Vice-President, Operations

Join to apply for the Vice-President, Operations (COO) role at UNSW

• Remuneration: Attractive competitive salary package
• Location: Kensington Campus NSW (Hybrid Flexible Working)
• Employment Type: Full-time, continuing

About UNSW

UNSW is one of the world's leading research and teaching-intensive universities, known for innovative, pioneering research and high-quality education outputs, influencing significant global societal impacts.

UNSW isn't like other places you may have worked; yes we're a large organisation with a diverse and talented community; a community doing extraordinary things. Working together our UNSW community is collectively 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.

At UNSW, societal impact is at our core, with this in mind we have recently launched our UNSW Strategy: 'Progress for All' which reaffirms our ongoing commitment to advancing expansive and inclusive global positive impact. Building on 75 years of impact, UNSW strives to address pressing global challenges and ensure communities worldwide can thrive socially, economically, culturally and environmentally.

About This Opportunity

The University of New South Wales (UNSW) seeks a visionary and highly strategic Vice President Operations (COO) who will provide solid leadership, and collaboration across the integrated operational functions of UNSW at the highest executive and organisational levels.

With responsibility for Finance, Information Technology, Estate Management, Enterprise Portfolio Management Office (EPMO), and operational oversight of People and Culture, the Vice President Operations (COO) is a key architect of operational excellence, service transformation, with additional accountability to ensure we meet our operational and academic goals that will set UNSW up for success and long-term sustainability.

This is a unique opportunity to lead and champion operational excellence, operational service transformation, and long-term sustainability whilst simultaneously driving the University's commitment to its overarching strategic goals. The role is pivotal in delivering a responsive, modern, and people-centred operating model that supports UNSW's ambition of 'Progress for All'.

The Vice President Operations (COO) will report directly to the Vice Chancellor and will work closely with the UNSW executive leadership team.

Who We Are Ideally Looking For

The Vice President Operations (COO) will be a highly experienced leader with a strong track record in collaborative leadership. We are looking for a unique individual who can work with our executive team and executive stakeholders collaboratively to shape, influence, enable, and transform our operations in line with our future vision and strategy.

Ideally you will have demonstrable experience overseeing large, complex operational portfolios in higher education or similar related regulated sectors. You will ideally possess an in-depth understanding of operational needs aligned to a leading global research university, and have a strategic and results-focused orientation.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong interpersonal, influencing and negotiation skills to engage diverse stakeholders effectively. You will ideally be a proven executive leader with a commitment to innovation, equity, sustainability, and excellence in service delivery and optimisation.

Ideal Experience

• 5-10 years of senior executive experience leading operational functions in higher education or similar large complex organisational structures.
• Proven strategic leadership, commercial acumen and experience across Finance, IT, Digital and Data transformation, Estate Management Portfolio/Infrastructure, and People and Culture operations.
• Demonstrated track record in driving major organisational transformations and operational efficiency.
• Evidence of building high-performing, collaborative and service-oriented teams.
• Outstanding communication skills, both verbal and written.

Additional Notes

Please note: Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position. Candidates must hold unrestricted work rights to be considered for this position.

To apply or express confidential interest, UNSW has engaged Spencer Stuart as the recruitment partner. For inquiries, contact Spencer Stuart at SelectorSYD@spencerstuart.com. The application deadline is likely around Friday 16th May 2025.

UNSW is committed to diversity and inclusion, welcoming candidates from all backgrounds and providing workplace adjustments for people with disabilities.

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