Lead, inspire and shape the future of perioperative services at Kurri Kurri Hospital.
Employment Type: Permanent Full Time
Position Classification: Nurse Unit Manager Level 2
Remuneration: $150,816.94 Per annum + 12% Superannuation + Salary Packaging
Hours Per Week: 38
Requisition ID: REQ678864
Location: Kurri Kurri Hospital
Closing Date: Sunday, 16th August 2026
About the Opportunity
An exciting opportunity has become available for an experienced Nurse Unit Manager Level 2 – Surgical Services and Waitlist to join Kurri Kurri Hospital. This newly created leadership position offers the unique opportunity to establish and shape the future direction of the perioperative service while building strong foundations for long-term success. You'll lead a diverse portfolio encompassing the Perioperative Unit, Post Anaesthetic Care Unit (PACU), Central Sterilising Unit (CSU), Day Stay Unit and Surgical Waitlist Management, ensuring safe, efficient and patient-centred service delivery. Kurri Kurri Hospital is renowned for its ophthalmology service, which forms a significant part of the surgical program alongside a range of other specialist procedures. As Nurse Unit Manager, you'll play a pivotal role in optimising theatre utilisation, improving patient flow and enhancing the surgical journey from waitlist management through to discharge. This is an exciting time to join the service as you lead the implementation of the Single Digital Patient Record (SDPR), drive continuous improvement initiatives and establish sustainable workflows that support high-quality patient care. Working collaboratively with surgeons, anaesthetists, perioperative staff and hospital leadership, you'll foster a culture of teamwork, innovation and clinical excellence.
You'll be supported by a strong network of experienced leaders and educators, including a dedicated Clinical Nurse Educator, the Nurse Manager, and fellow Nurse Unit Managers across the district. You'll also have established links with the Operations Manager at Maitland Hospital and the Maitland Nurse Educator, providing valuable opportunities for collaboration, clinical guidance and shared learning across perioperative services. This comprehensive support network will help you succeed as you establish the role, lead change and build a cohesive, high-performing team.
What You Will Be Doing
As the Nurse Unit Manager Level 2, you will provide operational and clinical leadership across Surgical Services and Waitlist Management.
In this role, you will:
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Lead and coordinate the day-to-day operations of the Perioperative Unit, PACU, CSU, Day Stay Unit and Surgical Waitlist.
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Drive the successful implementation and optimisation of the Single Digital Patient Record (SDPR).
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Develop efficient clinical workflows that enhance patient flow and maximise theatre utilisation.
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Lead change management initiatives that support service growth and continuous improvement.
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Build and maintain a positive, collaborative and high-performing team culture.
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Support and develop nursing staff through mentoring, coaching and performance development.
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Monitor key performance indicators, theatre efficiency and waitlist performance to achieve service objectives.
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Manage staffing, rostering, recruitment, budgeting and resource allocation.
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Promote evidence-based practice, patient safety and quality improvement across the service.
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Work closely with medical, nursing and multidisciplinary teams to deliver exceptional patient outcomes.
About you
We're seeking an experienced and motivated nursing leader who is passionate about perioperative services and enjoys building strong, engaged teams.
Our ideal candidate will demonstrate:
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Proven leadership experience within a perioperative or surgical services environment.
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Strong knowledge of theatre operations, patient flow and surgical waitlist management.
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The ability to lead change, drive service improvements and successfully implement new initiatives.
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Exceptional organisational, communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
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A collaborative leadership style with a genuine passion for developing staff and fostering a positive workplace culture.
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Experience improving workflow efficiencies and optimising theatre performance.
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Sound clinical judgement, resilience and the ability to make confident operational decisions in a dynamic environment.
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A commitment to patient-centred care, quality improvement and continuous service excellence.
Essential requirements:
- Current registration as a Registered Nurse with AHPRA
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Demonstrated leadership experience in a perioperative, surgical services or similar clinical setting.
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Demonstrated experience in staff management, service delivery and quality improvement.
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Excellent communication, leadership and organisational skills.
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
✅ The Welcome Experience helps you and your family connect with local people and resources, making it easier to settle in and feel at home in your new community. Learn more at www.nsw.gov.au/welcomeexperience
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 permanent full or part time and 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
[email protected] for confidential support.
Need more information?
Click here for the Position Description
about applying for this position
For role related queries or questions contact Joann Cawthorne on [email protected]
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. by contacting SalaryPackagingPLUS! via [email protected] 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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