Business Manager - NSW Decarbonisation Innovation Hub

UNSW; Sydney; On-site; AUD 153,000 - 163,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible Working Options (work from/at

3 days leave during December shutdown

Career development opportunities

Up to 50% discount on UNSW courses

Flexible 17% Superannuation + salary‑s

Job summary

UNSW Kensington, NSW, seeks a Business Manager within the NSW Decarbonisation Innovation Hub. You will oversee operations, governance, finance, HR and resources planning to enable strategic objectives and ensure effective delivery.

The role reports to the CEO and has no direct reports, working across university, government and industry partners in a complex environment.

Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualification with subsequent experience or equivalent competence.
• Deep understanding of university operations and academic culture, innovation ecosystems and education.
• Proven project management experience across full life cycle and documentation.
• Comprehensive HR, finance and governance knowledge including contracts and budgeting.
• Advanced written and verbal communication with high attention to detail.
• Experience with multiple computer systems relevant to project management.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and changing priorities with good judgement.
• Proven ability to lead and influence resources and teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations of the Hub, including finance, HR, governance and resources planning.
• Develop, implement and review business, stakeholder communications and operational plans.
• Provide strategic financial, governance and risk oversight for funding and reporting obligations.
• Offer governance support to the Hub advisory Board and committees.
• Drive organisational performance and cross-functional initiatives against KPIs and funding requirements.
• Build and manage relationships with UNSW, government, university and industry partners.

Skills

Governance

Relationship management

Project management

Strategic planning

Financial acumen

HR management

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Leadership

Education

Tertiary qualification

Job description

• Location: Kensington, NSW

This Job is based in Australia

• Employment Type: Full-time
• Duration: 3-year contract
• Remuneration: Level 9: $153k- $163k+ 17% superannuation
• Location: Kensington, NSW

About UNSW

UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. Yes, we’re a large organisation with a diverse and talented community; a community doing extraordinary things. Together, we are driven to be thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all we do. If you want a career where you can thrive, be challenged and do meaningful work, you’re in the right place.

This role sits within the NSW Decarbonisation Innovation Hub which brings together universities, government, industry and research partners to accelerate the development and uptake of technologies that support the transition to net zero.

Established as part of the NSW Government’s Net Zero Industry and Innovation Program, the Hub coordinates activity across three networks spanning Electrification & Energy Systems, Land & Primary Industries, and Powerfuels including Hydrogen.

Why Your Role Matters

As Business Manager, you will provide operational direction across the Hub, ensuring its governance, financial, contractual and organisational frameworks enable the effective delivery of its strategic objectives.

This is a broad and influential role operating in a complex, multi-partner environment, working closely with Hub Executive members, Advisory Board, network leads and partners, and the Hub team to translate strategic priorities into effective operations, while navigating the requirements of UNSW, government funding arrangements and partner agreements.

The role reports to the CEO, NSW Decarbonisation Innovation Hub and has no direct reports

Your Focus

• Lead the day-to-day operations of the Hub, overseeing finance, HR, governance, resources planning priorities.
• Develop, implement and review business, stakeholder communications and operational plans
• Provide strategic financial, governance and risk oversight, ensuring complex funding, contractual and annual reporting obligations are effectively managed.
• Offer high-level governance support to the Hub advisory Board and committees, ensuring effective oversight of meetings and information management processes.
• Drive organisational performance, leading cross-functional initiatives against objectives, KPIs and funding requirements.
• Build and manage key stakeholder relationships across UNSW, government, university and industry partners, navigating complexity, competing priorities and organisational change.

Who You Are:

We are looking for an experienced operational leader who is comfortable working with complexity and brings strong commercial judgement, governance capability and relationship management skills.

You Will Hold The Following Skills & Experience

• Relevant tertiary qualification with subsequent relevant experience or equivalent competence gained through any combination of education, training and experience.
• Demonstrated in‑depth understanding and knowledge of university operations and academic culture, innovation ecosystems and education
• Proven project management experience, with an in‑depth understanding of the project life cycle and strategic development of project plans, objectives and documentation.
• Comprehensive understanding of HR, finance, and governance processes including legal contracts, reporting obligations, budgeting, cash flow management, contracting and auditing
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills, with a high level of attention to detail for deliverables produced.
• High level of experience working with a range of computer systems and applications relevant to project management.
• Excellent time management skills, with a demonstrated ability to respond to changing priorities, manage multiple tasks and meet competing deadlines by using judgement and initiative.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage initiatives and programs arising from operational and strategic plans, including setting priorities and objectives and having influence over the size and composition of available resources.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective relationships at all levels, including the ability to motivate, lead and manage teams.

For further information on the role & responsibilities, please refer to the position description (found on job listing on JOBS@UNSW).

Please note: Sponsorship is not available for this role, valid Australian working rights are required on application.

UNSW Benefits and Culture:

• Flexible Working Options (work from home, flexible hours etc)
• Additional 3 days leave during December shutdown period.
• Career development opportunities
• Up to 50% discount on UNSW courses
• Flexible 17% Superannuation contributions, additional leave-loading paymentsand salary sacrifice.
• Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness passport)

Pre-Employment Checks:

As part of our recruitment process candidates may be required to undergo pre-employment screening, which may include reference checks, qualification verification, right-to-work verification, and criminal history screening where relevant to the role.

UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.