Director, Project Design

Shape the Future of Healthcare Infrastructure in South Australia.

Overview:

The Department for Health and Wellbeing (DHW) is an administrative unit under the Public Sector Act 2009 with responsibility for setting strategic direction and statewide policy, as well as the performance of the public health system through high-level system direction and performance management.

SA Health is how we describe the public health system as a whole. It includes the Department, ten Local Health Networks, and Statewide Clinical Support Services, SA Ambulance Service, SA Dental Service, Prison Health, and Drug and Alcohol Services SA.

SA Health is committed to delivering a comprehensive and sustainable health system to enhance the health and wellbeing of individuals, families, and communities. Through the initiatives of the SA Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2020-2025, SA Health aims to refocus energy on maintaining good health through prevention, promotion, and early intervention plans.

The opportunity:

A unique opportunity has emerged for a seasoned executive to lead the design vision for one of Australia’s exciting healthcare infrastructure projects; the New Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Adelaide, South Australia.

As Director, Project Design, you will join an established and highly capable team, leveraging your expertise with the team as the project transitions into its next critical phase. This role is focused on driving the design process forward through to IFC drawings, delivered through a design and construct model. It presents a unique opportunity to contribute to shaping the future of health services while collaborating within a values-driven public sector environment that prioritises integrity, accountability, and inclusivity.

This high-profile government project demands visionary leadership, strategic foresight, and exceptional stakeholder engagement skills. You will oversee the end-to-end design process, ensuring alignment with scope, quality, safety, budget, and schedule while fostering collaboration across multidisciplinary teams. This is your chance to make a lasting impact on public health by shaping an innovative hospital that meets current and future healthcare needs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the Design Vision: Oversee all aspects of the hospital's design process from concept through delivery, ensuring technical outputs align with stakeholder outcomes and project requirements.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with clinicians, consumers, contractors, and government agencies to deliver innovative solutions that address complex healthcare challenges.
• Strategic Oversight: Anticipate long-term operational impacts of design decisions while providing expert advice to governance committees on resolving complex challenges.
• Innovation & Best Practice: Integrate global trends and best practices in healthcare facility design to ensure cutting-edge solutions are implemented.
• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate risks related to scope, budget constraints, or compliance issues within the project governance framework.
• Executive Leadership: Inspire high-performance culture within internal teams and external contractors while maintaining focus on shared objectives.

Key Requirements:

• Design & Construct Expertise: Extensive experience delivering large-scale healthcare infrastructure projects, with a strong design and construct background underpinned by qualifications in engineering, architecture, or related fields.
• Technical Acumen: Deep knowledge of healthcare regulations, building codes, medical equipment integration, sustainable design practices, and industry standards.
• Strategic Leadership: A track record of managing substantial capital projects involving diverse stakeholders in complex social, economic, and political environments.
• Exceptional Communication Skills: Ability to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels, including government agencies, while fostering trust and collaboration.
• Commitment to Inclusivity: A culturally responsive approach that values diverse perspectives and ensures every voice is heard throughout the design journey.

If you are a visionary leader passionate about driving innovation in healthcare infrastructure while navigating complex multi-stakeholder environments, this is your opportunity to shape the future of public health in South Australia.

Applications close Friday, 20th November 2026.

To apply, please click "Apply" or contact Ella Morgan directly on 08 8216 3553 or ella.morgan@robertwalters.com.au for a confidential discussion.