OPERATIONAL MANAGER NURSING GRADE 1: (GENERAL: FEMALE SURGERY)

This position offers an experienced professional nurse the opportunity to step into a senior operational leadership role within the Rural Health Services directorate, based at Paarl Hospital. As an Operational Manager Nursing Grade 1 for the Female Surgery unit, the successful candidate will be responsible for the overall planning, management, coordination, and maintenance of an optimal quality nursing service within this clinical area. The role operates within a Functional Business Unit structure, requiring the ability to work both independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team, while ensuring that service delivery aligns with public sector nursing legislation and policies. The post is graded at an OSD level, reflecting its senior status within the nursing career pathway.

Applicants must hold a basic R425 qualification, being a diploma or degree in nursing, or an equivalent qualification that permits registration with the South African Nursing Council as a Professional Nurse. Alternatively, a four-year Bachelor Degree in Nursing or an equivalent combination of qualifications that enables SANC registration is acceptable. In addition to the educational requirement, candidates must have accumulated a minimum of seven years of appropriate and recognisable nursing experience after their initial registration as a Professional Nurse in General Nursing. Registration with the SANC as a Professional Nurse is a non-negotiable prerequisite for this post.

The core duties of the role are wide-ranging and demanding. The Operational Manager will be expected to engage in participative management and the optimal utilisation of human resources to fulfil both operational and developmental functions within the unit. This includes managing and monitoring the financial resources allocated to the clinical areas, ensuring that budgets are adhered to and that resources are used efficiently. The role also requires the initiation of and active participation in training, development, and research activities, including quality training and implementation within the broader Nursing Division. The incumbent will deliver a support service to both the Nursing Service and the institution as a whole, while maintaining high ethical standards and promoting professional growth and self-development, including the demonstration of effective leadership skills and behaviours.

Candidates must be prepared to work shifts and provide after-hours hospital cover, which includes weekends, public holidays, night duty relief, and overtime as the need arises. Essential competencies include basic computer literacy in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, as well as strong verbal and written communication skills. A thorough knowledge and insight into nursing legislation and other relevant policies affecting public sector service delivery is required, along with the ability to facilitate and promote quality patient care through the setting, implementation, and monitoring of standards. Effective interpersonal, leadership, organisational, decision-making, and conflict resolution skills, particularly in labour relations and disciplinary matters, are crucial, as is the ability to function effectively under pressure. Enquiries regarding this post may be directed to the named contact person within the department. Importantly, no payment of any kind is required when applying for this position.