Associate Nurse Unit Manager - Acute Unit in Warrnambool, Australia

Take the next step in your nursing leadership career as an Associate Nurse Unit Manager within South West Healthcare's Acute Care Unit. Working alongside the Nurse Unit Manager, you will lead and support a skilled nursing team, promote clinical excellence, and contribute to outstanding patient outcomes. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Registered Nurse to combine advanced clinical practice with leadership in a rewarding and supportive environment.

Position overview

• Employment Type: Part time (64 hours per fortnight), Fixed term 12-month parental leave position
• Commencing: 7 November 2026
• Contract ending: 5 December 2027
• Location: Warrnambool Campus
• Classification: Associate Nurse Unit Manager
• Salary Range: $120,416.40 - $124,472.40 pro rata, plus superannuation

About the role

South West Healthcare's Acute Care Unit is seeking a passionate and experienced Registered Nurse to join our team as an Associate Nurse Unit Manager (ANUM).

This is an exciting leadership opportunity for a motivated clinician looking to influence high-quality patient care while supporting the development of a skilled and collaborative nursing team. Working closely with the Nurse Unit Manager, you will play a key role in:

• Promoting excellence in clinical practice and patient care
• Providing effective leadership, support, and mentorship to nursing staff
• Ensuring safe, person-centred, and high-quality patient outcomes
• Supporting efficient resource utilisation and financial sustainability
• Assisting with daily unit coordination and operational management
• Contributing to workforce development and quality improvement initiatives

Our 22-bed Acute Care Unit provides specialised care for patients with complex medical and surgical needs and serves as the primary referral destination for patients transitioning from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). This dynamic environment offers the opportunity to further develop your clinical expertise, leadership capabilities, and influence on patient outcomes.

If you are a dedicated nurse leader who is passionate about fostering a positive workplace culture, driving clinical excellence, and delivering exceptional patient care, we would love to hear from you.

What you bring

• Current registration as a Registered Nurse with AHPRA.
• Demonstrated commitment to upholding South West Healthcare's values.
• Minimum four years' post-graduate nursing experience, including at least two years' recent experience in an acute care setting.
• Advanced clinical assessment skills and experience delivering complex patient care.
• Strong understanding of clinical governance, patient safety, and professional nursing standards.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and supporting the growth of others.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to make sound clinical decisions, solve problems, and supervise and support staff.
• Relevant postgraduate qualification in Management is desirable.

What we offer

You will enjoy benefits such as:

• Excellent salary packaging options including meals & entertainment, novated leasing and additional superannuation contributions
• Internal and external professional development opportunities
• Ongoing clinical supervision
• A range of internal development opportunities focusing on personal development such as resilience and mentoring workshops and comprehensive leadership programs
• Excellent terms and conditions of employment

Who we are

As an organisation SWH prides themselves on their values; Care, Respect, Excellence, Integrity and Leadership and their overall dedication to the local community. Learn more about SWH here .

SWH is the largest health service in South West Victoria, providing acute, mental health, rehabilitation, and aged care together with an extensive range of primary and community health services across the South West catchment. SWH is the lead agency for the South West Local Health Service Network, presenting an exciting opportunity for SWH to provide strong leadership and support across the entire region. With a population of 39,000 and a catchment of 100,000 Warrnambool is the regional centre to Victoria's Great South Coast.

To learn about the vibrant town and region please visit: