Full time, continuing opportunity
Key role managing the deployment of operational strategies, goals and practices within Sydney Future Students (SFS) in External Engagement portfolio
Base salary $152,045 - $160,430 plus 17% superannuation
About the opportunity
The Operations Manager plays a pivotal role in delivering strategic and operational excellence across Sydney Future Students (SFS). Working closely with the Associate Vice President and Leadership team, this role provides high-level strategic and operational advice to support the achievement of key objectives and the successful delivery of priority initiatives. You will lead the day-to-day operations of the SFS team, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, responsive and adaptable administrative services that underpin recruitment outcomes and broader organisational goals.
In addition, the role is responsible for driving the translation and implementation of strategic projects across SFS, ensuring alignment with organisational priorities and compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements. You will champion a safe and inclusive working environment for staff and students, while also providing senior support to the Head, Operations and Resources. This role offers exposure to a broad range of stakeholders and may contribute to ad hoc initiatives across the Vice President (External Engagement) portfolio and internal university functions.
Key responsibilities:
manage operating activity for SFS including effective work force planning, teamwork slate, delegating, coordinating, staffing, organising, and decision making to ensure financial and operational objectives and goals are reached
manage and monitor team budgets throughout the year, prepare forecasts and manage any daily transactions and financial projects throughout the year
develop project plans and work with team members to build work stream specific project plans, ensuring an accurate and consistent definition of project phases, objectives, work activities and tasks, timing, milestones, and deliverables for the project
manage complex international procurement, troubleshoot and resolve UniBuy issues
provide high level advice and support in relation to enterprise agreement and university policies
manage and track HR, Recruitment and WHS
liaise with Office of General Counsel on complex contract negotiations
manage and promote professional development opportunities for the team
provide effective leadership and management guidance and support to direct staff including feedback, coaching and support for individual performance, career, and talent development, to build an effective and high performing team.
About you
effective at managing a diverse group of key stakeholders on large or complex projects and the ability to develop/cultivate productive relationships
effective leadership and people management skills with experience in the supervision, training, mentoring and performance management of staff; including experience managing and resolving a diverse range of HR issues
financial management experience and literacy, experience managing budgets and controlling income and expenditure for a project
proven project management experience at a senior level; together with flexibility, capacity to adapt to changing circumstances and environments and, when necessary, navigating through ambiguity.
Sponsorship / work rights for Australia
You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.
Pre-employment checks
Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.
EEO statement
At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion , evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People , women , people living with a disability , people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds , and those who identify as LGBTQIA+ . We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.
We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum Employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion .
How to apply
Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.
For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or support filling out this application, please contact Kristy Fairweather, Recruitment Operations, by email to [email protected]
© The University of Sydney
The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.
Click to view the Position Description for this role.
Applications Close
Sunday 12 July 2026 11:59 PM
