Administration Manager Surgical Services - Targeted

Remuneration: $84,436 - $112,331 p.a. + Superannuation + Salary Packaging 
Location: John Hunter Hospital, New Lambton Heights 
Employment Type: Temporary Full Time up to June 2026 
Position Classification: Health Manager Level 1 
Hours Per Week: 38 
REQ ID: REQ565714 
Closing Date: Sunday, 4th May 2025

Whilst this position is open to all individuals, it is targeted to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people under section 21 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977. Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply and consideration will be given to suitable Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicants to promote equal or improved access. Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicants must demonstrate Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander status in addition to addressing the selection criterion. 

About the Service

Join the leadership team at one of the region’s largest acute hospital facilities, where innovation meets excellence in surgical care. This pivotal leadership role oversees approximately 90 administrative staff supporting a wide array of departments within Surgical Services, including: 

• Theatres
• Same Day / Day of Surgery Department
• Surgical Wards
• Perioperative Department
• Medical Secretaries
• Hunter Integrated Pain Service
• Executive Assistants supporting Surgical Services 

This is a unique opportunity to take charge of administrative operations in a fast-paced, high-performing environment that impacts thousands of patients and clinicians every year.


Workplace Culture

Our administration team is passionate, professional, and united by a shared commitment to supporting exceptional patient care. You’ll join a collaborative, inclusive leadership group with a strong culture of support, open communication, and genuine camaraderie. The Surgical Executive team meets weekly to connect over coffee—creating space for reflection, problem-solving, and peer support.

If you're a dynamic leader who thrives on collaboration, innovation, and people-first management, you'll feel right at home here.


About the Role

This is more than just a leadership position—it’s a key role at the heart of major change and growth for Surgical Services.

A typical week will involve: 

• Managing recruitment, staffing, and rostering across 90+ administrative roles
• Providing expert administrative insights in executive and departmental meetings
• Supporting staff development and succession planning
• Streamlining processes and championing efficiency improvements 

What’s not in the PD—but critical to the role: You’ll be a key driver during two major transformations: 

1. Single Digital Patient Record (SDPR) – launching in March 2026. You’ll help prepare teams for a fully digital workflow, offering leadership and reassurance through this organisational shift. 

2. Relocation to the new John Hunter Acute Services Building – you’ll lead the admin team in updating processes, procedures, and workflows to support a smooth transition into our expanded state-of-the-art facility. 

This role is for a people-focused leader ready to inspire, support, and future-proof our administrative services. Click here for the Position Description


What We’re Looking For

Essential Skills & Attributes: 

• Proven leadership experience in managing complex administrative teams
• Excellent communication across varied stakeholder groups
• Strategic thinking & process improvement mindset, especially under pressure
• Commitment to staff development, mentoring, and succession planning
• Change leadership capability—particularly with digital and infrastructure transformation 

Nice-to-Have (But Can Be Learned): 

• Knowledge of SDPR and digital patient systems
• Familiarity with hospital relocation procedures
• Experience with hospital-specific platforms (we’ll provide training!) 

Support & Development 

You won’t be doing this alone. You’ll receive: 

• A comprehensive onboarding program tailored to your role
• Ongoing support from the Surgical Services Executive Team
• Access to professional development, training for SDPR, and mentoring opportunities
• Support in developing new skillsets tied to hospital systems and relocation planning 

Apply Now! Be the leader who makes a lasting impact.
 

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.  Please contact Rebecca.Caldwell@health.nsw.gov.au for confidential support to ensure an equitable, barrier-free application process.