Operations Manager, Australian Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics

UNSW; Sydney; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Australian university is seeking an Operations Manager for a fixed-term role to cover parental leave. The successful candidate will collaborate with various stakeholders to meet operational needs, ensure compliance with funding, and contribute to strategic goals. This role requires substantial management experience, strong communication skills, and a relevant tertiary qualification, enhanced by a focus on operational systems and processes.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Inclusive workplace culture

Qualifications

• Substantial relevant experience in management.
• Demonstrated understanding of engineering or project management preferred.
• Experience in higher education settings desired.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Executive Director on operational needs.
• Ensure compliance with funding agreements.
• Drive the Centre’s strategic and operational goals.

Skills

Management experience

Advanced communication skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal communication

Project management

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Opportunity

The Australian Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics (ACAP) is seeking an Operations Manager to cover parental leave. In this vital role, you will collaborate closely with the Centre’s Executive Director and UNSW Node Lead to meet the high-level operational and reporting needs of the ACAP. This role involves advising on governance structures to facilitate effective decision-making, ensuring compliance with funding agreements and UNSW requirements, and significantly contributing to the Centre’s strategic and operational goals. Additionally, as the Operations Manager you will integrate substantial knowledge to evaluate policies, programs, and initiatives, supporting the Centre’s objectives.

This role will report to Professor Renate Egan and has no direct reports.

• Salary - Level 8, Step 1: $123,044 per annum + 17% superannuation
• Full time
• Fixed-term role – 8 months for parental leave cover
• Location: Kensington – Sydney, Australia

About UNSW

UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. Yes, we’re a large organisation with a diverse and talented community; a community doing extraordinary things. Together, we are driven to be thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all we do. Taking this combined approach is what makes our work matter. It’s the reason we’re one of the top 50 universities in the world and a member of Australia’s prestigious Group of Eight. If you want a career where you can thrive, be challenged and do meaningful work, you’re in the right place.

The Australian Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics (ACAP) is a world-leading national hub dedicated to advancing solar photovoltaic technology. Federally funded by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and led by UNSW, ACAP brings together top research institutions across Australia, including CSIRO, ANU, the University of Melbourne, the University of Queensland, the University of Sydney, and Monash University. ACAP’s cutting-edge research focuses on developing ultra-low-cost, sustainable solar technologies to power a net-zero world, driving innovation from lab to industry. By fostering collaboration and training the next generation of scientists and engineers, ACAP is positioning Australia at the forefront of global solar energy advancements. For more information on our centre please visithttps://www.acap.org.au/

Skills and Experience

• Relevant tertiary qualification with substantial relevant experience and a range of management experience, or an equivalent level of knowledge gained through any combination of education, training and experience.
• Demonstrated understanding of engineering, physics and/or project and program management preferred.
• Demonstrated management experience, preferably in higher education, with the ability to anticipate and facilitate the operational and strategic requirements of a national research centre.
• Demonstrated experience in establishing and implementing operational systems, processes, and procedures at programme level, preferably multi-party or at a national level.
• Demonstrated experience leading reporting of activities to funding agencies, ideally in a complex, multi-organisational setting.
• Demonstrated experience working with university research grants office and with government fund agency, preferably experience with ARENA (Australian Renewable Energy Agency).
• Experience leading on process improvement activities, preferably with training in lean/six-sigma approaches highly regarded.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating and developing documentation for meetings and conferences, ideally with experience with management and advisory committees.
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills, with a high level of attention to detail for deliverables produced.
• Superior interpersonal communication skills with a demonstrated ability to work with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders.
• High level organisational skills with proven ability to deal with multiple tasks, establish priorities and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to operate both autonomously and as part of a team.
• Advanced level of computer literacy, working with a range of computer systems especially across all Microsoft office applications.
• An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health & safety (psychosocial and physical) responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

Additional details about the specific responsibilities for this position can be found in the position description. This is available via JOBS@UNSW.

To Apply:

Please click the apply now button and submit your CV, Cover Letter and Responses to the Skills and Experience. You should systematically address the Skills and Experience listed within the position description in your application.

Applicants must have working rights in Australia and be able to be on site in Kensington on a regular basis. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Please note applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed below.

Contact:

Eugene Aves – Talent Acquisition Consultant

E: [e-mail]

Applications close: 11:55 pm (Sydney time) on Sunday 27 July 2025

UNSW is committed to evolving a culture that embraces equity and supports a diverse and inclusive community where everyone can participate fairly, in a safe and respectful environment. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage applications from people of diverse gender, sexual orientation, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, people with disability and those with caring and family responsibilities. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

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