Nurse Manager Theatre & Day Surgery

Nurse Manager Theatre and Day Surgery

Clinical Operations

Permanent Full Time, up to 76 hours per fortnight

Nurse Unit Manager Level 2 ($71.91579 p/h - NM11)

West Gippsland Healthcare Group is seeking a decisive, resilient, and visionary Theatre and Day Surgery Manager to lead our high-performing perioperative team. You will hold operational, financial, and clinical governance accountability across our theatre suites, including Scrub/Scout, Anaesthetics, PACU/Recovery as well as our Day Surgery Unit. Your leadership will directly impact patient safety, surgical efficiency, and workforce morale in our fast-paced clinical environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Clinical Governance
• Ensure absolute adherence to national patient safety guidelines, infection control protocols, and industry standards such as ACORN and NSQHS.
• Operational Leadership
• Manage theatre utilization and patient flow in close collaboration with surgeons and anaesthetists.
• Workforce Management
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, optimal rostering, skill-mix planning, and performance development for the nursing and technical teams.
• Financial Accountability
• Drive departmental KPIs, manage the annual operating budget, and oversee resource allocation for consumables and high-value surgical equipment.
• Quality Improvement
• Establish robust audit processes to monitor surgical outcomes, address performance variances, and foster a culture of continuous clinical excellence.

About You

• Qualifications and Management Experience
• Current registration as a Registered Nurse with AHPRA.
• A postgraduate qualification in Perioperative Nursing.
• A minimum of 5 years of senior clinical experience in an operating theatre setting, with a proven track record in a leadership role
• Exceptional interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse medical teams and hospital executives.
• A calm demeanor under pressure, strong business acumen and a commitment to patient-centred care.

IMPORTANT: Some roles in the healthcare sector are required to be vaccinated annually for Influenza (unless a valid exemption applies). Evidence of vaccination (or exemption) will be required to be provided prior to commencement. 

About our organisation

The West Gippsland Healthcare Group is a growing regional health service, providing acute medical and surgical, obstetric, emergency, residential care and community health services to one of the fastest growing Local Government Areas in the country – Baw Baw Shire.

The Hospital cares for approximately 11,600 inpatients, makes nearly 28,000 community visits and sees more than 20,000 emergency presentations each year.

We pride ourselves on the quality of care that’s delivered by our incredible staff. You won’t find a friendlier, and more welcoming team than at the West Gippsland Healthcare Group.

West Gippsland Healthcare Group staff benefits include:

• Flexible working arrangements
• Professional development
• Access to employee assistance program
• Salary packaging
• Free Parking

Working with us

All appointments with the West Gippsland Healthcare Group are subject to the satisfactory return of professional reference checks, a National Police Record Clearance and a current Employee Working with Children Check. All employees must hold current entitlement to work within Australia. A six month probationary period applies to all new appointments. 

Further details and how to apply

Further information is contained in the Position Description. Applications are to be submitted by selecting 'Apply Now' and should include a current CV and cover letter. Responses to the selection criteria are recommended. Shortlisted applicants will be asked to provide at least 2 professional referees. Please note, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you have any further queries, please contact Michelle McKimmie, Perioperative Services Manager. Phone: 5623 0777 or Email: michelle.mckimmie@wghg.com.au.

Applications close: 11 August 2026* (applications may close earlier)

* Applications will be reviewed as they are received. This position will remain open for a minimum of fourteen (14) days for externally advertised positions from the date of advertisement and may close earlier than the listed closing date if a suitable candidate/s are identified.

As an inclusive employer, committed to improving diversity and equity in our workforce, we encourage applications from all parts of our community, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, LGBTI people, and people with lived experience of disability.

As a Child Safe organisation, West Gippsland Healthcare Group promotes the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of all children, including those with disability.