Theatre Services Manager

Theatre Services Manager

Southern Cross Wellington Hospital

Southern Cross Wellington Hospital is a private surgical hospital and integrated, purpose-built specialist consulting centre. The hospital features five operating theatres, diagnostic technologies, and a modern intensive care unit – all of which allows the hospital to provide for the needs of a variety of patients, including those at higher-risk, given the increasing number of complex elective surgical procedures now performed in the private sector.  Clinical services include Orthopaedic surgery, Neurosurgery, General Surgery, Gynaecology, Paediatric surgery, Ophthalmology, and Urology.

Mō te Tūranga | About the Role

Are you a dynamic leader with a passion for delivering world-class perioperative care? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same? As our Theatre Services Manager, you will be the driving force behind a high-performing perioperative service—leading, inspiring, and coordinating teams to deliver an efficient, responsive, and safe patient experience. You'll champion a collaborative, patient-focused approach built on strong partnerships with Medical Specialists while sparking enthusiasm, innovation, and pride across the entire service. From optimising resources and ensuring exceptional utilisation of theatres, to nurturing skilled and motivated staff through coaching, development, and effective people leadership, you'll shape a culture where clinical excellence thrives and every team member works confidently at the top of their scope.

In this pivotal leadership role, you'll work closely with the General Manager and senior leadership team (SLT) to deliver on Southern Cross Healthcare's strategic goals and maintain our position as a trusted leader in the healthcare sector. As a key member of the SLT, your influence will span operational performance, quality and safety, financial stewardship, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement. You'll support strategic initiatives, lead clinical and business activities, strengthen specialist relationships, and ensure systems are in place for a seamless, safe patient journey. Whether guiding the response to clinical escalations, liaising with our Medical Specialists, or setting the tone for professionalism and accountability, you'll make a significant and lasting impact on our people, our patients, and the future of our hospital. This is a full-time permanent position based in our Southern Cross Wellington Hospital in Newtown.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

• Proven, confident leadership experience within a perioperative environment, with the ability to drive operational excellence and lead high-performing teams
• Registration in New Zealand as a Nurse or Anaesthetic Technician, backed by strong clinical expertise in scrub/circulating and/or PACU practice
• A current Annual Practising Certificate with the appropriate New Zealand regulatory authority
• At least two years of progressive leadership experience, demonstrating growth, resilience, and the ability to influence change
• A Nursing Diploma or Bachelor's degree, or qualifications in Perioperative Sciences, Anaesthetic Technology, or an equivalent field
• PDRP Level 4 (Expert) or the equivalent advanced professional framework
• A Master's degree in Nursing, Healthcare Leadership, Business, or a related field (highly desirable)
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams
• A passion for cultivating talent, supporting professional development, and fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and outstanding patient care
• Strategic thinking with the ability to problem-solve, lead service improvements, and champion initiatives that enhance the perioperative journey

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

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 for a confidential conversation.

For a copy of the Job Description visit Theatre-Services-Manager---Position-