Sterile Services Team Lead
Southern Cross Central Lakes Hospital Queenstown
Southern Cross Central Lakes Hospital (SCCLH) received its first patients in January 2022 and has steadily developed a broad range of specialty surgery covering both private and public patients. The joint venture ownership between Southern Cross Healthcare and Central Lakes Trust ensures leading clinical service delivery whilst maintaining a genuine focus to provide healthcare services closer to home for general population of Central Otago.
Mō te Tūranga | About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Sterile Services Team Leader to join our team in a key leadership role within our Sterile Services Department. This is an exciting opportunity for a highly skilled Sterile Science Technician who is passionate about quality, safety, and supporting a high-performing team.
In this role, you will provide day-to-day leadership and oversight of the Sterile Services team, ensuring the safe, efficient, and compliant reprocessing of reusable medical devices (RMDs). You will play a pivotal role in coordinating daily workflow, supporting staff development, and maintaining the high standards required to support our busy surgical centre.
Working closely with the theatre and wider perioperative team, you will work hands-on with your team to ensure the smooth flow of instruments and equipment required for surgery. You will also support quality improvement initiatives, audits, and compliance activities while promoting best practice in sterilising technology, infection prevention, and health and safety.
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
- A minimum of 5 years’ experience in a Sterile Services role
- NZSSA registration as a Sterile Science Technician
- Level 5 Diploma in Sterilising Technology, or willing to work towards this qualification
- Experience with traceability systems, audits, quality documentation, and compliance monitoring
- Previous leadership or supervisory experience, either formal or informal
- The ability to train, mentor, and support staff development, including competency assessments
- Strong communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with our wider teams
- Confidence in managing daily workflow, prioritisation, problem solving, and escalation
In addition, you will bring:
- A strong understanding of AS/NZS 5369 standards
- In-depth knowledge of RMD reprocessing, sterile services workflow, and adherence to IFUs
- A solid understanding of Infection Prevention and Control standards and practices
- Strong awareness of health and safety requirements, including chemical handling, equipment checks, and incident escalation
- Understanding of Ngā Paerewa Health and Disability Services Standards NZS 8134:2021, particularly as it relates to sterile services
Ngā mea ka taea e mātou te tuku I a koe | What we can offer you:
- Competitive Rewards: Attractive remuneration package.
- Health & Wellbeing: Funded health insurance, a comprehensive wellbeing programme, and generous Christmas/New Year breaks.
- Perks & Community: Discounts from a range of partners and the opportunity to join our Employee Network.
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.
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 >
Casey, Sterile Services Department at Southern Cross Invercargill Hospital