Operator Lead - Public Private Partnership

Western Health; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Western Health is seeking a PPP Operator Lead to drive the Public-Private Partnership for Melton Hospital, ensuring service agreements, performance standards and operational readiness are met from day one.

The role involves leading engagement with the PPP consortium, coordinating with government stakeholders and Western Health leaders to embed governance, reporting and contract administration while championing innovation and patient-centred care.

Qualifications

• Experience overseeing PPP contracts, including risk, performance and dispute resolution.
• Strong governance, reporting and contract administration capabilities.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication with executives.

Responsibilities

• Take the lead in engaging with the Melton Hospital PPP consortium (Exemplar).
• Act as Western Health’s liaison between health service, PPP contractor and project team.
• Build relationships with senior executives, clinical leaders, government stakeholders and PPP partners.
• Support operational readiness, commissioning activities and integration of PPP-provided services.
• Develop governance structures, reporting frameworks, policies and contract tools.
• Promote innovation, quality improvement and alignment with Western Health values.

Skills

PPP contracts oversight

Stakeholder engagement

Governance

Communication

Education

Business/Health Admin/Construction degree

Job description

Operator Lead - Public Private Partnership

• Employment Type: Full-Time(with monthly Accrued Day Off), Fixed Term (until June 2027)
• Salary: Admin Grade 5 (+ over award commensurate with experience) + Superannuation + Salary Packaging

About the role:

Are you ready to play a pivotal role in bringing a brand-new hospital to life in one of Victoria’s fastest‑growing communities?

We are seeking a dynamic and relationship‑focused PPP Operator Lead to take the lead in ensuring the success of the Public‑Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements for Melton Hospital. You will work closely with PPP partners, government stakeholders, and Western Health leaders to ensure service agreements, performance standards, and operational readiness are delivered in line with the PPP contract. This is a rare opportunity to shape how a new hospital operates from day one.

Key responsibilities:

As the PPP Operator Lead, you will:

• Take the lead in early engagement with the Melton Hospital PPP consortium (Exemplar).
• Act as Western Health’s key liaison between the health service, the PPP contractor, and the Melton Hospital project team.
• Build strong, constructive relationships with senior executives, clinical leaders, government stakeholders and PPP partners.
• Support operational readiness, commissioning activities, and integration of PPP‑provided services into hospital operations.
• Develop governance structures, reporting frameworks, policies, and contract administration tools.
• Promote innovation, quality improvement, and alignment with Western Health values.

This role is central to safeguarding service quality, ensuring business continuity, and supporting the successful activation of Melton Hospital.

About you:

You are an experienced and confident operator who thrives in complex environments and enjoys building strong partnerships.

You bring:

• Demonstrated experience overseeing PPP contracts, including risk, performance, and dispute resolution.
• Exceptional organisational skills and a keen eye for detail.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to brief executives and produce high‑quality documentation.
• Ability to collaborate effectively and work within a constantly changing environment.
• Qualifications in Business, Health Administration, Construction, or a related discipline (desirable).
• Understanding of healthcare environments (desirable).

Click here for the Position Description.

About Western Health

Western Health is the leading healthcare provider in Melbourne’s West - one of Australia’s fastest-growing and most culturally and socioeconomically diverse regions.

More than 13,000 employees help deliver a comprehensive range of services across our hospitals, community, correctional, and home-based settings. These services include acute tertiary care, emergency and intensive care, medical and surgical specialties, mental health and wellbeing, subacute care, ambulatory care, primary care, home-based services, and residential aged care.

We are committed to driving innovation, and sustainability that improves health outcomes for our community. With specialties spanning oncology, renal care, mental health, women’s health and maternity, chronic disease management, geriatrics, and cardiology, Western Health is recognised for its expertise in managing complex and chronic conditions through integrated, patient‑centred care.

We foster a collaborative and inclusive culture where you can make a meaningful impact. We support our staff to keep learning and growing through a diverse range of education programs, partnerships with universities in medical research and professional development opportunities.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salaries, flexible work options, and wellbeing programs.
• Scholarships and grants to support ongoing learning.

Learning and Development

• Access personalised pathways through the Western Health Learning Academy.
• Opportunities for postgraduate study, clinical education, and mentorship.

Community Impact and Inclusion

• Make a difference through compassionate care in a diverse, inclusive workforce.
• Contribute to community wellbeing initiatives and healthcare research.

Organisational Culture and Environment

• Work in a collaborative, innovative team focused on continuous improvement and excellence.

Ready to make an impact?

If you’re passionate about innovation, partnership building, and shaping the future of healthcare, we’d love to hear from you.

If you are currently employed at Western Health, please ensure you sign in through the 'Employee Login' via the external Careers Page or access the Careers Page via the intranet before applying.

Closing date: 11:59pm on 8 November 2026.

Enquiries: For further information about this role, contact Kate Cranwell (Divisional Director – Operations Readiness, Melton Hospital) on 0411 440 *** or *************@wh.org.au.

Western Health is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from people of all genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and people with lived experience that strengthens their ability to do this work.

Western Health is committed to providing a safe environment for the children and young people who are involved in our services, sites and operations. We follow and abide by all legislative requirements to keep children and young people safe.

All appointments are made subject to a satisfactory Police Record Check, an Immunisation Status Clearance and a Working with Children Check (if applicable).

Western Health is committed to the psychosocial safety of all applicants and employees.

Western Health does not accept unsolicited resumes/applications from recruitment agencies.

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