Head of Operations

14 hours ago


Sydney, New South Wales, Australia Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Full time

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is an integral part of the UK Government's networks in Australia and New Zealand. We support the UK Government's Growth Mission and Industrial Strategy by supporting UK businesses to export, fostering industrial partnerships and encouraging investment in the UK.

This is an exciting time to join the UK Government's diplomatic network to promote trade and investment partnerships with our close partners Australia and New Zealand. The UK – Australia, UK – New Zealand Free Trade Agreements and the AUKUS security partnership offer unprecedented opportunities to strengthen economic ties between our countries. DBT brings together policy, trade promotion and investment expertise to break down barriers to trade and investment and help businesses succeed across the world. You will join a high performing team of 40 trade and investment experts, working across seven diplomatic missions in Australia and New Zealand.

You will also be an integral part of DBT's wider APAC region of over 200 people in 22 locations and the UK Government's Australia Network of over 130 people. You will have the opportunity to collaborate across our networks on a range of trade and investment campaigns, soft power initiatives, trade missions and VIP visits. You will work with colleagues from diverse backgrounds whose professional experience is the foundation of our shared capability. We deliver as one team.

DBT and the Australia and New Zealand networks are inclusive and equal-opportunity employers. We are committed to building a supportive workplace that offers continuous learning and development opportunities for all our team. We embrace flexible and remote working and have a zero-tolerance policy towards bulling, harassment and discrimination.

The Head of Operations sits at the heart of the ANZ network. We are seeking an exceptional individual who is professional, engaging and enterprising to lead our operations. Your team performs an essential secretariat function for the senior leadership team and effective presentation of data by your team is fundamental to our success. Reporting to the Country Director for Australia, the Head of Operations is responsible for monitoring and evaluation of trade and investment delivery, finance, skills and people. Because your work across teams to facilitate everything we do, you play an important role in inspiring and modelling our inclusive working culture.

Monitoring and evaluation

You will lead a small team that partners with the UK in Australia Network, the UK in New Zealand Network and regional DBT APAC Hub to support the Deputy Trade Commissioner and Country Directors make effective data-based decisions on business planning, performance, staffing, learning and development, and governance.

  • Develop, maintain and present performance dashboards and other tools that illustrate DBT's full delivery impact using both quantitative and qualitative metrics.
  • Flex to deliver information based on the business needs of different audiences, including Ministers, the High Commissioner and Trade Commissioner.
  • Expert personal use and modelling of DBT's CRM systems and workspace tools in order to motivate and mentor the team to adopt and accurately use these systems.

Finance

You will lead on data-based financial and budget management for the DBT ANZ network including governance, forecasts, monitoring and audit compliance.

  • Deliver accurate and detailed reports to the senior leadership team to inform business planning and identify and manage risks.
  • Identify, secure and monitor sources of funding additional to the core budget to deliver maximum impact against our objectives and within our staffing envelope.
  • Communicate regular financial snapshots, emerging trends and risks to DBT teams within the ANZ network, the country directors and the regional APAC hub.
  • Motivate the DBT ANZ network to provide accurate forecasts and timely financial reconciliation that enable the smooth processing of budgets, forecasting and reporting to the senior leadership team, APAC hub and London headquarters.
  • Training and support in financial planning, monitoring and compliance for staff across the region.
  • Monitor and inform DBT ANZ's statutory payroll commitments including TOIL, performance related pay, long service leave, and pensions and workers compensation.

Operations

You will enable the DBT ANZ network to maximise delivery in a culture that is collaborative, entrepreneurial and driven by value for money principals.

  • Perform secretariat function for senior leadership team meetings and decisions. Record key decision points and monitor major actions.
  • Ensure best in class information management across the DBT ANZ network.
  • Maintain accessible governance policies, staff mapping and network organograms.
  • Facilitate problem-solving of operational challenges by providing advice and challenge, signposting to policies, consultation with the regional hub and, where appropriate, escalation to senior management.
  • Ensure compliance with UK Government procurement policies for goods and services procured in the UK, Australia and New Zealand by understanding procurement policies and liaising with local corporate services teams, the regional hub and London where appropriate.

People

You will inspire the DBT ANZ network to present and deliver growth for the UK through an external and commercially focused lens.

  • Energise and coordinate internal comms for DBT across ANZ through motivating and creative channels to maintain our happy, focused and collaborative network.
  • Motivate colleagues to embrace our full rewards and recognition package, including staff nominations and awards.
  • Ensure new staff have a comprehensive and engaging induction on the UK offer to business, priority policy issues and the UK Government's employment offer by coordinating with line managers and colleagues across ANZ, the wider Asia Pacific region and London.
  • Maintain a dynamic programme of local training for staff in emerging commercial trends, global drivers and established operational systems.
  • Encourage the DBT ANZ network to take full advantage of L&D opportunities on offer locally, regionally and through London.
  • Lead on operational HR matters including recruitment, administrative support and team management for the ANZ DBT network. Develop recommendations for local policies in these areas.

Consulate / Network

You will project and support the UK Government's trade and investment objectives and wider Growth Mission.

  • Develop and maintain network of trade and investment contacts in the public and private sectors.
  • Support DBT events and visits to your consulate, including representation at external events and webinars.
  • On an ad-hoc basis, support the UK diplomatic network's whole of mission approach to major events and visits, local engagement, external communications and crisis.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure)

  • Direct line management 1 x AO country-based team member. Responsibility for motivating and inspiring team of 40 across Australia and New Zealand.
  • Oversight of £200K local budget and additional programme funds of approximately £500K per year.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience

  • Self starter – must be able to work at a high level of intensity on own initiative using judgement, strong problem-solving skills, and displaying resilience. Track record of adapting to shifts in government or company policy and working under pressure to meet deadlines.
  • Excellent data and IT skills, including data analytics and desk research capability (advanced Excel, experience of CRM tools, enterprise systems, market research and AI tools)
  • Strong financial and budget management skills, direct experience of accurately managing, forecasting and monitoring of budgets and expenditure. Experience of business planning.
  • Excellent communication skills with proven ability to accurately present data to senior interlocutors with confidence and accuracy. Includes excellent drafting skills and formatting.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills. Includes the ability to motivate individuals, work closely with team leaders and support senior management to solve problems and maintain accountability for delivery across network.
  • Ability to manage HR challenges with complete confidentiality and compassion when required.
  • Strong, proven administrative skills and programme arranging for visitors.
  • Confidence in dealing with senior business figures, Ministers and VVIPs and their offices.
  • Tertiary educational qualifications and minimum of five years professional work experience

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience

  • Experience of working in trade, investment or a commercial setting in the UK or ANZ.
  • Understanding of public sector financial, HR and operational compliance.
  • Working knowledge of UK, Australian or New Zealand trade policy.
  • Experience of formatting software and drafting for social media content.

Interested applicants may send application on or before 23:55 of 26 October 2025.


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