Department Manager

Are you ready to shape the next generation of trades professionals?

About the role:

At Box Hill Institute, we've been transforming lives through education for over 100 years. Now, we're looking for a dynamic, visionary leader to step into a pivotal leadership role in our Electrical and Refrigeration department and drive innovation, excellence, and growth.

As Department Manager - Electrical and Refrigeration, you'll lead a high-performing team of educators and professionals, overseeing course delivery, compliance, innovation, and student outcomes. You'll be at the forefront of educational leadership-mentoring staff, building industry partnerships, and ensuring our programs remain cutting-edge and industry-aligned.

As a people-first leader, you'll foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous growth. You'll mentor and empower a diverse team of educators and professional staff, ensuring they have the tools, support, and development opportunities to thrive. Your leadership will be key in building a high-performing, engaged team that delivers exceptional learning experiences and drives positive student outcomes.

You'll also:

• Drive strategic and operational planning
• Lead curriculum innovation and continuous improvement
• Manage budgets, resources, and performance
• Champion student engagement and retention
• Represent BHI with industry, government, and community stakeholders

If you're a bold, strategic leader with a passion for vocational education and a knack for building strong teams and partnerships-we want to hear from you.

Salary is EM3 as per current MEA plus 12% superannuation. Position is full time, ongoing.

About you:

• A relevant degree (AQF Level 6 or above) and trade/professional qualifications in a related field
• Extensive experience in vocational education and training (VET), including curriculum development, assessment design, and delivery across multiple modes (face-to-face, blended, online)
• A deep understanding of adult learning principles, competency-based training, and the regulatory frameworks that govern the VET sector
• Demonstrated success in leading educational teams and fostering a culture of excellence in teaching and learning
• Experience in mentoring educators, supporting professional development, and embedding innovative pedagogical practices
• Proven ability to align educational delivery with industry needs and government priorities
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build meaningful partnerships across industry, government, and community
• Familiarity with e-learning platforms, digital tools, and emerging technologies in education
• A values-driven approach that aligns with BHI's culture of curiosity, trust, and compassion

About us:

For over 100 years, we've been changing lives for the better, continuing to make this world a better place for all. By providing people with opportunities to expand their knowledge, experience and understanding of the world, we empower them to change their lives.

Our students can pursue everything from short courses through the Centre for Adult Education (CAE), Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM), Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC), pre-apprenticeships to certificates, diplomas, and higher education degrees. We support our students' ambitions to study through our well-equipped classrooms at our campuses in Box Hill, Lilydale and the Melbourne CBD, as well as remotely with blended and online courses.

To deliver great outcomes, we know it's important to attract and retain people who are passionate about our vision and role. We recognise that our employees are critical to our success, and that achieving our goals requires collective effort.

Together we are curious, trustworthy and compassionate.

• Curious - We are driven to learn, grow and evolve.
• Trustworthy - We build trust by being honest and accountable.
• Compassionate - We are kind and respectful.

What we can offer you:

We offer more than just a job; we offer benefits to enhance your work life, help you grow, and celebrate your achievements. Employment benefits include:

Employee Benefits: You'll have access to a range of employee benefits from Novated Leasing, Salary Packaging, and various discounted services on health insurance, car rental, and subscriptions as well as access to a range of on-campus discounted services such as Pet Grooming, Barbering and Hair & Beauty services and more.

Career Growth: We value our people and offer a range of career development opportunities such as employee programs, employee Professional Development Day, study fee reductions and reward and recognition programs.

Flexible Working: Box Hill Institute is a welcoming, safe and respectful work environment. We are work-life friendly and an equal opportunity employer.

Lifestyle Benefits: We offer free Counselling Support Services (EAP), Health and Wellbeing Programs as well as a wellness app with a range of free services, on-campus childcare at our Lilydale Lakeside Campus, and easy access to public transportation to our campuses.

To see all the benefits of working with us, please click here.

Apply now

If you're ready to take the next step in your career and make a real difference to students, we invite you to submit your application by clicking 'Apply Now'.

Want to know more? If you have any questions about this role, please contact Stu Hoxley via email at

Applications close 9am, 11th November 2025

We are a 2025 Circle Back Initiative Employer - we commit to respond to every applicant.

Candidates for employment at Box Hill Institute will be subject to pre-employment probity checks, and must satisfy Box Hill Institute's pre-conditions for employment. These include providing a satisfactory (valid employee) Working With Children Check and National Police Check.

Box Hill Institute is a Child Safe Organisation and has a zero tolerance towards the harm or abuse of children and young people. We believe that child safety is everyone's responsibility. All employees, volunteers, contractors and service providers are required to promote a culture of child safety, comply with the Child Safe Standards and other relevant legislation and reporting obligations of suspected child abuse as per the Institute's Child Safety Policy and Procedures. All employees are required to hold and maintain a current, valid Working with Children Check for the duration of their employment at their own expense.

Box Hill Institute reserves the right to withdraw an advertised position at any stage.