OPERATIONAL MANAGER PNA5

This advertisement seeks an Operational Manager (PNA5) at Bongani Regional Hospital, a mid-level nursing management post within the provincial public service. The role is responsible for leading and coordinating the nursing team in a specific unit, ensuring that all clinical care is delivered according to professional standards, legal frameworks, and the facility's policies. The position functions within the hospital's nursing structure and works closely with other health professionals, supervisors, and patients. It is an OSD-graded appointment, with remuneration and benefits determined by the applicable occupational-specific dispensation, including a thirteenth cheque and optional housing and medical allowances, subject to prescribed conditions.

Candidates must hold a Senior Certificate and a basic R425 diploma or degree in nursing, or an equivalent qualification that allows registration with the South African Nursing Council as a Registered Nurse in General Nursing. Alternatively, a four-year Bachelor of Nursing degree (R174) that permits SANC registration as a Professional Nurse is acceptable. A minimum of seven years of appropriate, recognisable nursing experience after registration as a Professional Nurse with the SANC in General Nursing is required, and current registration for 2026/2027 must be maintained. The ideal candidate will have thorough knowledge of nursing care processes, the Nursing Act, the Health Act, the Patient Rights Charter, Batho Pele principles, Public Service Regulations, and disciplinary codes and procedures. Strong interpersonal, communication, report-writing, facilitation, coordination, planning, organising, and computer literacy skills are also essential, as is the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and health care users.

The main duties include ensuring that clinical nursing practice within the unit complies with the scope of practice and nursing standards, promoting quality care as directed by professional norms and facility standards, and demonstrating a working understanding of HR and financial policies. The operational manager must communicate effectively with patients, supervisors, other health professionals and junior colleagues, and produce complex reports when needed. The post requires working as part of a multidisciplinary team, supervising and managing the work and time of junior staff, and fostering an amicable environment across intellectual, cultural, racial and religious differences. A concern for patients is central: the role involves advocating for proper treatment, facilitating care, and upholding Batho Pele principles. Building and maintaining professional networks and using basic computer tools to support service delivery are further expectations.

The department intends to promote representativity in filling this post, with preference given to candidates from designated groups, particularly people with disabilities, women and youth. Applications need not include certified copies of qualifications initially; shortlisted candidates will be asked to submit certified documents. All shortlisted applicants will undergo personnel suitability checks, including criminal record, citizenship, financial and qualification verification, and may need to consent to access to their social media accounts. Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and applicants who do not hear within four months of the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful. Separate applications are required for each vacancy, and applicants who terminated their services through voluntary severance packages may not apply. Salary progression on the applicable scale is subject to performance assessment, and the department reserves the right not to fill the post. Candidates must be available for selection interviews on a date, time and place determined by the department. As with all new public service appointments, participation in the Government Employee Medical Scheme is required to qualify for a government medical subsidy.