Deputy Director, Operations

La Trobe University; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Australian university is looking for a Deputy Director, Operations to shape the future of campus facilities management. You will oversee significant maintenance operations, manage a multi-million-dollar budget, and ensure high-quality service delivery. Ideal candidates have extensive facilities management experience, strong leadership skills, and a commitment to operational excellence. Join us and make an impact across our vibrant campuses.

Benefits

Attractive remuneration package

Dynamic university environment

Opportunity for impact in community

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in facilities management within the university sector or broader industry.
• Proven ability to lead teams and manage complex contracts.
• Commitment to operational excellence and safety.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic delivery of facilities maintenance and operations services.
• Manage a significant operational budget ($25M p.a.).
• Drive continuous improvement and high quality service delivery.

Skills

Facilities management experience

Knowledge of mechanical plant

Exceptional communication skills

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic mindset

Education

Relevant tertiary qualifications (second or further degree preferred)

Job description

• Senior leadership role supporting contracted partnerships to deliver services to the University


• Drive excellence in facilities leadership and oversee critical infrastructure and service delivery in a high impact role


• Full Time/5 Year Fixed Term Senior Executive Appointment/Bundoora Campus/Attractive remuneration package

About the position

Are you a strategic leader with a passion for operational excellence and facilities management? Join a dynamic university environment where your expertise will shape the future of campus operations across metropolitan and regional sites.

As the Deputy Director, Operations (Facilities and Services), you will lead the strategic delivery of facilities maintenance and operations services, ensuring alignment with the University's goals. This includes oversight of building and grounds operations, service desk functions and a wide range of contracted partnerships delivering services such as:

• Security, traffic, and parking


• Cleaning, waste, and porterage


• Electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical plant


• Building fabric, lifts, fire and life safety systems

You will manage a significant operational budget ($25M p.a.), drive continuous improvement and ensure high quality service delivery across all campuses.

Duties at this level

• Serve as principal advisor to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) on strategic, regulatory, financial and operational matters.


• Lead the coordination of academic and corporate governance activities, including preparation of high-level papers for peak committees and ensuring continuous improvement in governance systems and processes.


• Drive portfolio planning and performance reporting frameworks, including the University’s evaluation activities and delivery of the Education and Experience Plan.


• Oversee contingent funding sources, ensuring strong governance, financial management, compliance and reporting.


• Lead the Academic Strategy and Operations Division, fostering a high-performing culture across a small team of policy, strategy and governance professionals.


• Lead strategic planning and execution of facilities operations aligned with University priorities.


• Manage performance of contracted service providers across multiple disciplines.


• Champion continuous improvement and quality control in service delivery.


• Oversee procurement and negotiation of operational services.


• Build and sustain collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders.


• Deputise for the Director, Facilities, Assets and Services as required.


• Respond to out-of-hours operational issues and attend sites when necessary.

Skills and knowledge

• Extensive experience in facilities management within the university sector or broader industry.


• Strong knowledge of hard and soft services including mechanical plant, automation systems, and building infrastructure.


• Proven ability to lead teams, manage complex contracts, and deliver client-focused services.


• Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills.


• A strategic mindset with a commitment to operational excellence and safety.


• Relevant tertiary qualifications (second or further degree level preferred).

Please refer to the Position Description for other duties, skills and experience required for this position.

How to apply

Position Enquiries: Sam Wishart, Director, Infrastructure and Operations, Email: [emailprotected]

Recruitment Enquiries: Vicki Stavrou, Senior Talent Partner, Strategy and Senior Appointments Email: [emailprotected]

Please submit an online application ONLY and include the following documents

• Cover letter addressing your suitability for the role and;

Why La Trobe

• Develop your career at an innovative, global university where you’ll collaborate with community and industry to create impact.


• Enjoy working on our inspiring and stunning campuses – the perfect hub for industry, students and academics


• Help transform the lives of students, partners and communities now and in future

All La Trobe University employees are bound by the Working with Children Act 2005. If you are successful, you will be required to hold a valid Victorian Employee Working with Children Check prior to commencement.