Daffodil Centre Manager of Operations

• Full-time Continuing opportunity situated at Moore Theological College and Cancer Council NSW

• Lead the operations of a world-class cancer research centre where your expertise directly supports groundbreaking research and life-saving impact

• Base Salary $146,197 - $154, % superannuation

About the opportunity

The Daffodil Centre, a flagship research centre of the University of Sydney in partnership with Cancer Council NSW, is at the forefront of cancer control research, delivering evidence that shapes policy and improves outcomes worldwide. We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Manager of Operations to play a pivotal role in driving the Centre's success.

In this senior leadership position, you will bring together people, resources, and systems to ensure our world-class research continues to thrive. Your expertise in operations, finance, and workforce leadership will directly support the Centre's ambitious research agenda, enabling our researchers to focus on what they do best - making a difference in the fight against cancer.

This is more than an operations role - it is an opportunity to lead with purpose, to shape the way our Centre functions, and to contribute to research with real-world impact. We are looking for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment, enjoys working collaboratively with a diverse range of stakeholders, and is motivated by the knowledge that their leadership is helping to create a healthier future.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• Provide strategic and operational leadership to ensure the Centre's people, finances, and resources are effectively managed and aligned with its research and organisational priorities.

• Oversee financial planning, budgeting, and reporting, ensuring strong governance and long-term sustainability.

• Lead workforce planning, recruitment, and staff development to build a collaborative, high-performing, and future-ready team.

• Drive operational excellence through the design and implementation of efficient systems, processes, and governance frameworks that support world-class research.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders — including government, funding bodies, and University partners — to advance the Centre's strategic agenda.

• Support research and project success through effective management of grants, compliance, and delivery of high-quality outcomes on time and within budget.

About you

• Postgraduate qualifications in a relevant field with a combination of relevant training and experience.

• Demonstrated experience providing strategic and operational leadership in a complex organisation, with proven ability to translate strategic priorities into effective operational outcomes.

• Strong financial management expertise, including budget planning, monitoring, reporting, and ensuring compliance with governance and regulatory requirements.

• Proven ability to lead, develop, and manage high-performing teams, with experience in workforce planning, staff supervision, and fostering a collaborative culture.

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build productive relationships across diverse internal and external groups, including funding bodies and government agencies.

• High-level organisational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the capacity to manage multiple projects, adapt to change, and deliver results in a dynamic environment.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

Work Rights: you must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment. 

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement 

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQ+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. 

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Gold employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion. 

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.  

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Roshik Prasad, Recruitment Operations by email to

The University of Sydney

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

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