Associate Charge Nurse Manager - Enhanced Post-Operative Unit

• Waikato Hospital, Hamilton
• Permanent, full-time
• An exciting leadership opportunity for an experienced and motivated senior nurse

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders.

About the Role

The Associate Charge Nurse Manager (ACNM) will provide clinical and operational leadership within EPOU, supporting the delivery of safe, high-quality, patient-centred care in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

Working closely with the Charge Nurse Manager and multidisciplinary teams, the ACNM will:

• Provide day-to-day clinical leadership and operational coordination
• Support and develop nursing staff within a high acuity environment
• Promote excellence in patient safety, quality, and care delivery
• Assist with workforce coordination and resource management
• Contribute to service development and quality improvement initiatives
• Foster a positive team culture and collaborative working relationships
• Support the ongoing development of this growing and innovative service

Click here to view the position description.

About the Team/Service

This is an opportunity to be part of an exciting and evolving service that is improving outcomes for surgical patients across the Waikato region. You will be joining a supportive leadership team committed to staff development, innovation, and excellence in care.

About Hamilton

Waikato Hospital is a major regional hospital in Hamilton and is a leading tertiary teaching hospital located in Hamilton, New Zealand, serving as the regional hub for the Midland area, which includes the Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Lakes, Tairawhiti, and Taranaki districts. With around 722 inpatient beds, 22 operating theatres, and a dedicated outpatient clinic and procedure centre, Waikato Hospital provides comprehensive hospital services, including radiology, laboratory, and pharmacy. As a major teaching hospital with affiliations to the University of Auckland, University of Waikato, and Wintec, it offers a dynamic learning environment and access to research opportunities. The hospital is equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities located on the Waiora Waikato Hospital Campus, with both road and air ambulance support.

Hamilton, where Waikato Hospital is situated, is a vibrant city nestled alongside the scenic Waikato River, offering a perfect mix of nature and culture. Explore the stunning Hamilton Gardens, home to themed gardens from Italy to Asia, or visit the Waikato Museum to delve into the region's rich history. The city also boasts the Hamilton Zoo, where you can walk through an aviary filled with native birds. Hamilton is a lively hub, with a variety of cafes, restaurants, and bars, along with events like rugby, cricket, and the famous National Agricultural Fieldays and Balloons over Waikato festival. With its vibrant atmosphere and proximity to outdoor adventures, Hamilton is an ideal place to live and work.

For more information on living and working in Waikato click here.

About you

To be successful in this role you will have:

• Current New Zealand Nursing Council registration and APC
• Significant recent acute surgical or critical care nursing experience, > 5 years
• Proven clinical leadership skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills
• A commitment to patient-centred care and continuous quality improvement
• The ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams
• Previous leadership or management experience is desirable
• Postgraduate qualification

Working at Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

How to Apply

To apply please click “Apply online” or apply via our Waikato Careers website by clicking here.

All applications must be submitted through our online careers’ portal before 11:59 pm on Wednesday, 27 May 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Kendra Corey at Kendra.Corey@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz

We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process before the closing date of this advert.