Nurse Unit Manager - Theatre

Lead. Inspire. Make a Difference. Are you an experienced perioperative leader ready to take the next step — or looking for a role where your impact is truly felt?

This is a rare opportunity to step into a key leadership position within a well-resourced, growing regional health service in Victoria, where you will have the autonomy to shape the future of a high-performing Theatre department.

We are partnering with a leading regional health service in regional Victoria to appoint a Nurse Unit Manager to their Operating Suite. This is a substantive, permanent role for a clinically credible leader who thrives in complex environments and is passionate about driving excellence in perioperative care.

About the Role As Nurse Unit Manager, you will take full operational ownership of a large and dynamic Theatre department, leading a team of Registered Nurses and Associate Nurse Unit Managers across 10 operating theatres.

The department operates seven days a week across a broad perioperative portfolio including Scrub/Scout, Anaesthetics, and PACU/Recovery.

Reporting to the General Manager, you will be a trusted leader and key decision-maker, responsible for delivering high-quality, patient-centred care while driving performance, innovation, and a positive team culture.

This health service has seen significant growth in surgical activity in recent years, with procedures increasing substantially year on year.

You will be stepping into an environment that is well-resourced, forward-thinking, and genuinely invested in the success of its clinical leaders.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational management and leadership of the Theatre department across Scrub/Scout, Anaesthetics, and PACU
• Lead, mentor, and support a team of nursing staff across 10 theatres
• Manage rosters, staffing levels, skill mix, and workforce planning
• Drive patient flow, quality improvement, and clinical excellence
• Oversee budget management, KPIs, and departmental reporting
• Policy and protocol review and implementation
• Manage staff performance, professional development, and mandatory training compliance
• Prevention and management of organisational risk
• Work clinically when operational demands require

About You You are a people-focused leader with a genuine passion for perioperative nursing. You bring both clinical credibility and the management capability to lead a large team through change and growth.

To be considered you will have:

• Current AHPRA registration as a Registered Nurse
• Postgraduate qualification in Theatre nursing or a relevant perioperative specialty
• Demonstrated leadership experience as a NUM or senior ANUM — or an ANUM ready to make the step up
• Experience across Theatre — all backgrounds considered
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and decision-making skills
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, rosters, and staff performance
• Commitment to quality, safety, and continuous improvement

Why Apply?

• Genuinely impactful leadership role with real scope and autonomy
• Large, well-resourced department
• Monday to Friday — achieve the work-life balance that shift work rarely allows
• Competitive remuneration with a salary increase in November
• Supportive executive leadership team invested in your success
• Beautiful regional Victoria lifestyle — a genuine alternative to metropolitan pressures
• Permanent, stable position with long-term career development opportunities
• Salary package benefits provided

How to Apply This role is being managed by Sharp & Carter Healthcare.

For a confidential discussion about the opportunity, please contact:

Will | Sharp & Carter Healthcare ��[email protected]

Or apply now by submitting your resume via the link below.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, so we encourage you to apply early.

Sharp & Carter Healthcare is a specialist permanent recruitment division partnering with leading health services, aged care providers, and hospital networks across Australia. We are committed to connecting exceptional healthcare talent with organisations that align with their values and career goals.