School Operations Manager

University of Wollongong; Wollongong City Council; On-site; AUD 123,000 - 153,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

17% Superannuation

35-hour week

Flexible working

Generous leave

Purchased leave

Professional development

Job summary

University of Wollongong is seeking a School Operations Manager to lead a high-performing team and partner with the Head of School on strategic initiatives. The role focuses on operational planning, workforce management, and driving performance across teaching, learning, research and engagement activities.

The successful candidate will oversee budgets and resources, analyse data to support decisions, and deliver continuous improvements within the School of Science.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership and people management experience.
• Strong operational, planning and organisational skills.
• Experience overseeing budgets and resources.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to analyse information and support informed decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing professional team.
• Support strategic planning and key School initiatives.
• Oversee operations, resources and budgets.
• Partner with the Head of School on workforce planning.
• Drive continuous improvement through data and insights.

Skills

Leadership

Operational planning

Workforce management

Budget oversight

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

About the Role

The School Operations Manager plays a key role in supporting the successful delivery of teaching, learning, research and engagement activities. Working closely with the Head of School and School Executive you will lead operational planning, workforce management and strategic initiatives, helping to drive performance, sustainability and continuous improvement across the School.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing professional team
• Support strategic planning and key School initiatives
• Oversee operations, resources and budgets
• Partner with the Head of School on workforce planning
• Drive continuous improvement through data and insights

About the Team

The School of Science (SSCI) teaches and conducts research in Biomedical Sciences including Biochemistry, Molecular Biophysics, Microbiology and Cell and Molecular Biology, all disciplines of Chemistry including Atmospheric, Medicinal and Environmental Chemistry, as well as Conservation Biology, Earth Surface Processes, Ecology, Ecotoxicology, Environmental Science, Geology, Marine Biology and Spatial Sciences.

What You'll Bring

• Proven leadership and people management experience
• Strong operational, planning and organisational skills
• Experience overseeing budgets and resources
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Ability to analyse information and support informed decision-making

Why Join UOW

• Competitive salary package including 17% superannuation
• 35-hour full-time work week supporting greater balance and flexibility
• Flexible working arrangements and family-friendly policies
• Generous leave entitlements including additional concession days over the Christmas and New Year period
• Purchased leave options to provide greater flexibility throughout the year
• Ongoing professional development and clear career progression opportunities
• Level 8/9: $123,283 - $152,959 + 17% Superannuation
• Location: Wollongong Campus
• Valid Australian work rights required. Visa sponsorship is not available.

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

The University of Wollongong is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where diversity is valued, respected and celebrated. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve, removes barriers to participation, and provides equitable opportunities for staff to reach their full potential. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people of all gender identities and sexual orientations, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disability, and those with caring or family responsibilities.

As required by federal legislation, prospective employees are required to declare whether they have been investigated for an allegation of Gender based Violence or determined to have engaged in conduct that constitutes Gender based Violence, during their previous employment, or otherwise in a legal process. Any such declaration will be included in the University's employment screening processes and will be treated with the strictest confidence and in compliance with all privacy legislation.

About Us

At the University of Wollongong (UOW), our people are united by a shared purpose - to create a better future through education, research, innovation and meaningful community impact.

With deep local roots and a growing global presence, UOW is proud to contribute to positive change in the communities we serve and the world beyond them. Guided by our Vision 2035 and Strategic Plan 2030, we are building a future that is innovative, inclusive and committed to societal impact - one where people, ideas and opportunity can thrive.

We are recognised for excellence in teaching and research, and for the real-world impact of our work. But what truly brings UOW to life is our people. Across every role, our staff contribute to something bigger - helping shape the future through the work they do every day.

At UOW, we are committed to fostering a culture where people feel valued, supported and empowered to do their best work. Our Values in Action guide how we work, lead and make decisions - creating a workplace grounded in integrity, accountability, collaboration and excellence.

Joining UOW means becoming part of a values-led community where your work has purpose, your contribution is valued, and the impact you make can be felt locally and globally.