National Director, Strategy Implementation

AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency); Sydney; On-site; AUD 250,000 - 360,000; Full time

Job summary

Ahpra seeks an accomplished executive to lead the implementation of the National Scheme Strategy 2026-2031 and support Ahpra to continuously improve as a health regulator. Reporting to the Executive Director, Corporate Affairs and Regulatory Governance, this role drives enterprise-wide leadership for outcomes measurement, corporate planning, strategic governance and board reporting.

Leading a small, high-performing team, you will align priorities, monitor progress and guide decision-making in a

Responsibilities

• Lead implementation of the National Scheme Strategic Framework
• Drive enterprise-wide strategic planning and oversee delivery of key strategic initiatives through the corporate planning process
• Lead the development of compelling strategic narratives that clearly communicate progress, outcomes, risks and opportunities
• Establish and maintain effective governance, oversight and reporting mechanisms to support strategic delivery and organisational accountability
• Lead development and ongoing maturity of organisational outcomes measurement, performance evaluation and benefits realisation frameworks
• Ensure project management and change management disciplines are consistently applied across strategic priorities
• Provide high-level strategic advice, reporting and insights to the Ahpra Board and Executive Leadership Team to inform decision-making and organisational performance

Job description

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) works in partnership with 15 National Boards to implement the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme for health professionals. We protect the public by only registering practitioners with the necessary skills, qualifications and expertise to practise safely in Australia.

About the role

Reporting to the Executive Director, Corporate Affairs and Regulatory Governance, this is a rare opportunity to lead the implementation of the National Scheme Strategy 2026-2031 and support Ahpra to continuously improve as a health regulator. This highly-visible executive role sits at the centre of Ahpra's strategic agenda, providing enterprise wide leadership for our new outcomes measurement framework, corporate planning, strategic governance, organisational performance and board reporting. You will ensure strategic priorities are translated into coordinated action, supported by robust oversight, clear measures of success and a consistent approach to project and change delivery across the organisation.

Leading a small, high-performing team, you will bring together people, priorities, and information from across Ahpra to provide confidence that strategic initiatives are delivering their intended outcomes. Working closely with the Executive Leadership Team, you will oversee the narrative of strategic progress, identify emerging risks and opportunities, and help guide organisational decision making in a complex and evolving environment.

About you

You are an accomplished executive leader who excels at bringing people together around a shared goal and creating the conditions for successful organisational change. You have experience leading large scale transformation, implementation or enterprise performance functions and are recognised for your ability to navigate complexity, build trust and influence outcomes across diverse stakeholder groups.

A strategic thinker with strong judgement, you can distil complex issues into clear insights and communicate with credibility at board and executive level. You have a track record of building alignment, momentum and accountability in environments where success depends on collaboration rather than authority. Experience within regulatory, government, public sector or similarly complex operating environments will be highly regarded.

Key responsibilities

• Lead implementation of the National Scheme Strategic Framework
• Drive enterprise-wide strategic planning and oversee delivery of key strategic initiatives through the corporate planning process.
• Lead the development of compelling strategic narratives that clearly communicate progress, outcomes, risks and opportunities.
• Establish and maintain effective governance, oversight and reporting mechanisms to support strategic delivery and organisational accountability.
• Lead development and ongoing maturity of organisational outcomes measurement, performance evaluation and benefits realisation frameworks.
• Ensure project management and change management disciplines are consistently applied across strategic priorities.
• Provide high-level strategic advice, reporting and insights to the Ahpra Board and Executive Leadership Team to inform decision-making and organisational performance.

Ahpra is a values-led organisation that promotes flexibility, inclusion and employee wellbeing.

This is an opportunity to play a pivotal role in one of Australia's most significant national regulatory organisations. You will help shape how strategy is translated into meaningful outcomes, influencing the future direction and performance of the National Scheme while contributing to safer healthcare for the community.

This is a full time, five year Executive contract available in any Ahpra location.

Offer of employment is subject to successful background (pre-employment screening) and Criminal History checks.

Ahpra requires all employees to comply with Ahpra policies, including the Hybrid and Flexible working arrangements policy

Ahpra is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. We strongly encourage people of all abilities to apply, particularly people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, and those who may experience diversity or disability related barriers in securing employment. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at time of application.