OPERATIONAL MANAGER NURSING GENERAL REF NO: GS 13/26 Component: Nursing Department- Medical Ward

This vacancy is for an Operational Manager Nursing General within the Medical Ward at Grey’s Hospital, a key tertiary healthcare facility in Pietermaritzburg. The successful candidate will be part of the Nursing Department’s management structure, responsible for overseeing the delivery of nursing care in the medical unit and ensuring that the hospital’s strategic objectives are met. This is a demanding leadership role that requires a blend of clinical expertise, administrative capability, and people management, all within the framework of public sector health policies and institutional protocols.

Applicants must hold a Grade 12 certificate as well as a Degree or Diploma in General Nursing that permits registration with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) as a Professional Nurse. Current registration with the SANC is required, including the 2026 receipt. In addition, candidates need at least seven years of appropriate nursing experience after registration as a Professional Nurse with the SANC. It is important to note that only shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide certified copies of qualifications and service certificates endorsed by Human Resources. The role demands strong knowledge of nursing care processes 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, and disciplinary and grievance procedures. Financial and budgetary insight is also required to manage resources under the incumbent’s control. Leadership abilities, organisational skills, decision-making and problem-solving capacity, interpersonal skills such as negotiation and conflict handling, counselling competence, and basic computer literacy are all essential.

The duties of this position are broad and centre on managing the medical unit effectively. The operational manager will assist with planning, organising, and monitoring the unit’s objectives, and will be responsible for creating a therapeutic environment for staff, patients, and the public. This includes demonstrating clear communication with patients, families, the multidisciplinary team, and other stakeholders, while ensuring that high-quality nursing care is delivered to all clients accessing medical health services. Safety risk assessments and the prevention and reporting of patient safety incidents are critical components of the role. The incumbent will supervise and utilise all resources efficiently, with a strong focus on cost containment. Another key responsibility is managing, coordinating, and planning training and research initiatives that improve medical care nursing. The post also requires instilling discipline, professionalism, and work ethics among staff, developing strategies to ensure compliance with quality care and infection prevention and control programmes such as the Ideal Hospital Realisation and Maintenance framework and Norms and Standards, maintaining a constructive working environment with the multi-disciplinary team, and providing relief support to nursing management when needed.

This position is subject to the Employment Equity targets of the department, with the specific target for this post being African Male, Coloured Male, African Female, and Coloured Female candidates. Shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo two pre-entry assessments: one practical exercise evaluating suitability based on technical and generic requirements, and one integrity assessment. The results will be scored as part of the interview process. Candidates should note that the application process is based on the new Z83 form and a detailed curriculum vitae, and that only shortlisted applicants need submit supporting documents. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced professional nurse looking to move into a management role within a major public hospital.