Manager, Industry Innovation

Western Sydney; Canterbury-Bankstown; Hybrid; AUD 140,000 - 149,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary sacrifice for parking

Employee Health & EAP

Onsite childcare

Job summary

The University is inviting a leader to advance Industry Innovation by aligning capability with Western Sydney's needs. You will build partnerships that drive research collaboration, workforce development and student engagement across the region.

You will oversee the Factory of the Future as an advanced manufacturing innovation facility, enabling demonstrations, training and industry collaboration, with strong governance and reporting to ensure sustainable impact.

Qualifications

• Postgraduate qualification in engineering, project management or related field.
• Experience leading complex programs or facilities with multiple stakeholders.
• Ability to develop strategic partnerships with industry, government and research bodies.
• Experience translating innovation or industry engagement into practical outcomes.
• Strong financial, governance and operational management with good communication.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operational management of the Factory of the Future as an advanced manufacturing facility.
• Develop partnerships supporting research collaboration, workforce development and student engagement.
• Identify commercial partnerships and government funding opportunities.
• Ensure governance, planning, risk management and reporting for the portfolio.
• Support work-integrated learning and pathways for student engagement with industry.

Education

Postgraduate qualification in engineering or project management or related field

Job description

• Full-time, Fixed-Term position at HEW Level 9 until December 2027.
• Bankstown City Campus
• Salary: $139,747 – $149,238 per annum, plus 17% Super and Leave Loading.

Lead industry partnerships and the Factory of the Future to translate university capability into practical regional outcomes.

The Opportunity

You will contribute to the Industry Innovation portfolio, by connecting University expertise, facilities, research and technology with the needs of industry and the Western Sydney region. You will develop partnerships that support research collaboration, workforce development, student engagement and applied industry projects.

You will oversee the operational management of the Factory of the Future as an advanced manufacturing innovation facility. This includes enabling technology demonstrations, training and collaboration for students, researchers and industry, while maintaining effective planning, governance, risk management and reporting.

You will also identify commercial partnerships and government funding opportunities that strengthen the portfolio’s sustainability and impact. Through work-integrated learning, skills training and applied innovation experiences, you will create pathways for students to engage with industry and contribute to practical outcomes.

What Success Looks Like

• Operate the Factory of the Future as an effective platform for collaboration, technology demonstration and training.
• Build strategic partnerships that generate research, workforce development, student engagement and industry opportunities.
• Translate University research, expertise, facilities and technology into practical solutions for industry and the community.
• Progress commercial partnership and government funding opportunities that strengthen portfolio sustainability.
• Deliver effective governance, planning, risk management, reporting and continuous improvement across the portfolio.

Please refer to the Position Description for full details.

About You

• A relevant postgraduate qualification in engineering, project management or a related field, or an equivalent combination of technical, higher education and management experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex programs, facilities or portfolios involving multiple stakeholders and measurable outcomes.
• Proven ability to develop strategic partnerships with industry, government, research organisations and other external stakeholders.
• Experience translating innovation, research collaboration, industry engagement or commercial initiatives into practical outcomes.
• Strong financial, governance and operational management skills, supported by effective communication, negotiation and stakeholder influence.

Benefits

We invest in the people who make our mission possible. Alongside a rewarding career, we offer a range of benefits designed to support your financial, personal and family wellbeing.

• Financial benefits: Access to staff-only products and offers with selected banking partners, salary sacrifice options for onsite parking, and novated motor vehicle leasing.
• Health and wellbeing support: Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP), complimentary annual flu vaccination, eligibility for Fitness Passport membership, and access to discounted private health cover.
• Onsite childcare:Long day care and early learning services operate at our Campbelltown, Hawkesbury, Parramatta, and Penrith campuses. Staff may be eligible for discounted fees and salary packaging, with places subject to centre capacity.

Application Details

• Position Enquiries: Direct to Anna Lin, Senior Manager, Partnerships and Precinct Activation via [e-mail]. Please include the job reference code REF1915W.
• Closing Date: 11:59pm, Wednesday 28 October 2026.
• Checks: Appointment to this position is subject to a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) for paid employment in accordance with the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012 (NSW).
• Working Rights: You must provide evidence of full-time working rights in Australia at application.

Belonging at Western

We are committed to substantive equality as outlined in our Equal Opportunity Policy. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous Australians, candidates of all gender identities and expressions, people of all abilities, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

For Reasonable Adjustments during the application process, please contact [e-mail].

About Western

This is your opportunity to be part of something bigger. By joining Western Sydney University, you become a valued member of our community. As our region changes, so too does our university. Western is boldly different, energetic, global, diverse, dynamic, and youthful.

Our mission is to deliver student success, impactful research, and stronger communities. As part of our team, you will have a stake in shaping the future of education, broadening horizons, and changing lives. Making a difference starts at Western.

For the latest please visit our website and LinkedIn.