Human Resources Operations Manager

Job Title:

HR & Operations Manager 

Reporting To:

Chief Executive Officer / Director of Operations 

Hours / Basis:
Full time, Permanent

Location:
North Melbourne, VIC

THE COMPANY

Southern Cross Education Institute (SCEI) and Southern Cross Education Institute - Higher Education (SCEI-HE) have delivered nationally recognised vocational and tertiary qualifications across Australia since 2007 (SCEI-HE since 2018), to both local and international students. Since the organisation's inception, it has established itself as an education provider of repute. In line with our vision to serve the health, community and education sectors as a leading private provider, the colleges primarily deliver programs in Community Services, Early Childhood, Nursing, Aged Care and Pathology, with a values emphasis on producing job ready graduates. We are proud to announce that so far, we have had just under 20,000 graduates most of whom have been placed into the careers of their choice as nurses, educators or community workers in hospitals, aged care facilities, community or childcare across Australia.

We are accredited with programs from Certificate III level, right up to master's degrees with clear pathways for our students and a strong network into work placements. We deliver our programs from our campuses in Victoria and South Australia and soon plan to expand into Queensland. The success achieved so far is merely the foundation for future growth. Our outstanding team is paramount to the success of the organisation and looking for someone of matching calibre in talent and attitude. If you are a highly skilled, experienced Accounts Lead/ Accountant with an unwavering commitment to success, this role is calling you.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

The
HR & Operations Manager
plays a key strategic and operational role in managing all aspects of
human resources, compliance, and campus operations
across SCEI. This role ensures that the institute's workforce and operational frameworks support excellence in education, compliance with VET Quality Framework and CRICOS standards, and effective delivery of student services.

The position requires a dynamic professional who can balance strategic planning with hands-on operational execution. The HR & Operations Manager will work closely with academic heads, department managers, and the executive team to ensure smooth campus operations, continuous compliance, and a high-performing, engaged workforce.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Human Resources Management

• Develop, implement, and review HR policies and procedures (recruitment, onboarding, performance management, termination, etc.)

• Create and maintain job descriptions, and lead recruitment campaigns (advertising, shortlisting, interviewing)
• Assist with alternative methods of recruitment such as LinkedIn, head hunting, referrals, agencies etc. when required or directed
• Manage staff contracts, salary reviews, awards/enterprise agreements in line with national / state employment laws
• Assist in all points of employee life cycle - including orientation, induction, reviews (performance and disciplinary) as well as exit interviews
• Create offer letters, contracts of employment and HR documentation as needed
• Manage the HR inbox and act as a first point of reference for HR queries from staff and managers across the business
• Oversee staff training, professional development, and scholarly activity records
• Update and create policies & procedures – providing best practice suggestions
• Proactively lead initiatives to support the culture and employee engagement
• Update staff policies and handbooks
• Manage staff wellbeing, retention, and workforce planning
• Assist with OHS requirements of the business
• Responding to inbound queries related to leave, pay, OHS and other HR matters where possible/ appropriate

• Support Management in managing performance and interpersonal issues

• Operations Management

• Ensure day-to-day campus operations run smoothly (facilities, scheduling, safety, compliance)

• Oversee administrative systems and processes to support student administration, enrolments, credit transfer, etc.
• Coordinate operational compliance with regulatory bodies (ASQA, CRICOS, TEQSA where applicable)

• Monitor and report on key operational metrics (student-staff ratio, course delivery, student satisfaction)

• Strategic Planning & Performance

• Support executive leadership in setting operational and HR targets in alignment with SCEI's strategic plans

• Implement key performance indicators (KPIs) for HR / operations and regularly review outcomes

• Help with budgeting and resource allocation for HR & operations

• Regulatory & Quality Assurance

• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations (VET standards, CRICOS, state & federal legislation)

• Ensures that the courses and teaching delivered to students are of the highest quality in accordance with TEQSA and the company's quality policies.
• Support internal and external audits, including maintenance of required policies, procedures, records
• Conducting scheduled internal audits of academic files, ensuring compliance against SCEI policies and procedures as well as regulatory standards
• Responsible for Fee-HELP Loans reporting and compliance against SCEI-HE policies and procedures as well as regulatory standards.

• Responsible for developing and maintaining student forms including application forms, ensuring compliance against

• Stakeholder Management

• Liaise with academic, student services, finance, and external stakeholders (government, regulatory agencies)

• Represent HR & operations at internal committees, meetings, and working groups

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in
  Human Resources, Business Administration, or Management
  (Master's preferred).
• Minimum 4-5
  years of experience
  in HR and operations management, preferably in the
  education or training sector
  .
• Demonstrated experience in
  compliance and audit preparation
  (ASQA,
  CRICOS, or TEQSA).
• Knowledge of National Code 2018, Higher Education Standards, CGS, and Fee-HELP requirements.
• Proficient in PRISMS/TQSI/TEQSA.
• Experience managing multi-campus operations will be highly regarded.
• HR certification (AHRI or equivalent) desirable.

KEY COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS

• Strong understanding of Australian education sector and CRICOS compliance frameworks.
• In-depth knowledge of the Fair Work Act 2009, National Employment Standards (NES), and state-based employment laws.
• Proven leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strategic thinker with problem-solving and conflict-resolution abilities.
• High-level organisational and project management skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Proficient in HR and administrative systems.

PERSONAL QUALITIES & TRAITS

• Ability to work in a fast-paced organization.
• Deep understanding of multi-cultural environment.
• Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proactiv
  e and e
  nthusiastic to achieve goals.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and cope with change effectively.

OTHER:

Essential: Working with Children Check, Police Check. 

This role operates within a collegial team but requires independence and initiative to support delegated tasks, contributing to SCEI-HE's success. 

If you meet the criteria above and are keen to work in a challenging role for a growing organization then please apply now