Operations Manager - SPHERE

The Opportunity

• Employment: Full-time (35 hrs week)
• Duration: 12-month fixed term contact (possibility of extension)
• Remuneration:  Level 8: $132k-$149k + 17 % flexible super & leave loading
• Locations: Kensington

Maridulu Budyari Gumal, the Sydney Partnership for Health, Education, Research and Enterprise (SPHERE) is a collaborative entity bringing together 15 leading organisations with a shared goal: to change the future of healthcare.

As Operations Manager, you will play a critical role in supporting one of Australia's most significant health research and translation partnerships. The provides operational leadership and functional oversight across the teaming managing a complex and influential partnership network.

Reporting directly to the Executive Director (ED), the Operations Manager is responsible for supporting the operational performance, governance and business management delivery of SPHERE to the highest standard.

Your day to day includes:

• Manage SPHERE's operational, governance and business functions day-to- day to ensure organisational effectiveness.
• Support the Executive Director in delivering strategic priorities, organisational performance and major funding opportunities.
• Provide secretariat support to Boards and Committees.
• Oversee financial management and record keeping, including budgets, major funding opportunities, grants, memberships, fellowships and operational expenditure.
•  Build and maintain productive relationships with partner organisations, government agencies and key stakeholders.
•  Monitor and report on strategic objectives and compliance requirements including fastidious record management and audit readiness.

The Organisation
UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. Yes, we’re a large organisation with a diverse and talented community; a community doing extraordinary things. But what makes us different isn’t only what we do, it’s how we do it. Together, we are driven to be thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all we do.  If you want a career where you can thrive, be challenged and do meaningful work, you’re in the right place.

Who you are
An experienced operations professional with a track record of delivering organisational performance within complex environments. Excelling in governance, financial management and stakeholder engagement, you will be confident in building strong partnerships while driving strategic priorities and operational excellence. To be successful in this role, you will have:

• A relevant tertiary qualification and significant senior operational management experience, with demonstrated success in business operations, organisational leadership or business development within a university, government, hospital, medical research institute or equivalent environment.
• Proven experience providing high-level secretariat support to Boards, Committees or governance bodies.
• Demonstrated ability to build, influence and maintain productive relationships with senior stakeholders across complex organisations, including government agencies, research institutions, healthcare providers and professional organisations.
• Strong leadership and change management capabilities, with experience leading teams, driving organisational performance and delivering outcomes against strategic objectives.
• Demonstrated financial management experience, including budget oversight, reporting and resource management.
• Exceptional organisational, project management and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver results in a dynamic environment.
• Expertise in establishing and negotiating governance arrangements across partnerships, networks, alliances or collaborative organisations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare high-quality reports, governance papers and strategic documentation.

UNSW Benefits and Culture: People are at the core of everything we do. We recognise it is the contributions of our staff who make UNSW one of the best universities in Australia and the world. Our benefits include: 

• Work alongside leaders in healthcare, research and innovation.
• Flexible Working Options (work from home, flexible hours etc) 
• Develop your career within one of Australia's leading universities and health research partnerships.
• Flexible 17% Superannuation contributions, additional leave-loading payments and salary sacrifice
• Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness)

To apply:  If you hold functional, operations experience and are looking for your next role in a collaborative and purpose-driven environment where your work contributes directly to improving health outcomes and transforming healthcare delivery, please submit your CV, Cover Letter including responses to Skills and Experience nominated in the Position Description via the APPLY button.  A copy of the Position Description can be found at jobs@unsw

Contact: Katherine Molloy – Talent Acquisition Consultant: katherine.molloy@unsw.edu.au 

Applications close: 11.55pm, Tuesday September 1^st, 2026.

Pre-Employment Checks: As part of our recruitment process candidates may be required to undergo pre-employment screening, which may include reference checks, qualification verification, right-to-work verification, and criminal history screening where relevant to the role.

 UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.