Clinical Operations Manager

Clinical Operations Manager

Southern Cross Hamilton Hospital

Southern Cross Hamilton Hospital stands as a premier, private elective surgical facility, impressively equipped to cater to a diverse range of medical needs. Nestled in a tranquil, central locale within Hamilton, our hospital takes pride in its longstanding commitment to serving the broader Waikato community. Over the years, Southern Cross Hamilton Hospital has undergone substantial expansion and enhancement, now featuring eight fully equipped operating theatres, 60 inpatient beds, availability high dependency beds, and a purpose-built Day Surgery Unit. 

Mō te Tūranga | About the Role

As Clinical Operations Manager, you’ll be right at the heart of how the hospital runs - not just overseeing operations but actively shaping how things work and how they work better. This is a highly visible, hands-on leadership role where you’ll be deeply involved in day-to-day operations, stepping in when things don’t go to plan, navigating complexity with confidence, and leading calm, decisive responses when it matters most. You’ll work closely with the General Manager and senior leaders to drive operational excellence, quality outcomes and sustainable performance across the hospital. From managing incidents and supporting teams through challenges, to leading audits, accreditation and continuous improvement initiatives, you’ll play a key role in strengthening governance, improving patient outcomes and building confidence across clinical and non-clinical teams.

A big part of your impact will come from building, reviewing and standardising processes -identifying what’s working, fixing what isn’t, and designing smarter, safer and more efficient ways of operating. You’ll champion quality initiatives, embed new ways of working, relationship building and create clarity and consistency that empowers leaders and teams to perform at their best. If you thrive on problem-solving, influence and making meaningful change stick, this role will give you plenty of scope to shine. This is a full-time permanent position based in our Hamilton Hospital. 

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

• Strong clinical foundation, with 8+ years post-registration experience, including at least 3 years in a surgical environment, giving you a deep understanding of how hospitals and theatres truly operate
• Proven senior leadership experience, with 6+ years in management roles leading teams at scale within complex, high-pressure healthcare settings
• Demonstrated clinical and operational leadership within a surgical hospital environment; private healthcare experience advantageous (public sector experience also welcomed)
• Highly methodical and organised, with the ability to manage complexity, structure work effectively, and maintain control in fast-moving environments
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, enabling you to engage, influence and build strong relationships across multidisciplinary teams and Medical Specialists
• Strong quality improvement mindset, with hands-on experience leading or supporting major audits, accreditation and compliance activities (e.g. ISO / JCIA or similar frameworks)
• Proven ability to build rapport and trust, empowering leaders and teams to take ownership, perform at their best and grow their capability
• Broad people leadership and workforce management experience, including change leadership and end-to-end improvement initiatives
• Sound financial and commercial acumen, with experience managing budgets, resources and operational performance
• Calm, agile and solutions-focused, able to troubleshoot issues, prioritise effectively and respond confidently when things don’t go to plan
• Positive, “we can do this” mindset, bringing energy, innovation and a strong commitment to quality, safety and continuous improvement
• NZ Registered Nurse, holding a current practising certificate
• Postgraduate management qualification or equivalent leadership development
• Actively working towards a Leadership PDRP portfolio

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

• Competitive Rewards: Attractive remuneration packag and, relocation allowance.
• Health & Wellbeing: Funded health insurance, a comprehensive wellbeing programme, and generous Christmas/New Year breaks.
• Flexibility & Growth: Flexible working arrangements and a Nursing Council of New Zealand-approved PDRP.

Ko wai matou | Our Organisation 

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.

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.  

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