Lead Nursing Excellence in a Dynamic Tertiary Environment
Employment Type: Permanent Full Time
Position Classification: Nurse Manager Grade 6
Remuneration: $167, $170,519.57 Per Annum + Salary Packaging + 12% Super
Hours Per Week: 38
Location: Awabakal Country | New Lambton
Requisition ID: REQ626084
Applications Close: Sunday, 7th December 2025
Interviews will be held on Thursday, 11th December 2025
The Opportunity
John Hunter Hospital is seeking an experienced and visionary Senior Nursing Leader to join our Medical & Interventional Services (M&IS) team. This is a unique opportunity to shape the delivery of nursing care across 14 high-acuity specialties and procedural units in a Level 6 tertiary hospital.
As a senior leader, you will provide professional advocacy, drive nursing excellence, and support safe, high-quality patient care across multiple sites. You will lead clinical governance, workforce performance, and education initiatives while influencing innovative models of care and quality improvement programs.
You will be fully supported by an engaged and collaborative executive and leadership team, committed to providing guidance, mentorship, and resources to help you succeed and make a real impact across the hospital.
This role offers a chance to work collaboratively at the executive level, with the authority and responsibility to impact patient outcomes, operational efficiency, and the professional development of nearly 500 nursing staff.
About Us
John Hunter Hospital is a leading tertiary facility in the Hunter New England region, managing complex, acute patients and providing specialised medical, interventional, and research services. Our M&IS span 14 different specialties, delivering care that meets the highest standards of patient safety and quality.
We are committed to creating a positive, person-centred culture that values innovation, collaboration, and professional growth. Our teams embrace cultural respect, uphold the NSW Health Code of Conduct, and strive to meet the Every Patient, Every Time Excellence Framework.
What You Bring
We are looking for a highly skilled leader who can:
* Provide senior nursing leadership across multiple sites and specialties, ensuring operational efficiency, safe patient flow, and compliance with national standards
* Demonstrate clinical governance expertise, leading innovative models of care, quality improvement initiatives, and research in partnership with hospital and district services
* Manage large-scale nursing operations, including workforce planning, NHPPD compliance, budgets, KPIs, and performance evaluation
* Lead change management and foster a culture of excellence, innovation, and patient-centred care
* Champion education and professional development, supporting staff to achieve their full potential while maintaining high-quality service delivery
* Collaborate with a supportive executive and leadership team that provides mentorship, guidance, and operational resources to ensure your success in this complex, high-impact role
To succeed in this role, you will have a solid understanding of finance, operational management, and healthcare performance metrics, along with proven experience in high-acuity, complex environments.
About Our Service
Medical & Interventional Services at John Hunter Hospital is at the forefront of clinical innovation, research, and patient care. With a diverse range of specialties, high-acuity patients, and satellite services, we provide a challenging and rewarding environment for leaders committed to excellence.
You will be part of a forward-thinking team that drives safe patient flow, continuous improvement, and workforce development, ensuring our hospital remains a centre of clinical and operational excellence in the region. With the backing of an experienced leadership team, you'll have the support and resources needed to lead confidently, make strategic decisions, and deliver outstanding patient care.
What We Can Offer You
* Monthly Allocated Days Off for full-time employees, helping you maintain a healthy work–life rhythm.
* Generous Annual Leave — 4 weeks for full-time staff (pro-rata for part-time), and 6 weeks for eligible full-time nurses.
* Paid Parental Leave, ensuring you have the time and support you need during life's most important moments.
* Attractive Salary packaging options, including up to $11,600 plus novated leasing, to help you maximise your take-home pay.
* Fitness Passport Membership, offering discounted gym and wellness options for you and your family.
* Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing confidential support for both staff and their families.
Join an organisation that recognises your contribution and invests in your well-being. Here, you're supported, valued, and empowered to thrive.
Requirements
* Current Registration as Registered Nurse Division 1 or Registration as a Registered Nurse Division 1 and Registered Midwife with the Nurses and Midwives Board of Australia. Currently registered with AHPRA with relevant post graduate qualifications in health services management or equivalent.
* Proven experience at a senior nursing management level and demonstrated record of achievement in management of a large and complex organisation.
Additional Information
* 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 HNELHD- for confidential support to ensure an equitable, barrier-free application process.
* 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.
* 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.
* An eligibility list will be created for future permanent full or part time and temporary full or part time vacancies.
* We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position.
Need more information?
1) Click here for the Position Description
2) Find out more about applying for this position
For role related queries or questions contact Michelle Drinkwater on
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:
* Stepping Up Website is a resource designed to help indigenous job applicants apply for positions in NSW Health. For more information, please visit:
* 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.
* 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.
Connect with us on Facebook and LinkedIn