Nurse Unit Manager

Hunter New England Local Health District; Newcastle-Maitland; On-site; AUD 130,000 - 158,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

12% Superannuation

Salary Packaging

Monthly Allocated Days Off

4 weeks annual leave

Fitness Passport

Job summary

Hunter New England Local Health District in Maitland Hospital is seeking a Nurse Unit Manager to lead an established 10-bed unit, overseeing clinical and operational management. You will provide visible leadership while ensuring safe, high-quality patient care and staff development.

The role requires current RN registration with AHPRA and several years in clinical nursing management, with a focus on safety, quality improvement and service delivery.

Qualifications

• Current registration as a Registered Nurse with AHPRA.
• Several years of experience in clinical nursing management or a comparable leadership role.
• Strong clinical leadership and people management skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with experienced clinicians.
• Excellent communication, organisation and decision-making skills.
• A strong commitment to patient-centred care, safety and quality improvement.
• Ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining a visible clinical leadership presence.
• Willingness to embrace change and identify opportunities to improve the service.
• The confidence to lead change while engaging and supporting staff throughout the process.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support an experienced nursing team.
• Provide clinical leadership and oversight of the unit.
• Manage staffing, performance, workforce planning and day-to-day people management.
• Coordinate the daily operations and priorities of the service.
• Maintain a strong focus on patient safety, quality care and clinical standards.
• Work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team to support positive patient outcomes.
• Identify opportunities to improve workflows, processes and service delivery.
• Lead and support change initiatives within the unit.
• Utilise periods of supernumerary time to focus on clinical management, team development and service improvement.
• Build a positive, collaborative and supportive workplace culture.
• Work closely with senior nursing leadership and other NUMs to achieve broader service objectives.

Skills

Clinical leadership

People management

Communication

Decision making

Education

Nurse registration (AHPRA)

Job description

Lead an experienced team, shape positive change and make a real impact on patient care.

Employment Type: Temporary Full Time (Until June 2027)

Position Classification: Nurse Unit Manager Level 1

Remuneration: $143,997.20 per annum + 12% Superannuation + Salary Packaging

Hours Per Week: 38

Requisition ID: REQ687465

Location: Maitland Hospital

Closing Date: Sunday 13th September 2026

About The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Nurse Unit Manager to lead an established, clinically focused team within a 10-bed unit. This is an opportunity for an experienced nurse leader who enjoys being visible and engaged within the clinical environment while also managing the people, processes and day-to-day operations of the unit. The unit is supported by shared Senior Clinical Support Officers (SCOs) and Ward Clerks, providing additional support to help ensure the smooth and effective running of the service.

What You Will Be Doing

This is a varied leadership role that combines clinical and operational management. You will provide visible leadership to the team while maintaining a strong focus on safe, high-quality patient care.

You Will

• Lead and support an experienced nursing team.


• Provide clinical leadership and oversight of the unit.


• Manage staffing, performance, workforce planning and day-to-day people management.


• Coordinate the daily operations and priorities of the service.


• Maintain a strong focus on patient safety, quality care and clinical standards.


• Work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team to support positive patient outcomes.


• Identify opportunities to improve workflows, processes and service delivery.


• Lead and support change initiatives within the unit.


• Utilise periods of supernumerary time to focus on clinical management, team development and service improvement.


• Build a positive, collaborative and supportive workplace culture.


• Work closely with senior nursing leadership and other NUMs to achieve broader service objectives.

About You

We are looking for an experienced clinical leader who is confident managing an established team and is ready to contribute to the continued development of the unit.

You Will Bring

• Current registration as a Registered Nurse with AHPRA


• Several years of experience in clinical nursing management or a comparable leadership role.


• Strong clinical leadership and people management skills.


• The ability to build positive relationships with experienced clinicians.


• Excellent communication, organisation and decision-making skills.


• A strong commitment to patient-centred care, safety and quality improvement.


• The ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining a visible clinical leadership presence.


• A willingness to embrace change and identify opportunities to improve the service.


• The confidence to lead change while engaging and supporting staff throughout the process.


• A proactive approach to developing the team, improving workflows and strengthening service delivery.

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)


• 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

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 [e-mail] for confidential support.

For role related queries or questions contact Leonie Cavanagh on [e-mail]

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 [e-mail] 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.