About the role

Mater Private Hospital Townsville is inviting expressions of interest from experienced internal Registered Nurses who are ready to take the next step in their leadership careers through a temporary appointment as Nurse Unit Manager - Scrub, Scout & Theatre Orderlies-Pimlico Theatres. Commencing on 17 August 2026, this interim opportunity has been established to support the department during a leadership transition and while the recruitment process for the permanent Nurse Unit Manager position is undertaken.

The appointment will be for a minimum period of eight (8) weeks. As the timeframe for recruitment and appointment of a permanent incumbent cannot be guaranteed, there may be an opportunity for the successful applicant to continue in the role beyond the initial eight-week period until a permanent appointment is made and a suitable handover is completed.

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Clinical Service - Perioperative you will oversee day-to-day unit operations, workforce planning, staff performance and development, recruitment activities, resource management and quality improvement initiatives. Through visible and supportive leadership, you will champion best practice standards, promote continuous improvement, and contribute to exceptional patient outcomes within a dynamic perioperative environment.

Salary range: $75.40 - $81.09 per hour plus superannuation and access to not-for-profit salary packaging up to $15,900 + access to many staff benefits!

What you’ll be doing

This role offers an excellent opportunity to further develop your leadership, operational and workforce management experience within Perioperative Services. As Nurse Unit Manager, you will provide operational and clinical leadership, ensuring the delivery of safe, high-quality,



patient-centered care while supporting a positive, collaborative and high-performing team culture.

- Provide operational and clinical leadership to the Scrub Scout team in partnership with nursing, medical, allied health and administrative teams.
- Support the effective management of daily perioperative services to ensure safe and efficient patient care delivery.
- Identify and implement opportunities for service improvement and clinical excellence in collaboration with senior leadership.
- Lead and support quality improvement, risk management and patient safety initiatives within the department.
- Provide coaching, mentorship and professional support to nursing staff, promoting a culture of continuous learning and development.
- Utilise effective communication and leadership strategies to support team engagement and achievement of departmental goals.
- Lead performance management processes within the Scrub Scout team, including performance development planning, coaching, mentoring, recognition of excellence, and management of performance issues in accordance with Mater policies and procedures.
- Support workforce planning and recruitment activities, including participation in the selection, onboarding and retention of nursing staff to ensure appropriate staffing levels and capability within the Scrub Scout team.

About You To be considered for the role, you will demonstrate:





- Current AHPRA registration as a Registered Nurse with no restrictions.
- Significant perioperative nursing experience, with a robust understanding of operating theatre environments, workflows, and multidisciplinary team collaboration. Experience in Scrub/Scout, Anaesthetics, Recovery, Day Surgery, or other perioperative specialties will be considered.
- Demonstrated leadership experience or a strong desire and capability to step into a nursing leadership role.
- Advanced clinical knowledge and a commitment to delivering safe, high-quality, patient-centred care.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with nursing staff, VMOs, and multidisciplinary teams.
- Proven ability to influence, engage, and support teams through visible and approachable leadership.
- Excellent organisational, time management, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to lead and manage a clinical team to achieve positive patient, staff, and organisational outcomes.
- Understanding of clinical governance, risk management, quality improvement, and accreditation requirements within a healthcare setting.
- Knowledge of contemporary people management practices, including performance development, coaching, workforce planning, and staff engagement.

We encourage applications from experienced perioperative nurses who may not currently hold a formal leadership position but have demonstrated leadership capability, initiative, and a genuine interest in developing their management and operational leadership skills.

Applications close Friday 7th August 2026 –please note, we may contact applicants prior to the closing date, please do not hesitate to APPLY NOW.

📌 Nurse Unit Manager - Scrub Scout (Townsville)
🏢 Mater Group
📍 Townsville