Health Service Manager

Lead two thriving rural hospitals at the heart of the Upper Hunter, driving excellence in patient care and community connection. A rare senior leadership opportunity to shape services, influence future development, and leave a lasting legacy in regional health.

Employment Type: Permanent Full Time

Position Classification: Nurse Manager Grade 5

Remuneration: $155, $157,772.34 Per Annum + 11.5% Super + Salary Packaging

Hours Per Week: 38

Requisition ID: REQ610683

Location: Scott Memorial Hospital, Scone

Closing: Sunday, 2nd November 2025

(Tentative interview date: Wednesday, 12th November 2025)

Lead with purpose and make a lasting impact across two vibrant Upper Hunter communities.

We are seeking an experienced and inspiring nurse leader to take on the crucial role as Health Service Manager for Scott Memorial Hospital, Scone, and Wilson Memorial Hospital, Murrurundi. This is a rare, career-defining opportunity to lead two hospitals that are at the heart of their communities and play a key role in the future of rural health in the Hunter New England region.

About the facilities

Scott Memorial Hospital, Scone is a Level 2 facility offering a range of acute and community health services, including an operating theatre, maternity unit, general ward, and emergency department.

Wilson Memorial Hospital, Murrurundi, is an 18-bed Level 1 facility with a 2-bed emergency department, co-located community health services, and a modern facility built just three years ago, surrounded by the scenic Upper Hunter landscape.

About the role

As the Health Service Manager, you will:

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across both sites, ensuring safe, high-quality care and effective clinical governance.
• Build and foster strong relationships with the Upper Hunter Shire Council, Primary Health Network, local GP practices, and other community partners.
• Lead a skilled team including Nurse Unit Managers across theatre, emergency, and inpatient services, a Clinical Nurse Manager for Quality Improvement, and dedicated administrative staff.
• Oversee financial, human resource, and operational performance to meet NSW Health and LHD targets, including key Tier 1 KPIs around patient flow and transfer of care.
• Represent both hospitals on Local Health Advisory Committees and the Medical Staff Council, maintaining vital community engagement and partnership.

This is a highly autonomous leadership role where you'll have the scope to influence service delivery, implement improvement initiatives, and shape the direction of care. You'll also contribute to the Scone Hospital capital redevelopment, currently in the clinical service planning phase, an exciting opportunity to help design the future of healthcare in the region.

About you

You are a dynamic and compassionate senior nurse leader with:

• Current registration as a Registered Nurse with AHPRA
• Proven experience in operational management and strategic leadership within a complex health environment
• Strong financial acumen and the ability to drive performance across multiple service areas
• A collaborative approach, with a commitment to patient-centred care and community engagement
• Postgraduate qualifications in leadership or management (or working towards)
• A valid NSW Driver's Licence and willingness to travel between sites

Why you'll love it here

• Community connection – Be an integral part of two close-knit, welcoming rural towns where your leadership will directly influence community health outcomes.
• Professional network – Join a strong peer group of Nurse Managers across the Hunter sector, supported by the Service Manager for Hunter Lower Mid North Coast and the incoming Director of Nursing & Midwifery, Rural and Regional Health Services.
• Lifestyle and location – Enjoy the best of the Upper Hunter, with country hospitality, beautiful surroundings, and easy access to Muswellbrook, Singleton and the vineyards of the Hunter Valley.
• Monthly Allocated Days Off (for full-time employees)
• 4 weeks annual leave (pro-rata for part time employees)
• Paid parental leave (for eligible employees) - giving you the opportunity for true work-life balance
• Salary packaging options - up to $11,600 plus novated leasing
• Fitness Passport for health and well-being - discounted gym options for you and your family
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and family members

Ready to take the next step?

This is more than a leadership role, it's an opportunity to build legacy, strengthen rural health, and be part of a connected and supportive regional network.

Apply now to lead Scott Memorial Hospital and Wilson Memorial Hospital into their next chapter of excellence.

Need more information?

1) Click here for the Position Description

2) Find out more about applying for this position

For role related queries or questions contact Di Peers on

Information for Applicants:

Applicants will be assessed against the essential requirements and selection criteria contained within the position description (link below). For assistance addressing selection criteria visit:

Stepping Up Website is a resource designed to help indigenous job applicants apply for positions in NSW Health. For more information, please visit:

This is a Category A position. Recommended applicants will be reviewed for compliance with NSW Health policy directive PD2024_015: Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination against Specified Infectious Diseases for Category A positions prior to offer. All new employees must agree to comply with the requirements outlined in the policy.

Hunter New England Health is dedicated to fostering a child-safe environment that respects and upholds the rights of children and young people, aligned with NSW Health's commitment to implementing the Child Safe Standards. We aim to ensure that children and young people feel safe, supported, and included in their care. All current and prospective staff are expected to prioritise the safety, welfare, and well-being of children and young people, actively working to protect them from harm and abuse.

At Hunter New England Local Health District, we are an inclusive employer dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. Our commitment to a workforce that reflects the community we care for is essential for delivering the highest quality healthcare to our community. We encourage people with diverse lived experiences to apply. If you require any accommodations or adjustments to the recruitment process please let us know when you apply or at any stage of the process. We will work with you to meet your needs and create the best possible experience. Please contact HNELHD- for confidential support to ensure an equitable, barrier-free application process.

To be eligible for permanent employment in this position you must be an Australian Citizen, or a permanent resident of Australia, or a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand Passport. Employment of a temporary visa holder may only occur if no suitable local candidate is identified for the position; in this instance, you may only be offered employment in line with the conditions and expiry date of your visa.

An eligibility list will be created for future permanent full or part time and temporary full or part time vacancies.

We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position.