Nurse Unit Manager - Perioperative
Build your leadership career in Perioperative Nursing while enjoying the relaxed lifestyle of the Manning Valley.
Employment Type: Permanent Full Time
Position Classification: Nurse Unit Manager Level 1
Remuneration: $130,905.60 Per Annum + 12% Super + Salary Packaging
Hours Per Week: 38
Requisition ID: REQ639086
Location: Manning Hospital
Applications Close: Sunday, 1st March 2026
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.
Where You’ll Be Working
Based at Manning Hospital in Taree, you’ll be part of a vibrant regional health service. Our perioperative team provides high‑quality care across the full surgical journey, supported by three operating theatres and one procedure room, with dedicated anaesthetic and recovery services.
Manning Hospital is known for its supportive culture, strong teamwork, and commitment to safe, patient‑centred practice. Staff enjoy a collaborative workplace focused on professional growth, clinical excellence and continuous improvement.
Nestled in the beautiful Manning Valley, Taree offers the perfect blend of coastal and country living - pristine beaches, rivers and national parks just a short drive away, affordable living, welcoming communities and a relaxed lifestyle.
About the Role
As Nurse Unit Manager - Perioperative (Level 1), you’ll lead a skilled and dedicated multidisciplinary team delivering outstanding surgical care. This leadership role is pivotal in ensuring safe, efficient and compassionate perioperative services that support both patients and staff.
You’ll oversee the day‑to‑day coordination of theatre operations, maintaining optimal staffing, managing resources, and promoting a positive, high‑performing team culture. Working closely with your Nurse Unit Manager Level 3 (NUM3), Clinical Nurse Educator (CNE), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Clinical Support Officer (CSO) and Operating Theatre staff, you’ll lead quality initiatives, drive service improvements, and contribute to patient‑centred outcomes every step of the way.
Each day brings variety - from managing workflow, supporting staff and solving clinical challenges, to mentoring team members and contributing to strategic planning and continuous improvement across perioperative services.
About You
You’re an experienced perioperative nurse leader who thrives in a fast‑paced, team‑driven environment. You bring strong clinical knowledge, clear communication and a commitment to modelling compassionate, accountable leadership.
You demonstrate:
✨Registered Nurse with current Authority to Practice with AHPRA
✨Relevant post graduate qualifications in clinical leadership or management; or willingness to undertake same.
✨Excellence in leadership, coordination and communication across multidisciplinary teams
✨A proactive, solutions‑focused approach to operational challenges
✨Dedication to safe, high‑quality patient care and continuous improvement
✨The ability to inspire, mentor and support others to give their best
In return, you’ll be supported by an engaged leadership team, access to extensive professional development opportunities, and the chance to grow your career within one of NSW’s most progressive regional health services.
This is more than a management position - it’s a chance to lead with purpose, build a cohesive team culture, and make a lasting difference in the lives of patients and colleagues alike.
The Perks
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
✅Monthly Allocated Days Off (for full-time employees)
✅4 weeks annual leave (pro-rata for part time employees)
✅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
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 Cheryl Tenbosch on Cheryl.Tenbosch@health.nsw.gov.au
Information for Applicants:
Applicants will be assessed against the essential requirements and selection criteria contained within the position description (link below). For assistance addressing selection criteria visit: https://bit.ly/3vL5fq2
Stepping Up Website is a resource designed to help indigenous job applicants apply for positions in NSW Health. For more information, please visit: https://bit.ly/HNEHealthSteppingUp
This is a Category A position. Recommended applicants will be reviewed for compliance with NSW Health policy directive PD2024_015: Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination against Specified Infectious Diseases for Category A positions prior to offer. All new employees must agree to comply with the requirements outlined in the policy.
Hunter New England Health is dedicated to fostering a child-safe environment that respects and upholds the rights of children and young people, aligned with NSW Health’s commitment to implementing the Child Safe Standards. We aim to ensure that children and young people feel safe, supported, and included in their care. All current and prospective staff are expected to prioritise the safety, welfare, and well-being of children and young people, actively working to protect them from harm and abuse.
At Hunter New England Local Health District, we are an inclusive employer dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. Our commitment to a workforce that reflects the community we care for is essential for delivering the highest quality healthcare to our community. We encourage people with diverse lived experiences to apply. If you require any accommodations or adjustments to the recruitment process please let us know when you apply or at any stage of the process. We will work with you to meet your needs and create the best possible experience. Please contact HNELHD-Diversity@health.nsw.gov.au for confidential support to ensure an equitable, barrier-free application process.
Hunter New England Health employees may be eligible for a range of benefits such as allocated days off (ADO) for full time employees, long service leave, paid maternity leave, and salary packaging options including meal expenses.
An eligibility list will be created for future permanent full or part time and temporary full and part time vacancies.
