Theatre Nurse Manager - Surgical Services
Lead with impact in a high-performing surgical service.
Employment Type: Permanent Full Time
Position Classification: Nurse Manager Grade 5
Remuneration: $159,796.87 - $162,504.94 + Super + Salary Packaging
Hours Per Week: 38
Requisition ID: REQ660393
Closing Date: Sunday 14th June 2026
About Our Role:
We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Theatre Nurse Manager Grade 5 to lead our Surgical services theatre team within one of NSW’s busiest and most complex trauma and Tertiary level 6 elective surgical centres. This is a significant leadership opportunity within a high-performing 24/7 operating service managing a large elective waitlist and delivering care across a fast-paced, high-acuity environment.
Reporting into the Surgical services manager, you will provide strategic and operational leadership to a large multidisciplinary team while fostering a culture of safety, accountability, collaboration, and excellence in patient care.
This role oversees a strong leadership structure including direct management of 5 NUMs, Theatre Scheduling Nurse Manager, Equipment Officers and Nurse Educators. Our theatres operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. While this position works standard business hours Monday to Friday, the role provides leadership oversight across the broader service.
As Theatre Nurse Manager you will play a key role in leading service delivery improvements, workforce planning, operational efficiency, and strategic initiatives while navigating complex people management, HR processes, and change management within a demanding clinical environment.
The successful candidate will be a highly capable and resilient people leader with demonstrated experience managing high-pressure situations, driving performance outcomes, and creating a positive and psychologically safe workplace culture.
While a perioperative/theatre background is desirable, it is not essential. We are seeking a leader who can demonstrate current experience in a comparable senior management role with strong operational and workforce leadership capability.
About You
- Registered nurse with current AHPRA and relevant post graduate experience
- Demonstrated experience in the management of financial, human resource and clinical risk management and the ability to develop and implement strategies to achieve improved outcomes
- Strong communication and the ability to lead change across a demanding, busy, and complex environment where there are competing priorities working to strict deadlines
- Coordination of patient quality and safety in a complex perioperative services environment
- Maintaining the use of budgeted FTE in conjunction with allocated resources and ensuring the provision of quality care to patients. Matching financial activity to performance targets and effective resource allocation
- Building a positive professional culture that facilitates effective health service delivery outcomes in a constantly changing environment
Essential Criteria
- Current registration as a Registered Nurse
- Hold a master’s degree in nursing/healthcare or relevant post graduate experience
What we can offer you:
✅ Opportunities for ongoing learning and professional development
✅ 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 Alison Edwards on alison.edwards@health.nsw.gov.au
Additional Information
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.
An eligibility list will be created for future temporary full or part time vacancies.
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.
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.
Salary Packaging: is beneficial to most Hunter New England Health employees and may increase your take-home pay! Salary package a range of personal expenses including novated motor vehicle leases, relocation expenses, and HECS/HELP debt. Find out more by contacting SalaryPackagingPLUS! via nswhealth@salarypackagingplus.com.au or 1300 40 25 23.
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.
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