Operational Manager Nursing Grade 1 – Observatory – Groote Schuur Hospital

Operational Manager Nursing Grade 1 at Groote Schuur Hospital in Observatory is a key government job in South Africa

Published 7 October 2026
Closing Date 16 October 2026
Type
Opportunity

About the Role

The Operational Manager Nursing Grade 1 in Trauma at Groote Schuur Hospital in Observatory plays a pivotal role in the healthcare landscape of Cape Town. This position is not just about managing staff; it is about innovating and leading a dedicated team to ensure that patients receive the highest quality of nursing care. In this role, you will be at the forefront of nursing excellence, directly contributing to the health and wellbeing of the community. Your leadership will help align the nursing division’s strategic goals with the urgent needs of trauma care, making a significant difference in people’s lives during times of crisis.

Working at Groote Schuur Hospital, one of the premier medical facilities in South Africa, provides you with the opportunity to be part of a storied institution that has made remarkable contributions to public health. The hospital is renowned for its commitment to quality service, patient safety, and advancing medical research. As an Operational Manager, you will not only oversee the coordination of nursing services but also inspire your team to continuously improve and innovate in delivering care. This role is vital for ensuring that the hospital meets its operational targets while fostering an environment of learning and development.

About the Department

The Nursing Division at Groote Schuur Hospital is dedicated to providing comprehensive healthcare services across various specialties. Its mandate is to ensure that all patients receive high-quality, compassionate care that meets the diverse needs of the community. Working in this department means contributing to a legacy of excellence, where every nurse’s effort counts toward a healthier population.

As a member of this division, you will be part of a dynamic team focused on improving healthcare outcomes and enhancing service delivery. The commitment to public service is reflected in the values upheld within the department, making it a meaningful place to build your career.

What You’ll Do

  • Provide leadership to nursing staff in the trauma unit, ensuring high standards of care.
  • Coordinate and manage the delivery of quality nursing services within the department.
  • Formulate, monitor, and implement nursing policies and procedures.
  • Manage human, material, and financial resources effectively.
  • Oversee staff performance, training, and development initiatives.
  • Collect and analyze data to improve service delivery and nursing practices.
  • Encourage and participate in nursing research to enhance patient care.

What You’ll Need

  • Basic R425 qualification allowing registration with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) as a Professional Nurse.
  • A post-basic nursing qualification in Trauma, Emergency, or Critical Care Nursing.
  • A minimum of 9 years of nursing experience post-registration, with at least 5 years in a relevant specialty.
  • Strong leadership, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
  • Knowledge of nursing legislation, ethics, and public sector policies.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

How to Apply

Please submit your application before the closing date as late applications will not be considered.

Requirements

Minimum educational qualification: Basic R425 qualification (i.

e.

diploma/degree in nursing) or equivalent qualification (R683) that allows registration with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) as a Professional Nurse.

A post-basic nursing qualification with a duration of at least 1 year accredited with the SANC in Medical and Surgical Nursing Science: Critical Care Nursing: General or Medical and Surgical Nursing Science: Critical Care Nursing: Trauma and Emergency or 4-year Bachelor Degree in Nursing (R174) or equivalent qualification (R171 plus R1497) that allows registration with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) as a Professional Nurse.

A post graduate diploma (R635) accredited in Emergency Nursing or Critical Care Nursing (Adult).

Registration with a professional council: Registration with the SANC as Professional Nurse.

Experience: A minimum of 9 years appropriate /recognisable experience in nursing after registration as Professional Nurse with the SANC in General Nursing.

At least 5 years of the period referred to above must be appropriate/recognisable experience after obtaining the 1-year post-basic qualification or post-graduate diploma in the relevant specialty.

Inherent requirements of the job: Perform after-hour and weekend duties for the department and the hospital.

Competencies (knowledge/skills): Principles of Management: Supervisory, leadership, problem solving, conflict resolution and interpersonal/communication skills.

Extensive knowledge in General Nursing and the relevant Nursing Speciality including public sector policies and protocols.

Knowledge of Nursing legislation, related legal and ethical nursing practices and framework.

Human Resources, Labour relations legislation and Financial Management, including computer literacy (i.

e.

Ms Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook).

Job Duties

Provide innovative leadership in the allocated area to realise the strategic goals and objectives of the Nursing Division.

Responsible for the co-ordination and delivery of quality nursing care within the relevant department.

-Participate in formulation, monitoring and implementation of policies, guidelines, standards, procedures and regulations pertaining to nursing care within the relevant Department.

Provide effective support and management of human, material and financial resources, as well as Functional Business FBU management principles.

Manage staff performance, training and personal development of self and subordinates including management of underperformance and grievances.

Collect, provide and use relevant information for the enhancement of service delivery, including participation in and encouragement of nursing research.

Salary

R720 819 per annum

How to Apply

Please submit your application before the closing date as late applications will not be considered. Do not submit duplicate applications. If applying for multiple posts, submit separate applications for each post. Due to high volumes, the Department will not acknowledge receipt of applications. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. If you have not heard from us within 3 months, please consider your application to be unsuccessful. Should, during any stage of the recruitment process, a moratorium be placed on the filling of posts, or the Department is affected by any process such as, but not limited to, restructuring or reorganisation of posts, the Department reserves the right to cancel the recruitment process and re- advertise the post at any time in the future. Important: DOA is an equal opportunity employer committed to promoting representivity and affirmative action. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates. The Department reserves the right not to fill vacancies. By applying, you consent to the collection and processing of your personal information for recruitment purposes. Shortlisted candidates will be required to be available for assessments and interviews at a date and time as determined by the Department. Shortlisted candidates will undergo personnel suitability checks, security vetting and reference checks (including social media profiles). Applications must declare any pending criminal, disciplinary or any other allegations or investigations. Successful candidates must pass security clearance, sign an employment contract, sign an annual performance agreement and disclose financial interests. All applicants are required to declare any conflict or perceived conflict of interest, to disclose memberships of Boards and directorships that they may be associated with. Failure to disclose relevant information may result in disqualification or termination. ERRATUM: The position of Campus Manager Ref No: 3/3/1/49/2026 advertised in the Public Services Vacancy Circular no 24 of 2026 was published with the incorrect EE Targets; the correct EE Targets are African Males and Females, and persons with disability. Therefore, the submission of job applications will be accepted from 25 September 2026 until 09 October 2026 at 16:00 through the same application channels published under the Public Service Vacancy Circular 24 dated 10 July 2026. Withdrawal of Advertisement: The post of Senior Security Officer (reference: 3/3/1/83/2026), which was published in the Public Service Vacancy Circular number 32 dated 04 September 2026, closing 18 September 2026, has been withdrawn. 5 OTHER POSTS For Enquiries: Ms R. Sutcliffe Tel No: (021) 404-2092