Clinical Operations Manager
Southern Cross Invercargill Hospital
Southern Cross Invercargill Hospital is the southernmost private surgical hospital in the Southern Cross network, it is widely known and used by people throughout the Southland and Queenstown-Wakatipu basin areas. The hospital features advanced theatre systems, including robotic orthopaedic surgery. Our highly skilled and caring team provide excellent care to 4200 patients per year. Our elective surgical services include Breast; Endoscopy and Gastroenterology; General; Gynaecology; Ophthalmology; Oral and Maxillofacial; Orthopaedic; Ear Nose and Throat; and Urology surgery.
Mō te Tūranga | About the Role
As our Clinical Operations Manager, you will play a pivotal leadership role in the operational and clinical success of the hospital, ensuring the delivery of exceptional patient care and service excellence across all departments. Working closely with the General Manager and wider Senior Leadership Team, you will lead, support, and inspire departmental leaders to create a high-performing, patient-focused environment that delivers safe, efficient, and financially sustainable healthcare services. This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact by driving operational performance, fostering strong relationships with Medical Specialists, and championing a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
As a visible and influential leader within the hospital, you will oversee day-to-day clinical and operational performance while helping shape the strategic direction of the organisation. From leading service improvement initiatives and workforce planning, to supporting certification audits, quality and risk management, and future service growth opportunities, you will play a key role in ensuring Southern Cross Healthcare remains a trusted leader within the healthcare sector. You will bring strong business acumen, outstanding people leadership skills, and the ability to confidently navigate a fast-paced and evolving healthcare environment.
This role offers the opportunity to combine strategic leadership with hands-on operational influence, while working alongside passionate clinical and operational teams committed to delivering the highest standards of care. This is a full-time permanent position based in our Southern Cross Invercargill Hospital.
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
- Extensive clinical experience with a minimum of 8 years post-registration experience, including at least 3 years within a surgical hospital environment
- Proven senior leadership capability with 6+ years’ experience successfully leading and managing high-performing healthcare teams
- Demonstrated success driving operational excellence and delivering outstanding clinical and business outcomes within a surgical healthcare setting
- Strong people leadership skills with experience across workforce planning, change management, employee relations, and project delivery
- Commercially astute with strong financial acumen and the ability to balance quality patient outcomes with operational performance
- Registered Nurse with a current New Zealand Annual Practising Certificate (APC)
- Postgraduate qualification in management, leadership, or equivalent professional development
- Expert Level 4 within a recognised PDRP programme highly regarded
- Commitment to continuous professional growth, with active progression towards a Leadership PDRP portfolio desirable
Ngā mea ka taea e mātou te tuku I a koe | What we can offer you:
- Competitive Rewards: Attractive remuneration package, relocation allowance, and employee referral bonus scheme.
- 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.
- 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.
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.