Operations Manager, Semiconductor Sector Services Bureau (S3B)

The University of Sydney; Sydney; On-site; AUD 152,000 - 160,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Sydney is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead the Semiconductor Sector Services Bureau (S3B), working with senior leaders across three university systems and industry partners. This fixed-term, part-time role emphasizes governance, financial management, risk and stakeholder engagement to deliver strategic objectives within a joint venture environment.

Reporting to the Director, you will translate strategic priorities into operational plans, oversee budgeting and

Qualifications

• Experience leading business operations and delivering outcomes in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
• Strong financial management including budgeting, forecasting and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational delivery for S3B, developing systems and processes to support service delivery and strategic objectives.
• Translate strategic priorities into operational plans and monitor KPIs with insights for improvement.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, financial monitoring and reporting ensuring resources align with university frameworks.
• Support governance across the joint venture, coordinating contracts, agreements and reporting obligations.
• Identify and mitigate operational risks and promote a safe, compliant working environment.
• Build relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support S3B's objectives.
• Guide staff, contribute to workforce planning and foster a high-performing operational culture.

Skills

Operational leadership

Strategic planning

Governance & compliance

Financial management

Stakeholder engagement

Risk management

Workforce planning

Job description

• Part time (0.6FTE) fixed term until July 2027
• Play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Australia's semiconductor industry, working alongside senior leaders and leading strategic operations across a unique partnership of universities, government and industry
• Base Salary $152,045 - $160,430 + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The University of Sydney is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to play a key leadership role in supporting the growth and success of the Semiconductor Sector Services Bureau (S3B).

This is an exciting opportunity to join a strategically important initiative supporting the development of Australia's semiconductor ecosystem. Working closely with the Director, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across business operations, financial management, governance, risk and stakeholder engagement, ensuring S3B has the systems, processes and resources needed to deliver its strategic objectives.

Operating within a complex joint venture environment, you will work across three university systems and collaborate with university partners, industry stakeholders, funding bodies and the S3B Board of Directors to ensure effective governance, operational excellence and accountability.

You will bring a strong combination of operational leadership, commercial acumen and strategic thinking, with the ability to navigate complex organisational environments, provide sound advice and translate strategic priorities into effective operational outcomes.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• Lead operational delivery: Oversee the day-to-day operations of S3B, developing and improving systems, processes and procedures to support efficient service delivery and achievement of strategic objectives
• Drive strategic initiatives: Partner with the Director to translate strategic priorities into operational plans, monitor performance against KPIs and provide insights and recommendations to support continuous improvement
• Oversee financial and resource management: Support budgeting, forecasting, financial monitoring and reporting, ensuring resources are effectively allocated and managed in accordance with University frameworks and funding requirements
• Strengthen governance and compliance: Support governance arrangements across the joint venture partnership, ensuring compliance with legislative, regulatory and University requirements, including the coordination of contracts, agreements and reporting obligations.
• Manage risk and operational assurance: Identify and mitigate operational risks, support workplace health and safety requirements and promote a safe, compliant and accountable working environment
• Build stakeholder relationships: Develop effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including university partners, industry representatives, funding bodies and governance committees, to support S3B's objectives
• Provide operational leadership: Guide and support professional staff, contribute to workforce planning and recruitment activities, and foster a collaborative and high-performing operational environment

About you

You are an experienced operations professional with a proven ability to lead business operations and deliver outcomes in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment. You combine strategic thinking with a hands-on approach, confidently navigating competing priorities, complex governance requirements and operational challenges.

You will bring:

• demonstrated experience in leading and managing business operations, including the development and implementation of operational plans, systems, processes and continuous improvement initiatives.
• strong financial management skills, including experience supporting budgets, forecasting, financial analysis, resource allocation and performance reporting.
• demonstrated experience in governance, risk management and regulatory compliance, with the ability to interpret and apply complex policies, legislative requirements and organisational frameworks
• proven ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships and work collaboratively across multiple organisations, business units or partnership arrangements
• strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to provide strategic advice and develop practical solutions to complex operational challenges
• experience supporting workforce planning, coordinating resources and providing leadership and direction to professional staff
• highly developed communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence, negotiate and build productive relationships with stakeholders at all levels
• experience working within a university, research, technology, advanced manufacturing or other complex research and innovation environment
• understanding of joint venture arrangements, government-funded programs or partnerships involving multiple institutional stakeholders.
• knowledge of, or an interest in, the Australian semiconductor ecosystem.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to be eligible to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Pre-employment checks and declarations

Your employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all pre-employment or background checks required for the role in terms satisfactory to the University. Also, to meet the University’s obligations under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence you will be asked to declare if you have been investigated for, or found to engaged in, sexual harm or gender-based violence in the course of previous employment or in a legal process. 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.