Operational Excellence Specialist

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About the team: The Reliability and Operational Excellence team is at the forefront of driving a high-reliability culture across IT. We lead the development and implementation of the High Reliability Organisation (HRO) program, fostering a proactive, resilient, and learning-oriented environment. Our team partners closely with stakeholders across IT and business units to enable teams to solve complex problems, reduce risk, and deliver reliable services that support the Bank's critical operations.

The RBA is seeking a values-driven Operational Excellence Specialist to embed High Reliability Organisation (HRO) principles and continuous improvement practices across the IT department. This role supports stronger operational performance, service reliability, and risk management. The successful candidate will lead training and facilitation of Practical Problem Solving using methods such as Kepner-Tregoe (KT), A3 Thinking, and DMAIC, while working with teams to identify and deliver initiatives that improve outcomes and employee experience. This is a great opportunity to contribute to the Bank's strategic transformation and help build a resilient, high-performing IT environment.

This is a 12 Month Fixed Term Salaried Contract

• Champion the development of a high-reliability, Open and Dynamic culture by fostering learning, accountability, and proactive problem prevention across the IT department.
• Support the rollout and integration of High Reliability Organisation (HRO) principles to build a culture of operational discipline and resilience.
• Facilitate and deliver training in Practical Problem Solving using methodologies such as KT, A3, DMAIC, 8D.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to identify, scope, and implement initiatives that improve service reliability, reduce risk, and enhance performance.

• Proven experience in Lean Six Sigma, ITIL, and structured problem-solving methodologies such as KT, A3, and DMAIC.
• Strong understanding of IT operations, ideally within banking or financial services, and ability to navigate complex systems and environments.
• Passionate about building a high-reliability, open and dynamic culture that encourages learning, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Confident facilitating workshops, coaching teams, and engaging stakeholders at all levels to drive meaningful change.
• Skilled in using tools like Jira and Power BI to analyse data, track progress, and communicate insights that support operational excellence.
• Ability to use data and statistical analysis to inform decisions, uncover root causes, and identify opportunities for improvement with clarity and precision.

• Tertiary qualification in a relevant field such as Business, IT, Engineering, or Operations Management.
• Certification in Lean Six Sigma (Black Belt or higher preferred).
• ITIL Foundation certification (or higher) is highly desirable.
• Formal training or certification in structured problem-solving methodologies (e.g. Kepner-Tregoe, DMAIC, A3 Thinking).

Be More Working for an organisation that truly makes a difference to the people of Australia, we offer development and career opportunities in a collaborative environment that supports growth, wellbeing and flexibility. Your growth drives the RBA forward as an organisation. Be more means you can do more, for yourself and for Australia.

Why RBA? The RBA contributes to the Australian economy through national economic policy objectives, financial markets and banking activities, and operates infrastructure critical to the payments system. Our people, values and culture play a critical role in achieving our objectives. We strive to be Open & Dynamic, inclusive, collaborative, and outcomes-focused, prioritising learning and refining as we go. We expect integrity and excellence in all work, and encourage respectful, evidence-based inquiry while serving the public interest.

Equity, diversity and inclusion The Reserve Bank of Australia is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion through key initiatives. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with a disability, and LGBTQ+ communities. We are committed to a fair recruitment process for all candidates.

The Reserve Bank of Australia is an equal opportunity employer.