Operations Manager, Melbourne National Security and Defence

UOM University of Melbourne; Parkville; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 172,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

17% superannuation

Salary packaging

Health and wellbeing programs

Discounted services

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

The University of Melbourne invites applications for a senior Operations Manager to establish and lead the Melbourne National Security and Defence operating framework. You will report to the Associate Director, Research Collaboration, and collaborate with the MNSD Executive Director and university teams to strengthen governance, risk, and compliance for sensitive activities.

You will oversee day-to-day operations, build relationships with senior leaders, and drive continuous improvement in

Qualifications

• Hold a postgraduate qualification and extensive experience in large-scale project or operations management at corporate level.
• Operate effectively at senior management level with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrate governance, risk and compliance expertise in large or highly regulated organisations.
• Coordinate activity across multiple portfolios or functions.
• Produce clear operational reports and briefings for governance committees.
• Understand defence and national security research environment and compliance expectations.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic operational leadership for MNSD, developing and implementing its architecture, operating framework and core activities.
• Oversee day‑to‑day operations, workflows and resourcing across national security and defence initiatives, aligning activity with University priorities.
• Lead governance, risk and compliance processes, ensuring robust controls and adherence to DISP and institutional frameworks.
• Build strong relationships with senior leaders, academic staff and partners, acting as a trusted operational point of contact.
• Drive continuous improvement in service models, reporting, performance measures and ways of working across MNSD and partner teams.

Skills

Strategic operations leadership

Governance, risk & compliance

Stakeholder engagement

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Postgraduate qualification

Job description

Role type: Full-time; Fixed-term (2 years) Department: Chancellery – Melbourne Research and Enterprise Salary: UOM 10 - $156,480 p.a. plus 17% super

Institution‑wide leadership on national security and defence / shape new governance and operating frameworks / high‑visibility senior role Join us to build a resilient, secure University and lead operational excellence across national security initiatives.

Investing in you – 17% superannuation, benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.

The University of Melbourne We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website.

Your next career opportunity:

In this senior role, you will establish and lead the operating framework for Melbourne National Security and Defence (MNSD). Reporting to the Associate Director, Research Collaboration, you will work closely with the MNSD Executive Director and specialist University teams, to support effective governance, risk management and compliance for complex, sensitive activities. You will assist coordinated engagement with government, industry and research partners to strengthen the University's defence capabilities.

What you will deliver:

• Provide strategic operational leadership for MNSD, developing and implementing its architecture, operating framework and core activities.
• Oversee day‑to‑day operations, workflows and resourcing across national security and defence initiatives, aligning activity with University priorities.
• Lead governance, risk and compliance processes, ensuring robust controls and adherence to DISP and institutional frameworks.
• Build strong relationships with senior leaders, academic staff and partners, acting as a trusted operational point of contact.
• Drive continuous improvement in service models, reporting, performance measures and ways of working across MNSD and partner teams.

You may be a great fit if you:

• Hold a postgraduate qualification and extensive experience in large‑scale project or operations management at corporate level.
• Operate effectively at senior management level, cultivating relationships and engaging diverse stakeholders in complex environments.
• Demonstrate strong expertise in governance, risk and compliance within large, complex or highly regulated organisations.
• Coordinate activity across multiple portfolios or functions, managing interdependencies to achieve whole‑of‑organisation outcomes.
• Produce clear, persuasive operational reports, briefings and advice for governance committees and executive audiences.
• Bring understanding of the defence and national security research environment, including associated risks, opportunities and compliance expectations.

What we offer you!

• Build future financial security with 17% superannuation.
• Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well‑being.
• Career development opportunities, including access to a range of tailored programs, such as Academic Women in Leadership, and learning platforms including LinkedIn Learning.
• Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work‑life balance and well‑being, including leading parental leave, gender affirmation leave and cultural leave.
• Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance, and access to unique cultural and recreational benefits such as discounts for the Melbourne Theatre Company.
• Health and well‑being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program.

Your new team:

You will join Melbourne Research and Enterprise within Chancellery, supporting the University’s ambition to translate research excellence into societal benefit. Melbourne National Security and Defence brings together strategic governance, institutional coordination and partner engagement to strengthen the University’s contribution to national security and defence. It connects expertise across the University, supports priority research capabilities and helps coordinate engagement with government, industry and higher education partners. Working closely with the MNSD Executive Director and reporting to the Associate Director, Research Collaboration, you will help build the operational foundations of this initiative.

Be Yourself

The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child‑safe organisation. The diversity of our community enriches us all, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and fair workplace where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Discover more about Diversity and Inclusion at UniMelb. We're committed to a barrier‑free recruitment process and ongoing workplace support, providing adjustments throughout. We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities. Learn more about how we support an accessible recruitment process.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians. Visit our Indigenous staff page to learn more about our investment and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff. Indigenous applicants are encouraged to connect with our Indigenous Employment & Development team at korin‑[e-mail].

Application essentials:

• You must have current valid work rights for Australia.
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
• You will need to be eligible to hold an appropriate Australian Government security clearance.
• A Working with Children Check is required for all positions.

Applications close:

Sunday 18 October 2026 - 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone.

Position Description:

PD_JR-019056 Operations Manager, Melbourne National Security and Defence.docx

PD_JR-019056 Operations Manager, Melbourne National Security and Defence.pdf

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