2 opportunities – One in Southern Cross Wellington Hospital and one in Southern Cross Christchurch Hospital
Mō te Tūranga | About the Role
Are you a passionate theatre nurse ready to take the lead in a cutting-edge surgical environment? We're seeking a visionary Clinical Nurse Lead (1.0 FTE, or 0.8 FTE for the right candidate) to lead our theatre team through the next evolution of patient-centred surgery — including the integration of robotic-assisted procedures that are redefining precision and outcomes. This is your opportunity to lead a high-performing team at the forefront of surgical innovation, including our journey into robotic-assisted procedures. You'll play a pivotal role in delivering exceptional patient outcomes across general surgery and specialties, with a strong focus on orthopaedics — one of the most complex and rewarding areas of care. We're a tight-knit, motivated team with bold ambitions and a shared commitment to excellence.
In this role, you'll:
- Lead and inspire a collaborative, people-focused theatre team
- Champion safe, seamless, and high-quality surgical care
- Drive innovation in orthopaedic and robotic surgery
- Build strong clinical partnerships with top-tier surgeons and health professionals
- Shape theatre operations and culture with a focus on performance, growth, and teamwork
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
- At least 5 years' post-registration theatre experience, with deep expertise in general surgery and with 2 years in orthopaedic surgery
- Extensive theatre expertise – at least 5 years of post-registration experience, including 2+ years specialising in orthopaedic surgery
- Proven leadership skills — you know how to inspire, guide, and empower clinical teams to deliver their best
- A calm, professional presence and a friendly, can-do attitude that lifts those around you
- NZ Registered Nurse with a current practising certificate and surgical scope
- A commitment to clinical excellence, with a postgraduate qualification (completed or in progress) and PDRP Level 4 (Expert) or senior nursing PDRP (or working towards it)
- Strong clinical assessment skills, backed by a completed postgraduate paper or equivalent
- Tech-savvy and confident navigating digital systems and adapting to new tools
- A collaborative mindset — reliable, supportive, and able to thrive in a multidisciplinary team environment
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 Rainbow 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 apply via our Talent Acquisition team at [email protected] and state which location you prefer.
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.
This is not a Health NZ role, please apply to the company direct
