Clinical Nurse Manager - Theatre Services

New Zealand Government; Whanganui; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Whanganui Hospital is seeking a Clinical Nurse Manager to lead our perioperative services, including Pre-Admission Clinic, Day Unit, endoscopy, PACU theatres and sterile services. You will balance clinical leadership with day-to-day operational management to ensure safe, compassionate, patient-centred care across the perioperative journey.

Working with the Operations Manager and Associate Clinical Nurse Manager, you will develop high-performing teams, drive quality improvement and staff

Qualifications

• Current registration with the Nursing Council of New Zealand and a current Annual Practising Certificate.
• At least five years' recent perioperative nursing experience, including leadership experience.
• Previous leadership or senior nursing experience.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Commitment to patient-centred care and staff development.

Responsibilities

• Providing visible leadership across the department.
• Supporting the safe and efficient delivery of care throughout the patient journey.
• Coaching, mentoring and developing nursing staff to achieve clinical excellence.
• Promoting a culture of kindness, collaboration, accountability and continuous learning.
• Leading quality improvement initiatives and patient safety activities.
• Supporting workforce planning, rostering and operational management.
• Collaborating with theatre staff, surgeons, anaesthetists and inpatient teams to ensure coordinated, high-quality care.
• Contributing to the ongoing development and future direction of Whanganui's perioperative services.

Skills

Senior leadership

Staff development

Communication

Perioperative nursing

Project management

Education

Nursing degree (RN)

Job description

Clinical Nurse Manager – Perioperative Services Whanganui Hospital | Permanent Full Time Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders.

About the Role

Are you an experienced senior nurse who is passionate about delivering exceptional patient care and developing high‑performing teams? We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Clinical Nurse Manager to join our perioperative leadership team at Whanganui Hospital. Working in partnership with the Operations Manager and the Associate Clinical Nurse Manager you will provide leadership across our Pre‑Admission Clinic, Day Unit, endoscopy, Post Anaesthetic Care Unit (PACU) theatres and sterile services, ensuring patients receive safe, compassionate, and seamless care throughout their perioperative journey. This is a rewarding leadership role where you will influence clinical practice, support and develop staff, and drive service improvements that enhance both the patient and whānau experience. You will balance clinical leadership with operational management while promoting a culture of excellence, innovation and continuous improvement. No two days are the same. Whether you are supporting staff, improving patient pathways, leading quality initiatives or mentoring future nurse leaders, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference every day.

Key Responsibilities

• Providing visible leadership across the department
• Supporting the safe and efficient delivery of care throughout the patient journey.
• Coaching, mentoring and developing nursing staff to achieve clinical excellence.
• Promoting a culture of kindness, collaboration, accountability and continuous learning.
• Leading quality improvement initiatives, patient safety activities and clinical governance.
• Supporting workforce planning, rostering and operational management.
• Working collaboratively with theatre staff, surgeons, anaesthetists, allied health professionals and inpatient teams to ensure patients experience coordinated, high‑quality care.
• Contributing to the ongoing development and future direction of Whanganui's perioperative services.

About the Team

Whanganui Hospital's Perioperative Service provides elective and acute surgical care across four operating theatres, supported by a dedicated Pre‑Admission Clinic, Day Unit and PACU. Together, our teams provide seamless care from pre‑operative assessment through to recovery and discharge. We pride ourselves on being a supportive, collaborative team where everyone's contribution is valued. Our leaders are committed to creating an environment where staff feel empowered to grow professionally, contribute ideas and continually improve the care we provide. This is an exciting time to join our service as we continue to strengthen our leadership structure and invest in developing our people.

About You

You are an experienced Senior Registered Nurse who enjoys leading by example and supporting others to reach their full potential. You thrive in a fast‑paced environment, communicate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and are committed to delivering outstanding patient‑centred care. You will bring:

• Current registration with the Nursing Council of New Zealand and a current Annual Practising Certificate.
• At least five years' recent perioperative nursing experience, including experience in perioperative settings.
• Previous leadership or senior nursing experience.
• Excellent communication, coaching and relationship‑building skills.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• A passion for patient‑centred care, quality improvement and staff development.
• A relevant postgraduate qualification or commitment to working towards one.

Why Choose Whanganui?

Imagine finishing work and within10 minutes being home, walking along the beach, paddling the Whanganui River or enjoying one of New Zealand's thriving arts communities. Whanganui offers an exceptional lifestyle with affordable housing, excellent schools, short commute times and easy access to both Wellington, New Plymouth or Ruapehu. Whether you're looking for more time with family, outdoor adventure, or a better work‑life balance, Whanganui offers the opportunity to build both your career and your lifestyle. Joining our team means becoming part of a close‑knit hospital where your ideas are valued, your leadership is visible, and you have the opportunity to make a real difference every day.

Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and serve our communities. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

If you are looking for a leadership opportunity where you can grow professionally while enjoying an outstanding quality of life, we'd love to hear from you.