College Operations Manager

The University of Newcastle is seeking a College Operations Manager to lead and coordinate operational excellence across the College of Human and Social Futures—home to four schools – Newcastle Business School, School of Law and Justice, School of Education, and the School of Humanities, Creative Industries and Social Sciences.

This is a strategic leadership role, with significant scope to shape College-wide strategy. The Operations Manager contributes to the development and implementation of strategic initiatives, policies, and transformation projects.

Whilst driving operational excellence is a key function of this position, the role is not limited to execution—it supports innovation, continuous improvement, and change leadership across the College. There is room to initiate new projects, lead cross-functional initiatives, and influence decision-making at the College Executive level.

The Role

Reporting directly to the Pro Vice-Chancellor, you will:

• Lead a high-performing operations team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Support strategic planning, workforce development, and operational efficiency across multiple campuses.
• Deliver College-wide initiatives including wellbeing programs, major events, and transformation projects.
• Provide high-level advice and support to senior leaders, ensuring alignment with the University’s strategic goals.
• Oversee space and infrastructure coordination, CAPEX management, and compliance.
• Champion equity, diversity, inclusion, and workplace health and safety.

This continuing (permanent) position is based at our City (NUspace) campus (Awabakal land), with regular travel expected to other University sites including Callaghan and Central Coast (Gosford).

About You

You’re an experienced operations leader with a strong track record in managing functions within large and complex environments. You bring strategic insight, sound judgement, and a commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes — and you’re seeking a role where your expertise can contribute meaningfully to a values-led, purpose-driven institution.

• Proven leadership and management experience in a complex organisational environment.
• High-level skills in planning, project management, compliance, and quality assurance.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• A collaborative mindset and ability to foster team spirit and cross-functional cooperation.
• Experience in delivering initiatives that enhance wellbeing, culture, and performance.

Whilst experience acquired within higher education is well-regarded, your ability to translate operational insight into meaningful outcomes will be key to your success and the University has successfully supported the transition of talented individuals from other large, complex environments.

How your success will be measured

Success in this role is measured through a combination of strategic and operational outcomes, including:

• Delivery of operational efficiencies and service improvements.
• Staff engagement and performance within the OPVC Operations Team.
• Effective coordination of College-wide initiatives such as wellbeing programs, events, and infrastructure projects.
• Contribution to strategic planning and implementation across the College.

Why Join Us?

You’re seeking a role where your experience managing complex operations, leading high-performing teams and delivering impactful initiatives can contribute meaningfully to a values-led, purpose-driven institution.

At the University of Newcastle, we’re proud to be ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide and our rankings for Climate Action (2^nd globally) and for Good Health and Wellbeing (9^th globally) put us among the top 40 globally for impact. We offer:

• Competitive pay and leave: HEW9 remuneration package $159,155 – $170,522 (includes a generous employer superannuation contribution of 17%), a range of leave and salary packaging options. 
• Flexibility and balance: 35-hour work week and family-friendly policies, childcare centres and leave entitlements to support carer responsibilities.
• Career development: Access to leadership programs, mentoring, LinkedIn Learning, and education support.
• Wellbeing: We are a healthy university, with staff wellbeing programs, confidential EAP, discounted fitness passport, corporate health plans and medical centre.

Explore More: See our benefits at a glance.

How to apply

Click ‘Apply’ to be redirected to our website, where you can review the full Position Description and submit your application.

Your application must include:

• Current resume/CV; and
• Cover letter outlining your motivation to apply for this opportunity and addressing the essential criteria listed below (using examples):

1. Proven leadership and management experience in a complex organisational environment, including the ability to lead a team of professional staff to deliver exceptional performance / outcomes.
2. Demonstrated high level ability in planning / organisation, operational / project management, compliance and quality assurance.
3. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to exercise sound judgement and deliver operational efficiencies.
4. Demonstrated experience in managing College-wide initiatives such as wellbeing programs, major events, and workplace transformation projects.
5. Ability to generate a strong sense of team spirit, co-operation and collaboration within and across teams.

Your submission should highlight how your skills and experience align with the key priorities and context of this role.

Applicants must have current and valid working rights in Australia.

Closing Date: Monday 1st December 2025 at 11:59pm AEDT

Contact Us

We are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you need adjustments or support at any stage, in confidence, please contact Mark Glaze, Senior Manager, Talent Acquisition via employment@newcastle.edu.au - please include the reference CHSF101 in all correspondence.

For role-specific enquiries, please contact Professor Robert Greenberg, Pro Vice-Chancellor via Kathy.Hadley@newcastle.edu.au.

The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas. We extend that respect to the homelands of our students and staff. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present. We are fully committed to building on our strengths in Indigenous higher education and providing a supportive space for our Indigenous students, staff and communities.

The University of Newcastle is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. We value the unique backgrounds, experiences and perspectives each person brings to our community and strive to create a culture of belonging where everyone can thrive. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, people with diverse gender identities and sexualities, people living with disability, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.