Senior Operations Manager

Role Overview

You will act as the patient’s advocate and clinical anchor throughout the entire surgical journey, from admission to the operating theatre through to recovery. Your day-to-day work involves preparing both patients and equipment, assisting the surgical team, and maintaining rigorous standards of safety and sterility in a fast-paced hospital setting. The quality of your nursing judgement directly influences surgical outcomes and patient wellbeing.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough pre-operative assessments, verifying patient identity, surgical site, and consent to minimise risks before anaesthesia and incision.
• Prepare the operating theatre by checking equipment functionality, arranging sterile instruments, and confirming that all required supplies are available for each scheduled procedure.
• Assist the surgeon and anaesthetist during operations by passing instruments, handling specimens, and anticipating the needs of the clinical team in real time.
• Monitor the patient’s physiological status throughout the procedure, documenting vital signs, fluid balance, and any changes in condition that require immediate intervention.
• Maintain a strict sterile field, enforcing infection control protocols and promptly correcting any breaks in aseptic technique.
• Provide clear and complete handover to recovery room staff, outlining key intraoperative events, patient responses, and ongoing care requirements.
• Participate in surgical safety checklists, team briefings, and post-operative debriefs to identify and resolve any procedural gaps or equipment issues.
• Support the orientation of junior nurses and student attaches within the perioperative unit, sharing practical knowledge on instrument handling and theatre etiquette.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Kenya Registered Nurse (KRN), or Kenya Registered Community Health Nurse (KRCHN) qualification from a recognised institution.
• A Higher National Diploma in Peri-Operative Nursing (KRPON) is considered a distinct advantage for placement in specialised surgical roles.
• Valid Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK) practising licence with no pending disciplinary actions.
• Current certification in BLS, ACLS, ATLS, and PALS is strongly preferred, demonstrating an ability to respond decisively in emergency situations.
• Minimum of two years’ clinical experience within a busy hospital environment, including hands-on exposure to operating theatre workflows and sterile technique.
• Demonstrated physical stamina, emotional resilience, and situational awareness needed to stand for long procedures and adapt to changing surgical schedules.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills to coordinate effectively with surgeons, anaesthetists, and support staff under time pressure.