OPERATIONAL MANAGER NURSING (SPECIALTY)- MIDWIFERY AND NEONATAL. REF NO: GS 11/26 Component: Nursing Department

This position offers an experienced and dedicated professional nurse the opportunity to lead and coordinate maternal and neonatal services within the nursing department at Grey’s Hospital, a major public healthcare facility. As the Operational Manager Nursing specialising in Midwifery and Neonatal care, the successful candidate will be responsible for the overall functioning of the obstetrics and gynaecology unit, ensuring that high-quality, safe and compassionate care is delivered to women and newborns. The role operates within the broader nursing management structure and requires close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, hospital management, patients, families and external stakeholders. It is a senior clinical and managerial post that combines direct oversight of patient care with strategic planning, resource management and staff development.

To be considered, applicants must hold a Grade 12 certificate as well as a degree or diploma in General Nursing and Midwifery that permits registration with the South African Nursing Council as a Professional Nurse. In addition, a one-year post-basic qualification in Midwifery and Neonatal Nursing Science is required, along with current SANC registration for the 2026 practice year. Candidates need substantial nursing experience: either a minimum of nine years after registration as a Professional Nurse, of which five years must be appropriate experience gained after obtaining the post-basic midwifery and neonatal qualification, or at least fourteen years of professional nursing experience, with ten years falling after the post-basic qualification. This flexibility accommodates candidates with longer but differently structured career histories. Only shortlisted applicants will be asked to submit certified proof of qualifications and service certificates endorsed by human resources.

The incumbent will be expected to plan, organise and monitor the objectives of the obstetrics and gynaecology unit, manage a therapeutic environment for staff, patients and the public, and ensure effective communication with all parties. Key duties include rendering and overseeing high-quality nursing care for maternal and child health services, conducting safety risk assessments, and preventing and reporting patient safety incidents. The role also involves managing the utilisation and supervision of resources with a strong focus on cost containment, as well as coordinating and planning effective training and research programmes aimed at improving maternal and child nursing care. Discipline, professionalism and work ethics must be instilled and maintained among staff, while strategies are developed to ensure compliance with quality care, infection prevention and control programmes such as Ideal Hospital Realisation and Maintenance and Norms and Standards. The operational manager will also provide relief duties to nursing management and foster a constructive working environment with multidisciplinary teams.

Candidates must demonstrate thorough knowledge of nursing care processes and procedures, nursing statutes and relevant legal frameworks including the Nursing Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Patients’ Rights Charter, Batho Pele principles, Public Service Regulations, Labour Relations Act, disciplinary codes and grievance procedures. Financial and budgetary insight, leadership abilities, organisational skills, decision-making and problem-solving capacity, interpersonal skills, and basic computer literacy are essential. This is an OSD-graded nursing management position with a range of benefits, including a 13th cheque and optional medical aid, as well as a home owners allowance subject to prescribed conditions. Applicants should note that the application process is specifically designed around the revised Z83 form and a detailed curriculum vitae, and that shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo pre-entry assessments to determine their technical and generic suitability for the post.