OPERATIONAL MANAGER NURSING (SPECIALTY: OPERATING THEATRE)

This position offers an experienced professional nurse the opportunity to lead and coordinate nursing services within the Operating Theatre department at Groote Schuur Hospital in Observatory. As Operational Manager Nursing, the successful candidate will be responsible for providing innovative leadership within the allocated area, ensuring that the strategic goals and objectives of the hospital’s Nursing Division are met. The role is central to the delivery of safe, high-quality peri-operative care, and requires a leader who can translate policy into practice while managing a busy clinical environment.

Applicants must hold a basic R425 qualification in nursing, or an equivalent qualification, allowing registration with the South African Nursing Council as a Professional Nurse. In addition, candidates need either a one-year post-basic qualification in Medical and Surgical Nursing Science: Operating Theatre, accredited with SANC in terms of R212, or a four-year Bachelor Degree in Nursing with the necessary equivalent qualifications, or a postgraduate diploma in Peri-Operative Nursing accredited under R635. A minimum of nine years of recognisable nursing experience after registration in General Nursing is required, with at least five of those years specifically in the operating theatre speciality after obtaining the post-basic qualification. This is an OSD-graded role, and the inherent requirements include working after hours, on weekends, and on public holidays, as well as night duty allocation as determined by departmental needs.

The duties are broad and managerial in nature. The operational manager is responsible for coordinating and delivering quality nursing care, participating in the formulation, monitoring, and implementation of policies, guidelines, standards, and procedures relevant to the department. The post also carries significant responsibility for human, material, and financial resource management, applying Functional Business Unit management principles. This includes managing staff performance, training, and personal development, as well as addressing underperformance and grievances. The role requires the collection and use of relevant information to enhance service delivery and encourages participation in nursing research. The incumbent will also deputise for the Assistant Manager: Nursing when required.

Candidates should note that no payment of any kind is required when applying, and successful applicants will be subjected to a competency assessment. Enquiries can be directed to the contact person listed, and applications are submitted electronically via the specified Western Cape Government platform. This is a key leadership post for a dedicated nursing professional seeking to shape peri-operative services at one of the province’s major tertiary hospitals.