OPERATIONAL MANAGER SPECIALTY (TRAUMA)

This vacancy is for an Operational Manager Specialty in Trauma, based at Taylor Bequest Hospital in Mt Fletcher, within the Joe Gqabi District of the Eastern Cape. It is a senior nursing leadership position, graded under the Occupation Specific Dispensation (OSD), and is ideal for an experienced professional nurse who wishes to combine clinical expertise with management responsibility. The incumbent will be responsible for providing effective management and professional leadership within specialised units, including psychiatric services, and will play a key role in ensuring that nursing care meets the required legal, ethical and clinical governance standards. The position also supports the broader nursing services management team, and the successful candidate must be prepared to work weekends and night duty when required.

To be eligible, applicants must hold a basic R425 qualification in nursing, namely a diploma or degree, or an equivalent qualification that allows registration with the South African Nursing Council as a Professional Nurse. In addition, a post-basic nursing qualification in the relevant specialty, lasting at least one year and accredited by the SANC, is essential. Candidates must have a minimum of nine years of appropriate and recognisable experience in nursing after registration as a Professional Nurse in General Nursing, of which at least five years must be in the specific specialty following completion of the post-basic qualification. A valid driver's licence is also required.

The role demands a strong working knowledge of nursing care processes and procedures, as well as the legal frameworks that govern nursing practice, including the Nursing Act, Health Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, the Patient’s Rights Charter, and the Batho Pele principles. The successful candidate will need sound skills in implementing disciplinary and grievance procedures, along with leadership, organisational, decision-making and problem-solving abilities, all exercised within the limits of public sector and institutional policy. Good interpersonal skills are vital, including public relations, negotiation, conflict handling, and counselling. Financial and budgetary prescripts pertaining to the resources under management must be understood, as must the public health sector’s strategies and priorities, including nursing standards, procedures and policies. Basic computer literacy is required to support service delivery, and the ability to write complex reports is also expected.

The duties are broad and demanding. The Operational Manager will manage, utilise and supervise all resources effectively, while displaying genuine concern for patients by promoting, advocating, and facilitating proper treatment and care. The manager will ensure that the unit adheres to Batho Pele principles and that scientific nursing principles and clinical governance are implemented. This includes implementing maternal guidelines and demonstrating an in-depth understanding of nursing legislation and related ethical practice. The manager will exercise control over discipline, grievances, and labour-related issues in line with laid-down procedures, and must provide supportive supervision, comply with the Performance Management and Development System (PMDS), formulate training programmes, and participate in the training and development of staff and nursing students. Additionally, the role involves monitoring the implementation of disaster management plans, the Nursing Care Strategy (NCS), and the Ideal Hospital Realisation Framework, and interpreting their impact on service delivery. The manager will also coordinate and participate in health promotion activities, monitor and evaluate data, and communicate effectively with patients, supervisors, other health professionals and junior colleagues.

This is a demanding yet rewarding position for a nurse with substantial specialty experience and a clear commitment to public health service excellence. Applicants should note that shortlisted candidates will be required to produce original qualifications, identity documents, service certificates and a driver’s licence for verification. Background checks, vetting, and security screening will form part of the selection process, and candidates must have no previous criminal or pending departmental cases. These conditions are standard for a role of this seniority and reflect the trust placed in the position.