Nurse Unit Manager - Scrub Scout

About the role

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Clinical Service - Perioperative you will oversee day-to-day unit operations, workforce planning, staff performance and development, recruitment activities, resource management and quality improvement initiatives. Through visible and supportive leadership, you will champion best practice standards, promote continuous improvement, and contribute to exceptional patient outcomes within a dynamic perioperative environment.

Salary range: $75.40 - $81.09 per hour plus superannuation and access to not-for-profit salary packaging up to $15,900  + access to many staff benefits! 

What you’ll be doing

This role offers an excellent opportunity to further develop your leadership, operational and workforce management experience within Perioperative Services. As Nurse Unit Manager, you will provide operational and clinical leadership, ensuring the delivery of safe, high-quality, patient-centered care while supporting a positive, collaborative and high-performing team culture.

• Provide operational and clinical leadership to the Scrub Scout team in partnership with nursing, medical, allied health and administrative teams.
• Support the effective management of daily perioperative services to ensure safe and efficient patient care delivery.
• Identify and implement opportunities for service improvement and clinical excellence in collaboration with senior leadership.
• Lead and support quality improvement, risk management and patient safety initiatives within the department.
• Provide coaching, mentorship and professional support to nursing staff, promoting a culture of continuous learning and development.
• Utilise effective communication and leadership strategies to support team engagement and achievement of departmental goals.
• Lead performance management processes within the Scrub Scout team, including performance development planning, coaching, mentoring, recognition of excellence, and management of performance issues in accordance with Mater policies and procedures.
• Support workforce planning and recruitment activities, including participation in the selection, onboarding and retention of nursing staff to ensure appropriate staffing levels and capability within the Scrub Scout team.

 About You

To be considered for the role, you will demonstrate:

• Current AHPRA registration as a Registered Nurse with no restrictions.
• Significant perioperative nursing experience, with a strong understanding of operating theatre environments, workflows, and multidisciplinary team collaboration. Experience in Scrub/Scout, Anaesthetics, Recovery, Day Surgery, or other perioperative specialties will be considered.
• Demonstrated leadership experience or a strong desire and capability to step into a nursing leadership role.
• Advanced clinical knowledge and a commitment to delivering safe, high-quality, patient-centred care.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with nursing staff, VMOs, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Proven ability to influence, engage, and support teams through visible and approachable leadership.
• Excellent organisational, time management, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to lead and manage a clinical team to achieve positive patient, staff, and organisational outcomes.
• Understanding of clinical governance, risk management, quality improvement, and accreditation requirements within a healthcare setting.
• Knowledge of contemporary people management practices, including performance development, coaching, workforce planning, and staff engagement.

We encourage applications from experienced perioperative nurses who may not currently hold a formal leadership position but have demonstrated leadership capability, initiative, and a genuine interest in developing their management and operational leadership skills.

Why join us?

Mater is Queensland’s largest not-for-profit healthcare provider, delivering exceptional care to nearly 700,000 patients each year across 11 (soon to be 12) hospitals. We’re leaders in healthcare, education,  fundraising & philanthropy and research — and it’s our people who make the difference.

We’re looking for passionate individuals to join our team and help shape the future of care. At Mater, you’ll be part of a purpose-driven organisation that values innovation, compassion, and excellence.

• Increase your take-home pay with generous salary packaging options, including meal and entertainment benefits
• Grow your career with access to industry-leading training and professional development through Mater Education
• Wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Program and on-site pastoral care teams
• Access a range of health and wellbeing services with a corporate discount on private health insurance
• Exclusive discounts across dining, retail, travel, accommodation (just to name a few!)
• Stay active with unlimited access to discounted gyms via the Fitness Passport program
• Convenient, discounted on-site parking
• Enjoy great food with reduced prices at our campus cafés and coffee spots
• Join Queensland’s Largest and Most Innovative Not-for-Profit Healthcare Team

Be part of something bigger. Make your move with Mater. #GETBETTERWITHMATER

Applications close Friday 21st August 2026 –please note, we may contact applicants prior to the closing date, please do not hesitate to APPLY NOW. Direct applications only — we are not engaging recruitment agencies at this time. All successful candidates may be required to complete pre‑employment checks (including criminal history, working rights, medical and working with children checks).

Mater offers a safe, supportive, flexible and inclusive workplace where everyone is valued. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and abilities. Visit our Reconciliation webpage. 

Mater ensures all children have an environment suitable for their safety and wellbeing through proper supervision and safeguarding practices.