Executive Summary
- Lead one of the largest ambulance services globally, with system-wide accountability for emergency and pre-hospital care across New South Wales, influencing health outcomes for more than eight million people
- Shape the future of a critical public service at a time of rising demand and complexity, driving performance, sustainability and integration across the broader health system
- Operate at the highest levels of government and health leadership, with significant public visibility and the opportunity to make a lasting impact on community safety and care delivery, based in Sydney at the heart of a dynamic and evolving sector.
THE OPPORTUNITY
NSW Ambulance is a critical component of the NSW public health system, delivering emergency and non-emergency care, patient retrieval services, and major event and disaster response across a population exceeding eight million people. Employing approximately 6,000 staff and supported by a large volunteer workforce across more than 300 locations, the organisation operates a substantial fleet and manages an annual budget exceeding $1 billion, positioning it as one of the largest ambulance services in the world. Within the broader Ministry of Health, NSW Ambulance functions under a defined legislative framework and plays a central role in achieving statewide health priorities, with a strong focus on patient-centred and staff-focused care.
This appointment comes at a time of sustained demand growth, increasing system complexity and heightened expectations regarding responsiveness, safety and performance. The Chief Executive will lead the organisation through these pressures while advancing strategic and clinical service planning, workforce sustainability and financial stewardship. The role is fundamental to ensuring NSW Ambulance continues to meet its statutory obligations, deliver agreed services within budget and contribute effectively to the performance of the broader health system. This includes strengthening integration with Local Health Districts and statewide clinical networks.
THE ROLE
The Chief Executive provides strategic leadership, direction and overall management of NSW Ambulance, with full accountability for organisational performance, governance and the delivery of safe, high-quality care. Reporting to the Secretary, NSW Health, the role oversees the development and implementation of strategic, clinical and operational plans, ensuring services are delivered equitably and aligned to community need. The Chief Executive leads the negotiation and execution of the Service Agreement with government, monitors performance against agreed measures and ensures transparent, accurate reporting across financial, workforce and service domains.
The role carries responsibility for establishing and maintaining robust clinical and corporate governance frameworks, ensuring compliance with legislative and regulatory obligations and alignment with National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards as they apply to ambulance services. As Chief Paramedic Officer, the incumbent provides expert advice to government on the paramedicine profession and contributes to policy and system development. The Chief Executive directs the organisation’s workforce, financial and business planning, maintaining a strong focus on operational efficiency, long-term sustainability and the effective allocation of resources to meet community needs.
Operating in a highly visible and scrutinised environment, the Chief Executive engages extensively across government, the Ministry of Health, Local Health Districts, clinicians, advisory bodies and external stakeholders. The role also represents NSW at national and international levels and contributes to emergency management governance at the highest levels of the State. Internally, the Chief Executive leads a large, geographically dispersed workforce and ensures organisational capability, culture and performance are aligned to strategic objectives and public sector values.
THE CANDIDATE
The successful candidate will have a strong record of leadership in complex, service delivery environments, ideally within the public health system or similarly large-scale, distributed organisations. They will bring demonstrated experience in driving organisational performance, managing significant financial and workforce responsibilities, and operating effectively within the constraints of government policy, funding and regulation. A deep understanding of health service delivery, governance and system integration will be essential, alongside the ability to navigate competing priorities while maintaining a clear focus on patient outcomes and organisational sustainability.
The role requires an authentic and credible leader who can engage effectively with clinicians, executives, government stakeholders and Boards, fostering collaboration and alignment across the system. The successful candidate will demonstrate sound judgement, resilience and the ability to lead through complexity, scrutiny and change, supported by highly developed communication and influencing skills. Personal attributes will include integrity, accountability and a commitment to public value, with the capacity to build a culture of high performance, openness and continuous improvement. This is a significant and rewarding opportunity to lead a critical public service at scale and to make a lasting impact on community health outcomes across New South Wales.
Find out more information in the candidate information pack.
We invite you to discuss this exceptional leadership opportunity with:
Paul Ingle
Chief Executive Officer
M. +61 (0)402 796 125
E. [email protected]
Pete Carter
Principal Search Consultant
M. +61 (0)448 729 077 | M. +64 (0)27 287 5937
E. [email protected]
