Operations Manager

• Annual base salary from $147,124 - $155,386per annum (HEW Level 9), plus 17% superannuation and annual leave loading
• Full-time continuing role
• Based on site at Macquarie University, Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde
Shape the everyday campus experience, oversee multimillion-dollar service contracts and keep a thriving university running at its best
Every day, thousands of students, staff and visitors move through Macquarie University's diverse campus environment, including teaching spaces, laboratories, public areas, sporting facilities, administration buildings and extensive grounds. The quality of that experience; clean, safe, well-presented and well-maintained spaces, depends on the services this role oversees. As Operations Manager, you will be accountable for the delivery of soft services across the entire campus portfolio, making sure standards are met, budgets are effectively managed and service outcomes continue to improve.
This is a role with genuine breadth. You will guide an in-house Operations team while providing leadership across a network of external contractors with a combined contract value of approximately $10 million. If you enjoy balancing operational delivery with contractor management and making decisions that have a visible impact across campus, this role offers the opportunity to make a lasting difference.
About the Role
Reporting to the Director, Client Services and Facilities Management, you will sit within Property Services, the group responsible for planning, designing, delivering and maintaining all University-owned and leased assets.
As Operations Manager, your responsibilities will include:
Overseeing and directing the in-house Operations team, including scheduling, assigning, reviewing and supervising work undertaken across all University buildings and grounds
Managing the performance of external contractors against agreed KPIs and service level requirements, applying performance-based contract mechanisms and progressing continuous service improvement - a core accountability exercised directly by this role
Managing the full contract lifecycle for outsourced service contracts, from procurement and mobilisation through to ongoing management, variation, renewal or exit, ensuring probity, compliance and value-for-money outcomes
Developing, monitoring and reporting on contract KPIs and SLRs, and using service and performance data to evaluate whether contractors are meeting their obligations
Establishing and maintaining vendor performance frameworks, and organising, attending and minuting regular contractor meetings to review performance, resolve issues and track progress
Overseeing hygiene services University-wide, including washroom and sanitary services, in line with relevant health and hygiene requirements
Managing the Property vehicle fleet, including servicing and maintenance scheduling, registration and compliance, allocation, utilisation and cost management
Monitoring and reporting on soft-services expenditure, partnering with the Director to achieve budget outcomes and pinpoint efficiency and cost-saving opportunities
About Us
Macquarie University's Property Services group is responsible for all University-owned and leased assets, planning, designing, delivering and maintaining the infrastructure that meets our clients' needs. The group spans Strategy and Planning (timetabling, planning and design, space management, sustainability and commercial contracts), Project Management (from minor refurbishments to new buildings and campus-wide technical services) and Client Services and Facilities Management, which maintains all University infrastructure including grounds, waste collection and cleaning. This role sits within Client Services and Facilities Management, where our teams act as advocates for our clients, keeping facilities in working order and balancing client needs with those of the wider University.
About You
You are an experienced facilities operations professional with a track record of delivering soft services across a large, complex property portfolio. Judgement and critical thinking are central to this position. The role regularly develops and modifies organisation-wide policies and manages specialised projects that require a high level of interpretation and subject matter expertise. You will apply that judgement when prioritising reactive against planned work, structuring procurement and contract decisions, identifying where to act on budget, efficiency and cost savings, assessing and treating operational and WHS risk, responding to spills, biohazards and after-hours incidents, and meeting waste, environmental and sustainability obligations.
The role works across a wide stakeholder group: Property Services, University faculties and offices, Macquarie entities and Hospital procurement, and Finance internally; external consultants, suppliers and specialist advisors, other universities and industry bodies such as Australasian Campuses Towards Sustainability externally. You balance individual client needs against those of the wider University, and communicate clearly with both operational teams and senior decision makers.
Selection Criteria
Demonstrated experience delivering large-scale soft services (cleaning, hygiene, grounds, waste) in a large and complex organisation, including full contract lifecycle and performance-based contract management against agreed KPIs and service level requirements
Experience managing an in-house operational team, including scheduling, assigning, reviewing and supervising work, setting service standards, and maintaining safety and professional training requirements
Demonstrated judgement, interpretation and critical thinking across operational, financial, risk and compliance decisions, including developing and modifying organisation-wide policies and managing specialised projects requiring subject matter expertise
Experience managing procurement and tendering processes, including negotiation, probity, and monitoring and reporting on service delivery against targets
Knowledge of Australian standards, codes and legislation relevant to soft-services delivery, WHS and waste/environmental compliance
Experience assessing risk, managing emergency and after-hours response, and measuring and improving customer service experience
How to Apply
To be considered, please apply online with your CV and a cover letter outlining how your experience aligns with the selection criteria (above).
Applications Close: 23 November 2026
We reserve the right to progress or decline an application prior to the application closing date.
***Please note that this role requires a criminal history check.
Why Join Us?
Macquarie is a university engaged with the real and often complex problems and opportunities that define our lives. Since our foundation over 60 years ago, we have aspired to be a different type of university. Over the years, we have grown to become the centre of a vibrant local and global community. Connect with us today.
We rank amongst the top employers in the Australian Workplace Employers Index. Explore the fantastic benefits available to you when you become part of the team at Macquarie University.
17% Superannuation
Subsidised onsite parking options
Extensive training and professional development programs
Onsite childcare facilities to support working parents
Onsite vacation care during school holidays
Discounted health insurance
Subsidised membership at our Sport & Aquatic Centre
Access to an Employee Assistance Program for free and confidential support
Convenient onsite GP, imaging, and physiotherapy clinics
Pre-Employment Checks
Macquarie University cultivates a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity. Prior to completion of an offer of employment, preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for. Your employment is conditional upon the completion and maintenance of all role-required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University.
If you're already part of the Macquarie Group (MQ University, U@MQ, MQ Health, MGSM), you'll need to apply through your employee Workday account. To apply for this job: Login to Workday and go to the Careers App > Find Jobs.
Applications Close:
23/11/2026 11:59 PM
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A Place Where You Belong
At Macquarie, we believe diversity makes us stronger, inclusion drives our success, and belonging inspires us to do our best work. We are proud to foster a community where different backgrounds, identities, and experiences are valued, and where our people are empowered to thrive through supportive leadership, shared responsibility, and a deep commitment to genuine care and respect for our community. Find out more about our vision for a truly inclusive workplace in our

Skills
Project Management, Negotiation, Procurement