Lead. Inspire. Make a Difference.
Are you an experienced perioperative leader ready to take the next step — or looking for a role where your impact is truly felt?
This is a rare opportunity to step into a key leadership position within a well-resourced, growing regional health service in Victoria, where you will have the autonomy to shape the future of a high-performing Theatre department.
We are partnering with a leading regional health service in regional Victoria to appoint a Nurse Unit Manager to their Operating Suite. This is a substantive, permanent role for a clinically credible leader who thrives in complex environments and is passionate about driving excellence in perioperative care.
About the Role
As Nurse Unit Manager, you will take full operational ownership of a large and dynamic Theatre department, leading a team of Registered Nurses and Associate Nurse Unit Managers across 10 operating theatres.
The department operates seven days a week across a broad perioperative portfolio including Scrub/Scout, Anaesthetics, and PACU/Recovery.
Reporting to the General Manager, you will be a trusted leader and key decision-maker, responsible for delivering high-quality, patient-centred care while driving performance, innovation, and a positive team culture.
This health service has seen significant growth in surgical activity in recent years, with procedures increasing substantially year on year.
You will be stepping into an environment that is well-resourced, forward-thinking, and genuinely invested in the success of its clinical leaders.
Key Responsibilities
Operational management and leadership of the Theatre department across Scrub/Scout, Anaesthetics, and PACU
Lead, mentor, and support a team of nursing staff across 10 theatres
Manage rosters, staffing levels, skill mix, and workforce planning
Drive patient flow, quality improvement,



and clinical excellence
Oversee budget management, KPIs, and departmental reporting
Policy and protocol review and implementation
Manage staff performance, professional development, and mandatory training compliance
Prevention and management of organisational risk
Work clinically when operational demands require
About You
You are a people-focused leader with a genuine passion for perioperative nursing. You bring both clinical credibility and the management capability to lead a large team through change and growth.
To be considered you will have:
Current AHPRA registration as a Registered Nurse
Postgraduate qualification in Theatre nursing or a relevant perioperative specialty
Demonstrated leadership experience as a NUM or senior ANUM — or an ANUM ready to make the step up
Experience across Theatre — all backgrounds considered
Strong communication, interpersonal, and decision-making skills
Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, rosters, and staff performance
Commitment to quality, safety, and continuous improvement
Why Apply?
Genuinely impactful leadership role with real scope and autonomy
Large, well-resourced department
Monday to Friday — achieve the work-life balance that shift work rarely allows
Competitive remuneration with a salary increase in November
Supportive executive leadership team invested in your success
Beautiful regional Victoria lifestyle — a genuine alternative to metropolitan pressures
Permanent, secure position with long-term career development opportunities
Salary package benefits provided
Sharp & Carter Healthcare is a specialist permanent recruitment division partnering with leading health services, aged care providers, and hospital networks across Australia. We are committed to connecting exceptional healthcare talent with organisations that align with their values and career goals.
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📌 Nurse Unit Manager - Theatre (Melbourne)
🏢 Sharp & Carter
📍 Melbourne