Perioperative Nurse Unit Manager

A unique leadership opportunity in a diverse perioperative service within a supportive regional hospital.

Employment Type: Temporary Full Time & Part Time until February 2027
Position Classification: Nurse Unit Mgr Lvl 1
Remuneration: $66.02 per hour + superannuation + salary packaging
Hours Per Week: 38
Requisition ID: REQ628046
Location: Scott Memorial Hospital 
Applications Close: Sunday 11th January 2026 

Where you'll be working
Scott Memorial Hospital is a small district hospital located in the beautiful town of Scone, approximately 100km south of Tamworth, famously known as the Horse Capital of Australia. The hospital provides essential services to the local community, including a busy Emergency Department, medical ward and maternity unit.
Our staff are an integrated, close-knit team who work collaboratively to achieve optimal patient outcomes and enjoy regular social club activities that foster strong workplace culture.
The Perioperative Suite at Scone Hospital includes:

• 1 operating theatre
• 1-bed anaesthetic bay
• 2-bed Post Anaesthetic Care Unit (PACU)
• Day Stay Unit with 4 recliner chairs

You will require excellent interpersonal skills to work effectively within a united multidisciplinary perioperative team. This is a diverse role encompassing both clinical and non-clinical responsibilities across:

• Endoscopy
• General surgery
• Minor orthopaedic surgery
• Gynaecological surgery

What you'll be doing
As the Nurse Unit Manager – Perioperative Services, you will lead and manage a skilled, tight-knit team within a small but dynamic perioperative service.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing clinical and non-clinical morning shifts throughout the week
• Leadership and oversight of approximately 12 theatre lists per month
• Managing and rostering staff across instrument, circulating, anaesthetic and post-anaesthetic nursing roles
• Supporting additional services including:
  • Infusion unit (2 days per month)
  • Pre-operative and post-operative surgical wound clinic (twice per month)
• Ensuring safe, efficient and high-quality perioperative care delivery

About you
We are seeking a passionate, dynamic and engaging Nurse Unit Manager who thrives in a small-team environment.

You will bring:

• Proven leadership and management experience in perioperative services
• Strong communication skills using information technology, written and verbal methods
• The ability to negotiate resolutions and manage conflict effectively
• Excellent time management and organisational skills
• Adaptability, approachability and strong leadership qualities
• Experience assessing and supervising staff competence and performance

Essential/Desirable Skills and Experience:

• Clinical experience in instrument, circulating, anaesthetic and/or endoscopy reprocessing roles
• Ability to work effectively within small teams and communicate with nearby perioperative units when required
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience as a Health Service Manager and/or Perioperative Clinical Nurse Consultant
• Experience working as a Nurse Unit Manager or in collaboration with NUMs at nearby perioperative units

Why join us?

• Small, familiar and hardworking team
• Supportive and collaborative work environment
• Opportunity to lead a diverse perioperative service
• Lifestyle benefits of working in a regional NSW community

What we can offer you 
At Hunter New England Health enjoy a career where you're challenged by interesting work and surrounded by spectacular locations. Join the team enriching health in millions of ways every day: 

• Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero
• 4 weeks annual leave (pro-rata for part time employees) 
• 6 weeks annual leave (for eligible full time nurses) 
• Paid parental leave (for eligible employees) - giving you the opportunity for true Worklife balance 
• Salary packaging options - up to $11,600 plus novated leasing 
• Fitness Passport for health and well-being - discounted gym options for you and your family
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and family members 

 

Additional Information

• An eligibility list will be created for future temporary full or part time vacancies. 
• This position is full time; however, job share and/or part time arrangements will be considered.
• To be eligible for permanent employment in this position you must be an Australian Citizen, or a permanent resident of Australia, or a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand Passport. Employment of a temporary visa holder may only occur if no suitable local candidate is identified for the position; in this instance, you may only be offered employment in line with the conditions and expiry date of your visa. 
• We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position.  

Need more information? 
  1) Click here for the Position Description 
  2) Find out more about applying for this position
For role related queries or questions contact Sally Burey on Sally.Burey@health.nsw.gov.au

Information for Applicants: