• Current Immunisation status

South West Healthcare is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to Inclusion, Diversity & Equity by providing a trusting workplace that is safe, respectful and inclusive of all individuals, and that be ensuring workplaces reflect the diversity of the communities in which we operate. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, people with disability, people of all genders, and member of the LGBTQI+ community. We are committed to the Child Safe Standards, which aim to protect children and young people.

Note: If you experience any difficulties using this website or require assistance at any stage of the recruitment process, please email: humanresources@swh.net.au