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Chief Medical Officer
Department for Health and Wellbeing
Full-time, Permanent
Adelaide, South Australia
Adelaide Close Date: June 19, 2026 23:59 AEST REF: DHWcmo0526 Share:
* Provide trusted clinical leadership and advice at system level and to Government
* Strengthen safety, quality and workforce capability across SA Health
* Shape strategic partnerships across Government, health and research sectors
The Position
The Department for Health and Wellbeing seeks to appoint a Chief Medical Officer (CMO) to provide clinical leadership at the centre of South Australia’s public health system. Reporting to the Deputy Chief Executive, Clinical System Support and Improvement, the CMO is the senior medical voice across SA Health, shaping clinical governance, safety, quality and professional standards at scale. Operating at the intersection of policy, system design and frontline care, the role combines strategic influence with clinical operational insight to guide a high-performing, contemporary health system.
The CMO leads the development and implementation of statewide clinical strategy, advancing safety and quality, strengthening the medical workforce, and progressing priorities across medical education, research and professional development. Working in close partnership with Local Health Networks, chief clinical leaders and senior executives, the role drives greater integration across the system, enabling coordinated, evidence-informed care and sustained improvements in outcomes. The CMO also represents South Australia at state and national levels, engaging confidently with Government, professional bodies and academic partners to shape policy and practice.
The successful candidate will be an accomplished senior medical leader with experience operating within complex health service environments, bringing deep expertise in clinical governance, safety and quality at scale, alongside a strong understanding of hospital operations and system delivery. With a track record of influencing senior clinical, executive and Government stakeholders, they will combine strategic insight with the ability to translate policy and system priorities into practical, system-wide outcomes. Requiring credibility, judgement and a strong sense of stewardship, the CMO is recognised for leading through influence, building trust and aligning diverse clinical and system stakeholders toward shared outcomes. The role demands strong communication and advocacy capability, confidence engaging at Ministerial and public levels, and the leadership presence to navigate complexity, risk and reform while advancing high standards of clinical governance, safety and quality across the system.
The Organisation
The Department for Health and Wellbeing provides system leadership, strategic direction and policy oversight for South Australia’s public health system. SA Health delivers services across metropolitan and regional communities through Local Health Networks and statewide services, with a shared commitment to improving health outcomes for all South Australians.
Working across Government and with sector partners, the Department plays a central role in shaping a sustainable, high-performing health system that responds to the needs of communities and the broader determinants of health.
To apply – click ‘Apply Now’, using reference DHWcmo0526, addressing your cover letter and resume to Liz Jones or Sandra Kerr of Future Leadership™, or call 1300 347 437 for further information.
Lead Consultants
Sandra Kerr
Partner, Executive Search View Profile
Liz Jones
Managing Partner View Profile
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