The Royal Melbourne Hospital is one of Australia’s leading public healthcare providers. Join the team. Build a career. We are looking for a passionate and dedicated individual to join The Royal Melbourne Hospital.

Director of Nursing and Operations – Surgical Services
The Royal Melbourne Hospital

• Lead nursing and operational excellence across one of Victoria's most complex surgical services
• A senior executive opportunity at the heart of The Royal Melbourne Hospital
• Full Time position based at RMH City Campus

The Royal Melbourne Hospital is one of Victoria's leading public health services, renowned for excellence, innovation and compassionate care. We are currently seeking an exceptional nursing leader to join us as Director of Nursing and Operations within Surgical Services.

This is a significant executive leadership role with accountability for the delivery of high-quality clinical services, education and research across a large and diverse surgical portfolio. Surgical Services encompasses 16 operating theatres, a day procedure unit, eight surgical wards and a 23-hour stay ward, covering specialties including Cardiothoracic Surgery, Neurosurgery, Orthopaedic Surgery, Urology, Vascular Surgery, Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery and more. Working closely with the General Manager and Director of Surgical Services, you will provide professional nursing leadership, drive performance and quality outcomes, lead workforce planning and foster a culture of excellence, innovation and compassionate care across the division.

Your New Role:

• Provide strategic and professional leadership across Surgical Services, encompassing 16 operating theatres, 8 surgical wards, and a dedicated Day Procedure Unit.
• Lead high-performing nursing teams, ensuring evidence-based practice, appropriate skill mix, and outstanding patient experience.
• Drive innovation in clinical service delivery, quality improvement, education, and research.
• Partner with the General Manager, Surgical Services and other senior leaders to shape service direction, optimise resource utilisation, and deliver on key operational and financial objectives.
• Foster a culture of safety, excellence, and collaboration in line with RMH’s values and the Melbourne Way.

About You:

• Current registration as a Registered Nurse with AHPRA, with appropriate postgraduate qualifications
• Demonstrated experience in a senior managerial role within surgical services in a large teaching hospital
• Consultative leadership style with a proven track record of engaging, motivating and developing high-performing teams
• Strong operational management capability with proven ability to meet strategic, financial and operational objectives
• Highly developed communication, influencing and stakeholder engagement skills across clinical and executive environments
• Proven ability to lead change, utilise data for improvement and manage risk in a complex health service
• Commitment to The Melbourne Way – people first, leading with kindness, excellence together

Benefits of Working at RMH

• Flexible working arrangements, including work from home and our Elizabeth Street office
• Salary packaging options – increase your take-home pay by up to $12,000
• 5 weeks annual leave plus monthly ADOs (full time employees)
• Ongoing learning and professional development opportunities
• A strong values-based culture: People First | Lead with Kindness | Excellence Together
• A workplace committed to our Speaking Up for Safety culture

 To view the full position description please click here

To view a copy of RMH’s Nursing Professional Practice Framework please click here

Interested? Click on the apply button! Recruitment is ongoing, and interviews may commence as applications are received. Early applications are encouraged as the role may close once filled. 

All appointments are made subject to a satisfactory Criminal History Record Check. Successful applicants will be required to provide evidence of an immunisation assessment prior to commencement.

The RMH stands in solidarity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in work and care. We are proud to be a workplace that champions diversity, inclusion and equality for our staff and our community.  Our goal is for our people to feel safe, included and supported so that they can be at their best every single day. We encourage talented people from all backgrounds, abilities, and identities to apply to our vacancies, and will consider adjustments to support such applications.