Chief Nursing Officer - Defence & National Security

Anticipated commencement: November – December 2026

Aspen Medical is seeking expressions of interest from accomplished senior nursing leaders for an executive opportunity within the Aspen Medical Defence and National Security portfolio. This critical role will provide operational strategy and leadership, monitor and maintain service quality and safety, and importantly oversee workforce development and professional advocacy. 

Working across high-value Defence and National Security programs, this role will translate complex contractual requirements into practical clinical service delivery frameworks that support clinical performance, sustainable work practices that underpin workforce retention and capability in support of long-term growth.  

About the opportunity

As Chief Nursing Officer, you will be a key member of the Defence and National Security executive leadership team and the senior professional clinical leader for the portfolio.

You will be responsible for:

• Providing executive leadership for clinical governance, professional practice, quality, safety, scope of practice and professional accountability.
• Setting the strategic direction for a large, geographically dispersed workforce, including workforce planning, attraction, retention, succession and capability development.
• Building contemporary workforce models that facilitate workforce efficiency, clinical safety and delivery effectiveness. 
• Using clinical, workforce and operational data to identify risks, improve performance and inform strategic and operational decision-making.
• Building a strong, accountable and engaged workforce culture focused on clinical excellence, professional development, wellbeing, collaboration and continuous improvement.

About you

We are looking for an executive nursing leader who combines strong clinical credibility with the commercial, operational and stakeholder capability required to succeed in a complex Government contracting environment.

You will bring:

• Current registration as a Registered Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia through AHPRA.
• Significant executive or senior nursing leadership experience within a large, complex and geographically dispersed healthcare or health service environment.
• Deep experience in clinical governance, professional practice, quality and safety, workforce capability and scope of practice.
• A strong track record in workforce strategy, including workforce planning, pipelines, attraction, retention, succession and capability development.
• Exceptional executive communication, stakeholder engagement, negotiation and influencing capability, including confidence working with senior Government clients and executive stakeholders.
• The ability to operate strategically while remaining focused on practical delivery, workforce readiness, risk management and measurable outcomes.

The successful candidate will also need to be able to obtain and maintain the required Australian Government security clearance.

Why Aspen Medical?

At Aspen Medical, you'll be part of an organisation recognised globally for delivering innovative healthcare solutions where they matter most. We invest in our people, foster an inclusive and values-driven culture, and empower our leaders to make a meaningful impact through clinical excellence, collaboration and innovation.

This opportunity will suit a senior nursing leader who wants to shape healthcare at scale and contribute to important, high-value work supporting Australia's Defence and National Security priorities.

Apply Now
If you're ready to take the next step in your executive career, we'd love to hear from you.

Please apply via the application link. We will review applications as part of our recruitment process and will be in contact with shortlisted candidates. To ensure a fair and efficient recruitment process, we are unable to respond to individual enquiries regarding this opportunity.

Aspen Medical values diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTQIA+ communities, and those from diverse cultural backgrounds. We also welcome applications from ADF veterans with relevant experience.

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