Associate Director Campus Services

University of Newcastle; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; AUD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Newcastle is seeking an Associate Director, Campus Services to provide leadership across asset management and facilities operations. This role is pivotal in ensuring efficient and sustainable campus operations.

With a focus on strategic improvement and stakeholder engagement, the successful candidate will oversee a team dedicated to delivering world-class services. An experienced leader with a background in facilities management and substantial budget management skills is required.

Qualifications

• Experienced in facilities management or infrastructure services.
• Track record of success in managing large and complex property portfolios.
• Strong commercial acumen and experience managing operational budgets.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across various service areas.
• Ensure campuses operate safely, efficiently, and sustainably.
• Manage significant operational budgets and advise stakeholders.

Skills

Senior leadership experience in facilities

Knowledge of strategic asset management

Exceptional stakeholder engagement

Analytical and problem‑solving skills

Job description

The University of Newcastle is renowned for its commitment to equity, excellence, and creating a better future for its communities. Guided by its Looking Ahead 2030 Strategic Plan, the University is focused on delivering an exceptional student experience, advancing research excellence, and making a meaningful impact across the regions it serves.

As part of the Resources Division, Infrastructure and Facilities Services (IFS) plays a critical role in supporting the University's strategic objectives through the planning, development, operation, and stewardship of its physical infrastructure and estate. An exciting opportunity now exists for an accomplished leader to join the University as Associate Director, Campus Services.

About the Opportunity

Reporting to the Director, Infrastructure and Facilities Services, the Associate Director, Campus Services is a key member of the IFS leadership team and will provide strategic and operational leadership across asset management, facilities maintenance, campus operations, sustainability and security services.

Leading a team of experienced professionals and overseeing a broad portfolio of outsourced service providers and contractors, you will ensure the University's campuses continue to operate safely, efficiently and sustainably. You will drive continuous improvement initiatives, optimise asset performance, enhance service delivery and contribute to the long‑term planning and stewardship of a diverse and complex property portfolio.

Working closely with senior stakeholders across the University, you will provide high-level strategic advice, manage significant operational budgets and play an important role in shaping the future direction of campus services. This is a unique opportunity to influence organisational outcomes while contributing to an environment that supports world‑class teaching, learning and research.

About You

You are an experienced and collaborative leader with a track record of success in facilities management, campus operations, asset management, or infrastructure services within a large and complex organisation with a substantial asset portfolio.

You will bring:

• Significant senior leadership experience in facilities, infrastructure, property or operational services environments
• Demonstrated success leading maintenance, operations, and service delivery functions across large and complex property portfolios
• Strong knowledge of strategic asset management principles and operational best practice
• Experience managing major service contracts and contractor performance
• Proven ability to lead organisational change, continuous improvement and innovation initiatives
• Strong commercial acumen and experience managing substantial operating budgets
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement, communication and influencing skills
• Demonstrated ability to build, lead and develop high‑performing teams
• A commitment to workplace health and safety, environmental sustainability and service excellence
• Advanced analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to make sound decisions in complex environments

Our University is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for every member of our community. This commitment is central to our values and our efforts to build a diverse workforce where everyone can thrive.

As part of this, and in alignment with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence 2025, from 1 January 2026, the University will also consider gender‑based violence risk factors as part of our recruitment processes.

The completion and return of the University’s Gender‑based Violence Declaration Form will form part of the pre‑employment checks for this position and any offer of employment will be conditional upon review by the University.

Our adherence to the Code is about more than compliance—it’s about living our values. Together, we can ensure our University remains a place where respect, safety, and inclusion are non‑negotiable.

The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas. We extend that respect to the homelands of our students and staff. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present. We are fully committed to building on our strengths in Indigenous higher education and providing a supportive space for our Indigenous students, staff and communities.

The University of Newcastle is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. We value the unique backgrounds, experiences and perspectives each person brings to our community and strive to create a culture of belonging where everyone can thrive. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, people with diverse gender identities and sexualities, people living with disability, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.