Head of Operations

About AARNet

Australia’s Academic and Research Network (AARNet), founded in 1989, has played a pivotal role in shaping Australia’s digital landscape as the pioneers of the country’s Internet. Our mission extends beyond mere connectivity; we are the architects, builders, and operators of a world-class network infrastructure that fuels critical research and learning. At AARNet, innovation thrives within a vibrant community.

The Role: Head of Operations

The Head of Operations is responsible for leading the end-to-end performance of AARNet’s network and asset lifecycle operations, ensuring the reliable, efficient and secure operation of AARNet’s optical fibre network.

This senior leadership role oversees provisioning and integration, network operations and assurance, service management, and asset lifecycle management, with a focus on improving operational processes, systems, service quality, scalability, automation and customer outcomes. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the end-to-end operation of network operations functions, including provisioning and integration; network operations and assurance; incident, problem, and change management; and asset lifecycle management.
• Drive the transformation of operational processes, systems, and platforms to improve efficiency, scalability, and service quality.
• Establish and maintain operational performance frameworks, including network and process SLAs, KPIs, monitoring, and reporting.
• Ensure high levels of network availability, reliability, and incident response effectiveness across all services and network elements.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment between operational execution, engineering & architecture design, service & network delivery, and customer requirements.

Skills, Experience & Qualifications:

• 10+ years of experience in telecommunications specifically in operations, including service operations, network operations, or infrastructure management.
• Strong knowledge of operational frameworks and industry standards including incident, problem, change, and service management disciplines. ITIL, ITSM, TMF, etc.
• Demonstrated success leading operational transformation across processes, systems, and organisational structures.
• Experience operating and improving large-scale, mission-critical network environments with high availability requirements.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing multi-disciplinary teams.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders and cross-functional teams.
• Australian citizen.

Why Work at AARNet?

At AARNet, we’re passionate about advancing global education and critical research. Our Australia-wide network, with global reach, supports some of the most demanding network-based applications. If you’re looking for a purpose-driven workplace where you can make a difference, consider joining our team.

Make an impact: By working with us, you’ll directly contribute to critical research in fields like astronomy, physics, earth observation, environment, health, and medicine. Our mission matters, and we’re committed to providing equal opportunities for all.

 Competitive Benefits and Conditions:

• Superannuation: Enjoy a 17% superannuation contribution.
• Parental/Adoption Leave: We offer 24 weeks of paid parental leave and superannuation top-up.
• Secondary Carer Leave: 16 weeks of paid parental leave for secondary caregivers.
• Wellness Leave: 2 days per month paid Women’s wellness leave.
• Family & Domestic Violence Leave: 20 days of paid leave.
• Other Supportive Leaves: Paid leave for various life events such as weddings, deaths, trauma, and disasters.
• Purchased Leave: Options to purchase additional Annual Leave.
• Flexible Work Options: We support work-life balance.
• Equal Opportunity Focus: We value diversity and inclusion.
• Social Responsibility and Ethics: We lead by example.
• Cutting-Edge Technologies: Access to work with the latest industry technology.