Director – Centre for Operational and Research Excellence

Our mission is to improve the health of millions of people worldwide.

• Full Time Opportunity
• Global (India, Sydney or UK)
• Permanent Position
• Hybrid working environment

The Centre for Operational and Research Excellence (CORE) plays a critical role in supporting TGI and its partners to deliver outstanding research that improves health outcomes for millions around the world. CORE enables our researchers to achieve high-impact, high-quality results through expert operational support and strategic guidance.

In response to the Institute's growing research portfolio and the increasingly complex external environment, CORE underwent a major restructure in 2024–25. Its new operating model is built around three core functions: strategic partnering, design and innovation, and regional research delivery.

We are seeking an experienced Director to lead CORE through this next phase of development. This role will oversee the implementation of the new operating model, manage change processes, and ensure CORE continues to meet its business-as-usual responsibilities. With over 150 staff located across all TGI regional offices, the Director will provide global leadership of the function, ensuring it remains a key enabler of the Institute's strategy and effectively governs its research programs.

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

• Lead the development and execution of CORE's strategic goals, ensuring alignment with TGI's overall strategy.
• Collaborate with senior leadership (CEO, Chief Scientist, Executive Directors) to maintain a cohesive operating model.
• Establish governance frameworks to ensure accountability, performance, and compliance.
• Monitor and support investment decisions in research services for efficiency and future planning.
• Guide the delivery of high-quality statistical, data science, and data management services.
• Implement Quality Assurance policies and Standard Operating Procedures across TGI.
• Oversee development and scaling of research systems, including workforce planning.
• Ensure CORE services are financially sustainable and meet user satisfaction benchmarks.
• Lead strategic initiatives to innovate research methodologies and operations.
• Work closely with HR to support staff development and training.
• Ensure team compliance with policies, ethical standards, and legislative requirements.
• Manage staff performance through planning, objective setting, and regular reviews.
• Foster a values-driven team culture focused on integrity, collaboration, and teamwork.
• Adhere to WHS legislation and promote a safe environment for staff and visitors.

For more information on this role, please see our detailed Position Description here :

Skills, Knowledge and Experience:-

• Significant experience in research governance, research management and research operations at a senior leadership level preferably in a research organisation or university
• Strong influencing and negotiating skills and significant business partnering experience
• Extensive experience working with senior stakeholders
• Significant experience in forming and implementing strategies and business plans.
• Experience in change management at an enterprise level
• Significant experience in leading large (100+ staff) multi-disciplinary and global teams
• Demonstrated experience in managing large budgets
• Demonstrated experience in capacity building
• Experience in business development

• Experience working across global locations
• Postgraduate qualifications in a health-related field
• Understanding of regulatory environment relevant to TGI's work globally
• Experience working in a matrix-based organisation

Our Recruitment Process:

We are committed to fair and inclusive hiring practices. This role is included in a blind recruitment process, where personal details such as name and location are removed from applications during initial screening.

Our initial application process will begin with 6 questions based on critical skills and experiences required for this position.

We do request your application includes a CV only, not a cover letter.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted to provide further information.

Information requested in our screening questions such as name and gender will remain confidential and not be used in the assessment of your application.  This information is gathered for diversity and inclusion reporting purposes only.

The closing date for applications is Monday 20th October

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if a suitable candidate is found 

The George Institute:

The George Institute for Global Health was established in 1999 with a mission to improve the health of millions of people worldwide, particularly underserved populations, by challenging the status quo and using innovative approaches to prevent and treat the world's biggest killers: non-communicable diseases and injury.

With offices in Australia, China, India and the UK, we have over 1000 people with >400 projects in over 60 countries. We focus on the global health challenges that cause the greatest loss of life, the greatest impairment of life quality and the substantial economic burden, particularly in resource-constrained settings.

What we do:

• Lead world-class, large-scale clinical trials, epidemiological studies and health systems research to transform treatments and healthcare delivery
• Look beyond single diseases, across the life course, to identify patient-centred approaches to care that can be implemented at scale
• Develop low-cost, innovative solutions to global unmet needs
• Drive our global impact through a program of research, advocacy, thought leadership and disruptive social entrepreneurship

Your Career at The George Institute

We are committed to attracting, developing, rewarding and retaining the best people in their fields to conduct and support our innovative and highest quality research programs.

Take advantage of our rewards you may enjoy as part of The George team:

• Competitive pay in the Life Sciences Sector.
• Academic appointments at our partner universities.
• Learning and career development opportunities tailored to your needs.
• Well-being and reproductive health leave.
• Working with a globally diverse, inclusive team committed to making impact.

For more information about The George Institute, visit 

Our big and bold mission to improve the health of millions of people worldwide needs a diverse and innovative team to deliver it, so we foster a dynamic, inclusive and flexible workplace where everyone can bring their best selves to work.

We value workplace diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment.

We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including people living with a disability, women, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, older adults and those from culturally, ethnically and linguistically diverse communities.