Director Brightwater Research

Clinical Excellence | Brightwater Research Centre | Permanent full-time

Drive research that transforms care and improves lives

This is a rare and genuinely exciting leadership opportunity for a research visionary who wants to make a lasting difference in the lives of older people and people living with disability.

About the role

As Director of the Brightwater Research Centre (BRC), you will set and drive the strategic research agenda for one of Western Australia's most respected care providers. Working closely with the Chief Clinical Excellence Officer, you will lead a dedicated research team, forge powerful partnerships with universities, government and industry, and champion the translation of evidence into real-world care improvements.

This is more than a research role. It is a platform to elevate Brightwater's national and international standing as a leader in aged care and disability research — and to leave a meaningful legacy.

Key responsibilities:

Strategy & Research

• Set the BRC's strategic research direction in alignment with Brightwater's organisational priorities
• Drive research excellence and translate findings into tangible care improvements

• Identify and secure grants, funding, and collaborative research ventures
• Build an innovation work stream that opens new opportunities in aged care and disability
• Champion a culture of evidence-based practice across Brightwater

Partnerships & Leadership

• Forge and nurture partnerships with universities, government, industry, and consumer groups
• Represent Brightwater at senior levels on national committees, forums, and with funding bodies
• Oversee the BRC budget and governance frameworks with rigour and accountability
• Lead, inspire, and develop your team through clear goals and a high-performance culture
• Raise the profile of BRC's research outputs through strategic communications

About you

To be successful in the role you will be a strategic and influential leader with a strong research background and a passion for improving care outcomes.

You will also bring:

• A PhD (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline
• Proven experience leading research programs or centres
• Strong track record in grant funding and research outputs
• Demonstrated ability to build partnerships and influence stakeholders at an executive level
• Experience in health, aged care, disability, or rehabilitation sectors (highly regarded)
• A commitment to innovation and evidence-based practice

Brightwater can offer you:

• A lucrative base salary plus super and the ability to salary package up to $18,550 annually, meaning you can legitimately pay less tax and increase your take-home pay
• Our unique staff benefits program, including access to BrightwaterPlus which gives you discounts with over 370 retailers and heavily discounted gym membership with access to 65 facilities across Perth
• State of the art working space with an onsite café, free parking and staff gym!
• Hybrid working options, promoting a healthy work life balance. 
• The opportunity to lead and shape a successful industry leading research function alongside a newly established Clinical Excellence department!

You will also need:

• A satisfactory National Police Clearance obtained in the last 12 months
• Current ‘C’ Class Drivers License as defined by the Department of Transport WA (DoTWA)

About Brightwater:

With a track record that dates back to 1901, care is at our core.  We stand beside our clients during times of personal change, using experience and understanding to be the support they need. We’re ready for the complexities that come with ageing and disability, including dementia, Huntington’s disease and acquired brain injury.

If you are passionate about working at a place where people are guided to create new opportunities for themselves, where people who thought they’d no longer be able to grow, are growing in new and different ways, and where people are enjoy life, making decisions and building new relationships – a place where people can pursue the dignity of independence, then submit your application, along with a cover letter, through Brightwater's online portal by COB 21 June 2026, however, shortlisting will begin immediately. Please note that Brightwater reserves the right to close the advert prior to this date.

Please read the attached job description for more information on the role, including a full list of duties and selection criteria.

For Further enquiries, please contact Zach Ooi @ 0429 088 113 or email [email protected] for a confidential chat.

Brightwater. Thrive, Connect & Belong