This brand-new NUM position puts you at the heart of Rockhampton’s Service, leading a dedicated team caring for premature, unwell and high-risk newborns across Central Queensland.

You’ll bring your neonatal expertise to clinical leadership, quality improvement, education and workforce planning, while building a culture where your team can grow and thrive. With the chance to influence how the service operates and develops, this is an opportunity to make your mark from the beginning.

Considering a regional move? Relocation and accommodation can be negotiated! In Rockhampton, most suburbs are within a 20-minute drive, including Yeppoon’s beach town! That means less time in traffic and more time for family, friends and life outside work.

Job details

About us:

Neonatal Service provides Level 4 care for premature, unwell and high-risk newborns across Central Queensland. Based within the Maternity Unit, the team manages inborn and emergency admissions, regional transfers and transfers to tertiary neonatal services. With a strong focus on family-integrated, evidence-based care, the service works collaboratively to optimise outcomes, minimise mother–infant separation and remain ready 24/7 to stabilise and manage moderate-acuity neonates.

About the role:

• Lead Neonatal Services with confidence, providing visible clinical leadership and expert support to a dedicated nursing team caring for premature, unwell and high-risk newborns.
• Set the standard for clinical excellence, driving best-practice care, clinical governance, quality improvement, research and education across the Neonatal Unit.
• Grow and empower your team, creating a supportive learning culture where nurses are mentored, developed and encouraged to build their skills and careers.
• Shape the day-to-day operation of the service, leading workforce, financial and resource management while keeping patient care and service priorities at the centre.

About you:

• Registered Nurse or Registered Nurse/Midwife qualification, with current registration with NMBA via AHPRA.
• Advanced neonatal expertise and contemporary knowledge of neonatal practice, treatments and outcomes, with operational management experience.
• Confident clinical leadership, with the ability to lead teams and deliver safe, efficient and person-centred neonatal care.
• Strong operational and quality improvement skills, including resource management, rostering, data analysis and developing systems that improve service delivery.
• A passion for developing people and practice, through education, mentoring, evidence-based care, research, innovation and positive change.

What we offer:

Total remuneration value of up to $174,208 p.a. is comprised of:

• An hourly rate between $70.92 - $77.00 p.h.
• 12.75% employer superannuation contribution
• 17.5% leave loading

Additional Benefits:

• Ongoing Professional Development and Education Opportunities
• Accommodation and relocation can be negotiated
• Profession Development Leave
• Flexible Work-Life Balance and Variety
• Generous Salary Sacrificing Options
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Discounted Private Health Insurance
• Fitness Passport

Vaccine Preventable Diseases (VPD) requirements:

It is a condition of employment for this role for the employee to be, and remain, vaccinated against vaccine preventable diseases as listed on the Role Description.

How to apply:

To apply, please submit the following:

• Your current CV or resume, including referees.
• A cover letter (1-2 pages) addressing how your experience, skills and values align with the key responsibilities and expectations outlined in the Role Description.
• Any additional forms / evidence as attached or listed on the Role Description.

For assistance:

1. Contact Recruitment.CentralQueensland@health.qld.gov.au
2. Quote the Job Ad Reference (JAR) RK6J694487

Applications close: Thursday, 22 October 2026

#Rockhampton #Maternity #Neonatal

Further information

We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.

Microsoft Word (.doc) or PDF file types are supported. Files must be a maximum of 2MB each.

Documents

Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.

• RK6J694487 - Nurse Unit Manager (Neonatal) (PDF)
  
  Information for Applicants (PDF)