Title: Preoperative Planned Surgery Innovation Lead
Requisition ID: 7012
Location:
Eastern Health, VIC, AU, 3128
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Job Posting Date: 20 Aug 2026
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Preoperative Planned Surgery Innovation Lead
Part time Fixed-Term Opportunity | 32 hours per week until June 30 2027
Lead the review and analysis of current pre-operative planned surgery services
Collaborative multidisciplinary teams | Work alongside professionals from diverse fields
Eastern Health
Eastern Health is one of Melbourne’s largest public health services. We provide a range of emergency, surgical, medical and general healthcare services and have a proud history of serving a diverse community.
Our Employee Value Proposition is “Being a part of Eastern Health means belonging to a welcoming team of healthcare experts”.
This statement aligns with our promise to our communities, patients, consumers and staff that we will be HEALTHIER TOGETHER. Bolder than a vision for the future, our promise calls us to action. We know that working together is the only way we can achieve what is necessary for a healthier future.
About the role
Eastern Health is seeking expressions of interest from experienced and motivated professionals to undertake the role of Preoperative Planned Surgery Innovation Lead.
This is a unique opportunity to lead a strategic review of pre-operative planned surgery services across Eastern Health and contribute to the design of future models of care that improve patient experience, operational efficiency and service outcomes.
Reporting through the Planned Surgery Services Manager to the Deputy Director Operations Pre-Admission and Deputy Director Operations Planned Surgery, the successful applicant will lead a comprehensive review of pre-operative planned surgery pathways and services. Working collaboratively with clinical, operational and executive stakeholders, you will identify opportunities for innovation, pathway redesign and service improvement.
Key responsibilities include:
Leading the review and analysis of current pre-operative planned surgery services and patient pathways.
Undertaking stakeholder consultation and co-design activities across Eastern Health.
Benchmarking against contemporary best-practice models and comparable health services.
Analysing clinical, operational and performance data to identify opportunities for improvement.
Developing evidence-based recommendations and future-state service designs.
Supporting organisational decision-making through high-quality reports, presentations and briefing papers.
Applying project management, redesign and continuous improvement methodologies to service review and planning activities.
About You
To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate:
Experience leading healthcare reform, service redesign or improvement initiatives.
Strong project management and organisational skills.
Advanced stakeholder engagement, communication and influencing capabilities.
The ability to analyse data and translate findings into practical recommendations.
Experience leading change across multidisciplinary teams.
Excellent written communication skills, including report writing and executive-level presentations.
The ability to work autonomously while managing competing priorities.
Highly Regarded
Understanding of pre-operative and planned surgery systems and processes.
Experience within Victorian public health services.
Experience in clinical governance, quality improvement and redesign methodologies.
Experience implementing innovative or virtual models of care.
Postgraduate qualifications in Health Management, Project Management, Leadership, Quality Improvement or a related discipline.
Why Apply?
This role offers the opportunity to make a significant contribution to Eastern Health's strategic priorities and help shape the future delivery of planned surgery services. The successful applicant will work closely with senior leaders and key stakeholders across the organisation to drive innovation and service excellence.
How to Apply
To express your interest, please submit:
A current CV; and
A cover letter (maximum two pages) outlining your suitability for the role and addressing the key selection criteria.
Applications close: 20 September 2026
Eastern Health welcomes applications from staff across a variety of professional backgrounds, including nursing, allied health and administration, who possess the skills and experience required for this exciting opportunity.
Healthcare workers are strongly recommended to follow COVID vaccination recommendations provided in the Australian Immunisation handbook (based on ATAGI advice). Seasonal vaccination against influenza is a mandatory requirement of this role and an offer is conditional on this being up to date prior to employment.
Those that are offered and/or start between January and April do not require an up to date vaccination for Influenza to progress providing they are aware of its requirement later in the year. Those that are offered and/or start between May and December require the up to date Influenza vaccination prior to offer.
What we offer
Eastern Health offers a variety of fantastic Employee Benefits, view the extensive range here!
Mentor and Shadowing program
Access to discovery days across our 50 sites
Study and professional development leave
Friendly & supportive teams
Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Fitness Passport for work-life balance
Employee Assistance program accessible for you and your loved ones
Flexible working hours and excellent entitlements
Salary packaging options and an employee benefits scheme
Access to Private Health Insurance offers
Digital upskilling, such as excel and Power-Bi training
Cafes at all of our Hospitals
Next Steps
Apply online if you feel we are a good match, you have the skills and qualities to make a difference, and are eligible to work in Australia.
We review all applications when we receive them, and we notify unsuccessful candidates.
If you are shortlisted, we will be in touch to arrange an interview, and you must complete a National Police Check.
Good to know:
We are an equal opportunity employer and actively promote equality for people of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, and for people living with disability – within the communities we serve and our Eastern Health team.
We provide a culturally safe and welcoming environment for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander employees.
As a child-safe organisation, we ensure child safety and wellbeing is embedded in our everyday culture.
Vaccination and screening for immunity to vaccine-preventable disease is a mandatory requirement of this role.
Advertising may end before the closing date.
We do not accept recruitment agency application
If you are a current Eastern Health employee please ensure you log in with your internal Eastern Health account to apply for this or other roles.
Please
Contact Person: Kate Kidd
Contact Number: 0400 355 700
Contact Email: [email protected]
Job Posting End Date: September 20th 2026
Need help submitting your application?
Just contact the Hiring Manager in the advertisement or call the Talent Acquisition Team on (03) 9955 7555 (Option 1) | Medical Workforce Unit on (03) 9895 3469. [TA for Non Medical roles, MWU for Medical roles]
Our Values in Action:
Respect for all | Safe always | Partnering in care | Learning and improving every day
