Nurse Unit Manager, ICU/HDU

Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Waitematā; Auckland; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Waitematā is seeking an experienced Nurse Unit Manager for Intensive Care, High Dependency, Critical Care Outreach, and Patient at Risk services. You will lead a large multidisciplinary team of over 80 staff to deliver safe, high-quality, patient-centred care around the clock in a demanding tertiary environment.

In this shared leadership role, you will partner with the Clinical Director and senior clinicians to drive service delivery, workforce development and

Qualifications

• Registered nurse with current Annual Practising Certificate (NZRN/APC).
• Postgraduate qualification in a specialty practice relevant to intensive care.
• Experience in senior nurse/operational leadership.
• Proven ability to lead large multidisciplinary teams and manage resources.
• Commitment to quality, safety and continuous improvement.
• Leadership/management experience preferred; minimum 2 years in a senior role.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day operational and professional management for ICU/HD/CCO and PAT risk services.
• Lead a multidisciplinary team of over 80 staff across nursing, medical, HCAs and admin.
• Ensure safe, efficient, high-quality care 24/7 and maintain standards.
• Champion nursing voice in organisational priorities and system-level improvement.
• Support shared leadership with Clinical Director and senior professionals.

Skills

Leadership

Team leadership

Operational leadership

Clinical leadership

Quality improvement

Communication

Education

New Zealand Registered Nurse with APC

Postgraduate qualification in specialty practice

Job description

1 FTE, permanent role 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

As the Nurse Unit Manager (NUM) for Intensive Care, High Dependency, Critical Care Outreach, and Patient at Risk services, you will lead a large and dynamic team, ensuring the delivery of high-quality care to critically ill patients at Waitematā.This is a pivotal leadership role where you will provide day-to-day operational and professional management for a multidisciplinary team of over 80 staff, including nursing, medical, healthcare assistants and administrative personnel. You will ensure safe, efficient and effective standards of care are consistently maintained across the service, while championing a strong nursing voice within organisational priorities.Working in a shared leadership model alongside the Clinical Director and other senior healthcare professionals, you will play a key role in service delivery, workforce leadership and strategic direction. This is an opportunity to influence patient outcomes at a system level, while fostering a supportive, high-performing team environment that operates 24/7 to meet the needs of patients and their whānau.

About the Team/Service/Location

Our Intensive Care, High Dependency and Critical Care Outreach team is a highly skilled and collaborative service dedicated to providing exceptional care for critically ill patients across the organisation. We pride ourselves on delivering patient-centred care within a supportive and innovative clinical environment.

About you

As an experienced senior nurse leader, you will bring a strong clinical background in critical care and a passion for leading teams to deliver excellence in patient care. You will be confident in managing complex services and driving continuous improvement in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• New Zealand Registered Nurse, with a current Annual Practising Certificate
• Post Graduate qualification in specialty practice
• Recent experience in team management and operational leadership
• Proven ability to lead large multidisciplinary teams and manage resources effectively
• Strong clinical leadership with a commitment to quality, safety and continuous improvement
• Leadership and or management experience preferred
• A minimum of 2 years experience as a senior nurse

If you're passionate about driving positive change in nursing, possess strong communication and influencing abilities, and approach problem-solving with creativity, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding leadership role.

Working at 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 service our community. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

Position reference number WDHB22292

Closing date: 15 November 2026

Please note, this role is available only to current Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora staff - we cannot accept applications from outside of our organization.