Sterile Services Manager

Christchurch City Closing date: 04 October 2025 Reference: 1097146 Apply Now

Southern Cross Christchurch Hospital

Sterile Services Manager

Mō te Tūranga | About the Role

Behind every successful surgery is a Sterile Services team that ensures every instrument is flawlessly prepared for our ten theatres. We’re searching for a passionate and experienced Sterile Services Manager to lead our dedicated team, set the gold standard for safety and precision, and drive service excellence in a fast-paced environment. In this pivotal position, you’ll oversee the safe reprocessing of reusable medical devices and equipment to the highest national and local standards, ensuring every item is sterilised, tested, assembled, and packaged with precision. Working closely with the Theatre Services Manager, you’ll provide direction, mentorship, and education to the Sterile Services Team, fostering excellence in clinical practice, infection control, and patient safety while helping the hospital achieve its strategic goals.

You’ll lead by example—managing rosters, supporting professional development, maintaining quality systems, and ensuring compliance with AS5369:2023, hospital policies, and infection control standards. From driving team morale and facilitating effective communication to coordinating audits, training, and continuous improvement initiatives, you’ll be the go-to leader for operational excellence in Sterile Services. If you’re passionate about high standards, developing people, and making a vital behind-the-scenes impact in patient care, this is your opportunity to shine.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

  • Proven expertise with at least 5 years in a Sterile Services Department, including 2+ years leading from the front in a senior or supervisory role
  • The demonstrated ability to inspire, motivate, and grow a high-performing team, fostering collaboration and trust
  • A recognised NZSSA Certificate in Sterilisation Level 4 or Advanced Sterilising Level 5 – your professional passport to excellence
  • Outstanding communication skills that build strong relationships across all levels of the organisation
  • A sharp eye for quality and compliance, with the know-how to keep processes running at the highest standard
  • Mastery of all aspects of Sterile Services, from meticulous reprocessing to the smooth operation of specialised sterilising equipment
  • Experience as a loan coordinator, ensuring the right instruments are in the right place at the right time 

Ngā mea ka taea e mātou te tuku I a koe | What we can offer you: 

  • A competitive remuneration package
  • Funded Southern Cross Health Insurance 
  • Christmas and New Year breaks
  • The opportunity to join a team of people who are truly committed to providing safe & quality personalised patient care, with kindness and excellence
  • Discounts on products and services from a range of our partners
  • Wellbeing programme
  • Catered morning tea & fruit
  • Opportunities for development and career progression
  • Opportunity to be part of Southern Cross networks and committees eg. Hauora Māori, Sustainability & Rainbow Community

Ko wai matou | Our Organisation 

At Southern Cross Healthcare, our purpose is clear: to advance quality healthcare across Aotearoa New Zealand. Our values shape everything we do:

  • Care First – We lead with compassion, delivering care that’s deeply human through genuine manaakitanga.
  • Better Together – Collaboration is our strength. We unite diverse skills and perspectives to create better outcomes for all.
  • Pursue Excellence – We strive to improve, innovate, and excel every day—never settling, always aiming to deliver our best.

We’re proud to bring together over 4,000 skilled professionals—including 2,000 nurses and anaesthetic technicians—working alongside more than 1,200 specialists, surgeons, anaesthetists, and allied health experts. Together, we’re one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest and most trusted healthcare providers.

Driven by a strong ‘for purpose’ ethos, we think beyond financial quarters—planning for generations to come.

Tō mātou whakahaere ki te tika, te rerekētanga, me te whai wāhi mai | Our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

We honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi and foster a culturally safe environment that reflects manaakitanga and values the unique perspectives of our people. Our core value, Better Together, guides our goal to build a workforce that mirrors the diversity of Aotearoa New Zealand.

If you have specific needs or would like to discuss how we can support you, please contact our Talent Acquisition team at careers@schl.co.nz for a confidential conversation. 

Haere mai, ā, mā te mahi tahi ka whai wāhi ki tētahi mea whai take, ka āwhina i ngā tāngata ki te whai oranga mā te whakaaro anō ki te tautiaki hauora 

Join us, and together, each of us can be part of something important, helping people live their best lives by reimagining healthcare. 

Click to view the position description of this role.

Southern Cross Healthcare needs your Sterile Services experience

Casey, Sterile Services Department at Southern Cross Invercargill Hospital

Do you have Sterile Services experience?

We are always looking for individuals experienced in Sterile Services to join our team. If you are a detailed orientated team player, with excellent communication skills, and would like to be considered for future roles at Southern Cross hospitals, let us know.

Express your interest in Sterile Services roles >

Find out what our people in Sterile Services think about
working at Southern Cross Healthcare >

Southern Cross Healthcare needs your Sterile Services experience

Casey, Sterile Services Department at Southern Cross Invercargill Hospital