Lead Project Manager - Mental Health Reform Project

NSW Health; Sydney; On-site; AUD 154,000 - 183,000; Full time

Job summary

NSW Health is seeking a Lead Project Manager for the Mental Health Reform Project in NSW. Based at the NSW Ambulance State Operations Centre, Sydney Olympic Park, you will drive planning, delivery and evaluation of a major system-wide reform, reporting to the Associate Director Clinical Programs and partnering with multiple stakeholder groups.

You will manage governance, risk and reporting while leading a team through complex, politically sensitive environments to achieve strategic health

Qualifications

• Proven ability to lead complex programs in dynamic environments.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
• Experience delivering projects on time and within budget.
• Knowledge of change management within complex health services.
• Ability to prepare executive-level documentation and presentations.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, development, implementation and evaluation of NSW Ambulance's Mental Health Reform Project.
• Provide strategic leadership across a portfolio of work and ensure outcomes align with health objectives.
• Manage governance, reporting and risk management frameworks across the program.
• Coordinate with executives, health districts and partners to drive successful reform.
• Lead a dedicated project team and oversee stakeholder relationships.

Skills

Project management

Change management

Stakeholder engagement

Governance

Executive communication

Strategic planning

Education

Tertiary qualifications in project management

Tools

MS Project

MS Office

Job description

Be part of a unique opportunity to help transform mental health services across NSW. The Mental Health Reform Program is delivering innovative, system-wide improvements that support better access, better experiences and better outcomes for people living with mental ill-health. Join a dedicated team committed to shaping the future of mental health care and making a meaningful difference to communities across the state.

Employment Type: Temporary Full-Time up to December 2028, with possible extension.
Salary Range: $153,559 - $182,954 per annum + Super (Health Mgr Lvl 4)
Location: NSW Ambulance State Operations Centre, Sydney Olympic Park
Closing Date: 11:59 PM, Sunday 25 October 2026

About the opportunity

As the Lead Project Manager - Mental Health Reform Project, you will lead the planning, development, implementation and evaluation of NSW Ambulance's Mental Health Reform Project. Reporting to the Associate Director Clinical Programs, you will provide strategic leadership across a complex portfolio of work, ensuring project outcomes are delivered on time, within budget and aligned with organisational and State-wide whole-of-health objectives.
This is a highly visible role that will see you work closely with executive leaders, the NSW Ministry of Health, Local Health Districts, Specialty Health Networks and other key stakeholders to drive successful implementation of the Mental Health Reform Project across NSW.
You will lead a dedicated project team, manage complex stakeholder relationships, oversee governance and reporting requirements, and champion sustainable change across the organisation.

About you

You are a highly experienced project leader with a demonstrated ability to deliver complex programs in dynamic and politically sensitive environments. You bring exceptional stakeholder engagement and influencing skills and are confident navigating competing priorities while maintaining focus on strategic outcomes.

You will ideally have:

• Tertiary qualifications and/or significant experience in project management.
• Strong understanding of change management principles within complex service environments.
• Extensive experience leading large-scale projects involving multiple stakeholders and governance structures.
• Demonstrated ability to influence senior executives and build productive partnerships across organisations.
• Experience developing project governance, monitoring, reporting and risk management frameworks.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare executive-level documentation and presentations.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver outcomes in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience within healthcare, emergency services, government or other complex operational environments will be highly regarded.
  

Need Further Information

If you have any questions about this role, please contact Stephanie Looi via **************@health.nsw.gov.au
Please refer to the Role Description for further information.
Please refer to the Position Conditions for further information.

Additional Information

• Employment of temporary visa holders is only considered if no suitable permanent resident or citizen is identified after labour market testing.
• Eligibility lists and talent pools may be created and used to fill ongoing and temporary vacancies over the next 18 months at the same, or other locations, that are at the same grade and capability level.
• Applicants are expected to provide responses that reflect their own knowledge, experience, and understanding of the role.
• Any AI assisted content should still reflect your own capability; candidates may be asked to discuss or demonstrate examples during interview.
• If you are currently a Paramedic or in a role that is covered by the NSW Ambulance Death and Income Protection Benefits (State) Award 2022, please ensure that you have sought advice prior to accepting this position. For further information please contact Paramedic Insurance via***************@health.nsw.gov.au

Our Commitment

• NSW Ambulance is committed to achieving a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. All are welcome to apply, including women, Aboriginal People, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, refugees, people of diverse genders and sexuality, and people living with a disability. We value the knowledge, skills, experiences, and perspectives that all people bring to our organisation, patients, communities, and workforce.
• If you are an Aboriginal job applicant and wish to obtain more information about applying for a role with NSW Ambulance, please contact our Aboriginal Workforce Engagement Coordinator via ***************@health.nsw.gov.au or visit Stepping Up. Stepping Up aims to assist Aboriginal job applicants by providing information about applying for roles within NSW Health - visit https://www.steppingup.health.nsw.gov.au/
• If you wish to discuss any changes to the process, you may need to present your best self, including accessibility requirements; please contact the panel convenor or recruitment team for support at NSW Ambulance Corporate Recruitment Team via ***************@health.nsw.gov.au
• Additionally, you can contact the NSW Ambulance Diversity & Inclusion Team at***************@health.nsw.gov.au

Child Safe Employment

• NSW Ambulance is dedicated to fostering a child-safe environment that respects and upholds the rights of children and young people, aligned with NSW Health’s commitment to implementing the Child Safe Standards. We aim to ensure that children and young people feel safe, supported, and included in their care. All current and prospective staff are expected to prioritise the safety, welfare, and well-being of children and young people, actively working to protect them from harm and abuse.