Sterile Services Team Lead

Sterile Services Team Lead

Southern Cross Hamilton Hospital

Southern Cross Hamilton Hospital is a well-equipped private surgical hospital based in central Hamilton, proudly providing a wide range of surgical specialties to the wider Waikato community for many years. Our hospital has been extensively expanded and upgraded and now incorporates eight fully equipped operating theatres, 40 inpatient beds and a purpose-built Day Surgery Unit. We offer a range of specialties, including orthopaedics, gynaecology, ophthalmology, neurosurgery, spine, and general surgery specialties.

Comfortable facilities, combined with the very latest in technology and on-site support services, enable independent credentialled medical practitioners to undertake a wide range of procedures. These include routine investigations to complex surgery, with their expertise supported by caring, professional nursing teams.

Mō te Tūranga | About the Role

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Sterile Services professional to step into a Sterile Services Team Leader position within our Sterile Services Department. This role is ideal for a skilled Sterile Science Technician who is committed to high standards and enjoys supporting a strong, capable team.

You will take responsibility for the day-to-day leadership and coordination of the Sterile Services team, ensuring reusable medical devices are reprocessed safely, efficiently, and in line with compliance requirements. Your focus will be on keeping workflows running smoothly so our surgical services are well supported.

Working closely with theatre teams and the wider perioperative service, you will be hands-on in supporting the delivery and availability of instruments and equipment. You will also contribute to audits, quality improvement work, and compliance processes, while promoting good practice in sterilising technology, infection prevention, and health and safety.

This is a full-time (1 FTE), permanent role at Southern Cross Hamilton Hospital.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

• At least 5 years’ experience in a Sterile Services environment
• NZSSA registration as a Sterile Science Technician
• Level 5 Diploma in Sterilising Technology, or willingness to work towards this
• Strong understanding of AS NZS 5369 standards
• Experience with traceability systems, audits, quality documentation, and compliance monitoring
• Previous leadership or supervisory experience, whether formal or informal
• Ability to train, mentor, and support team members, including competency assessments
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work well with a range of teams
• Confidence managing workflow, setting priorities, solving problems, and escalating issues when required
• Awareness of health and safety requirements, including chemical handling, equipment checks, and incident management
• Sound knowledge of RMD reprocessing and sterile services workflows, with attention to IFU requirements

Ngā mea ka taea e mātou te tuku I a koe | What we can offer you:

• Competitive Rewards: Attractive remuneration package, relocation allowance, and employee referral bonus scheme.
• Health & Wellbeing: Funded health insurance, a comprehensive wellbeing programme, and generous Christmas/New Year breaks.
• Flexibility & Growth: Flexible working arrangements and a Nursing Council of New Zealand-approved PDRP.
• Perks & Community: Discounts from a range of partners and the opportunity to join our Employee Network.

Ko wai matou | Our Organisation

At Southern Cross Healthcare, our purpose is clear: to advance quality healthcare across Aotearoa New Zealand. Our values shape everything we do:

• Care First – We lead with compassion, delivering care that’s deeply human through genuine manaakitanga.
• Better Together – Collaboration is our strength. We unite diverse skills and perspectives to create better outcomes for all.
• Pursue Excellence – We strive to improve, innovate, and excel every day—never settling, always aiming to deliver our best.

Driven by a strong ‘for purpose’ ethos, we think beyond financial quarters—planning for generations to come.

Tō mātou whakahaere ki te tika, te rerekētanga, me te whai wāhi mai | Our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

We honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi and foster a culturally safe environment that reflects manaakitanga and values the unique perspectives of our people. Our core value, Better Together, guides our goal to build a workforce that mirrors the diversity of Aotearoa New Zealand.

If you have specific needs or would like to discuss how we can support you, please contact our Talent Acquisition team at for a confidential conversation.

Haere mai, ā, mā te mahi tahi ka whai wāhi ki tētahi mea whai take, ka āwhina i ngā tāngata ki te whai oranga mā te whakaaro anō ki te tautiaki hauora

Join us, and together, each of us can be part of something important, helping people live their best lives by reimagining healthcare.