About the position
Hospital Manager - Job Description
Basic Purpose of the Role
The Hospital Manager is responsible for providing strong strategic, professional, and managerial leadership across all aspects of hospital operations. This includes implementing the operational strategy, monitoring performance, managing facilities, and ensuring the safe and effective delivery of day-to-day clinical services. The role also requires building and maintaining influential relationships with executive leadership, departmental heads, and external healthcare stakeholders.
Qualifications
- Minimum diploma or degree (NQF Level 7 or equivalent), preferably in business or health services management.
- Relevant postgraduate qualification/MBA in a related field is preferred.
Knowledge and Skills Required
- Strong understanding of current healthcare trends, hospital policy, and best practice in service delivery.
- Extensive experience at a senior management level within the healthcare sector.
- Proven track record of service innovation and leadership.
- Demonstrated ability to lead effectively in a challenging environment.
- Strategic thinking ability with strong leadership, motivation, and team-building skills.
- Results-driven mindset with thorough understanding of performance systems in complex environments.
- High level of self-sufficiency and proactive decision-making skills.
- Strong planning, organizational, and resource management capabilities.
- Ability to operate effectively within a matrix management environment.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Experience engaging with multidisciplinary teams.
- Ability to make balanced, timely, and well-considered decisions.
- Evidence-based decision-making competence.
- Ability to inspire, motivate, and lead staff.
- Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to act as a spokesperson when required.
- Commitment to patient-centred service delivery.
- Ability to manage multiple competing demands effectively.
Experience Required
- Minimum 8-10 years' experience in the healthcare sector.
- Minimum 5 years' senior leadership experience within a healthcare environment.
- Experience in:
- Clinical and/or corporate governance
- Project management
- Facilities management
- Financial management
- Patient management
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Leadership
- Assist in developing and implementing the hospital's strategic operational plan.
- Participate as a key member of the management team and contribute to corporate governance responsibilities.
- Translate strategic goals into effective short-, medium-, and long-term operational plans.
- Represent the hospital in performance discussions and maintain strong relationships with external partners.
- Oversee service level agreements with healthcare providers and stakeholders.
- Ensure operational compliance with patient experience standards, policies, and procedures.
2. Relationship Management
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with executive management and healthcare partners.
- Collaborate with senior leadership and department heads to ensure seamless patient care.
- Maintain effective communication with internal and external stakeholders.
3. Operational Management
- Oversee clinical operations, resources, facilities, and quality/risk management processes.
- Implement effective performance monitoring and improvement systems.
- Ensure clinical support services remain effective and fit for purpose.
- Manage internal and external operational networks to ensure integrated service delivery.
- Implement policies and procedures related to patient flow, bed management, and operational support services.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives and support corporate governance requirements.
4. Customer (Patient/Doctor) Relationship Management
- Maintain strong relationships with doctors, patients, and external service providers.
- Identify and recruit specialist doctors as required.
- Represent the hospital in networking and industry forums.
- Promote hospital services within the community and broader health sector.
- Act as liaison with health authorities and relevant industry bodies.
5. New Business Development
- Develop strategies for business growth and specialist recruitment.
- Monitor healthcare industry trends, legislation, and market dynamics.
- Identify and evaluate new business opportunities.
- Assist in developing business plans aligned with revenue and growth objectives.
6. Marketing and Branding
- Identify marketing opportunities and define market needs.
- Support brand initiatives and cultivate brand loyalty.
- Stay informed of healthcare developments, industry projects, and market activities.
- Execute targeted plans to promote the hospital's value proposition.
7. Financial Management
- Prepare and manage operational budgets and forecasts.
- Evaluate cost-benefit considerations for service delivery.
- Implement strong financial controls and respond to audit outcomes.
- Drive revenue growth, profitability, and operational efficiency.
- Monitor and improve key financial and operational ratios, including:
- Debtors days
- Trading profit
- Gross margin
- Occupancy rates
- Theatre utilisation
- Stock cover
- Ensure revenue accuracy, cost control, and effective staff management.
8. Human Resources Management
- Provide leadership, guidance, and support to hospital staff.
- Collaborate with HR on staff development, performance management, and training.
- Ensure adequate staffing levels and skill mix.
- Promote compliance with company policies and legislative requirements.
- Support recruitment and selection processes.
9. Transformation and People Management
- Promote a culture of inclusivity and support transformation goals.
- Provide feedback and development opportunities for staff.
- Position the hospital as an employer of choice.
- Manage performance, recognition, and staff retention initiatives.
10. Quality and Risk Management
- Implement and maintain quality and risk management systems.
- Support clinical audits, patient satisfaction initiatives, and safety compliance.
- Promote continuous quality improvement.
- Ensure adherence to governance, SHEQ standards, infection control, and risk mitigation protocols.
- Oversee emergency preparedness and medical waste compliance.
11. Facilities Management
- Ensure effective management of hard and soft facility services.
- Oversee capital projects for compliance and alignment with operational objectives.
12. Patient Management
- Review and improve hospital policies and procedures.
- Collaborate with clinical departments to uphold quality care standards.
- Ensure robust patient feedback and complaints management systems.
Desired Skills:
- leadership
- strategic planning
- operational skills
- including financial management
- regulatory compliance
- human relations
Desired Qualification Level:
