Job Description

Operations Transformation & Performance Lead

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WHO WE ARE

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We are Australia's largest and oldest Student Union. We are all about creating an exceptional campus experience for students.

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Our Operational Services & Systems portfolio spans food and beverage, retail, licensed venues, graduations, infrastructure, technology and other services that support a vibrant and diverse campus environment.

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We are looking for an experienced Operations Transformation & Performance Lead to help us strengthen how we operate, deliver major priorities and identify new opportunities for improvement and growth.

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WHO YOU ARE

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You are an experienced transformation, commercial operations or business improvement professional who enjoys turning complex problems into practical solutions.

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You are commercially minded, analytical and comfortable working across multiple functions and priorities. You know how to take a project from an idea through to implementation, bring stakeholders with you and maintain momentum without relying on formal authority.

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You can move comfortably between strategy and hands-on delivery – whether that means analysing performance, developing a business case, facilitating cross-functional problem-solving or driving an improvement initiative through to completion.

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Working closely with the Director, Operational Services & Systems and operational leaders, you will play a key role in improving performance, delivering strategic projects and building a stronger culture of continuous improvement across Operations.

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WHAT YOU WILL DO

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- Lead significant cross-functional transformation and improvement projects from planning through to implementation, with clear milestones, accountabilities and measures of success.
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- Analyse commercial and operational performance across areas including revenue, profitability, margins, labour, cost of goods, productivity and utilisation.
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- Develop practical reporting and dashboards that provide meaningful insights and support better decision-making.
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- Identify opportunities to improve profitability, efficiency, service quality and customer outcomes, and work with operational managers to translate these into action.
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- Research, benchmark and test new concepts, technologies and ways of working.
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- Facilitate cross-functional problem-solving, helping establish clear priorities, accountability and follow-through.
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- Support the successful handover of projects into business-as-usual operations while building capability and a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
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Initial priorities may include reviews of pricing and rewards programs, procurement, rostering, major food and beverage infrastructure projects, outlet improvements and venue utilisation.

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ESSENTIAL SKILLS

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- Robust experience in operational transformation, strategic projects, commercial operations or business improvement, including leading complex cross-functional projects.
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- Strong commercial and financial acumen, with experience analysing operational and financial performance and translating insights into practical action.
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- Strong project management, analytical and problem-solving skills.
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- Demonstrated ability to influence outcomes, build trusted relationships and engage stakeholders without formal authority.
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- A practical continuous improvement mindset with the ability to identify and implement better ways of working.
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- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on delivery and competing priorities.
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- Experience within hospitality, food and beverage, retail, venues, multi-site operations or another customer-facing operational environment will be highly regarded.
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THE PERKS

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- Daily $15 meal allowance and USU-wide discounts.
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- Free USU Rewards membership from commencement.
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- Work on high-impact projects across a diverse operational portfolio.
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- Partner with senior leaders and operational teams to deliver meaningful change.
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- Opportunity to influence how USU improves, innovates and grows.
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- Be part of a unique, inclusive and diverse campus environment.
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THE PAY

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Starting from $157,000 + 12% Superannuation.

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HOURS OF WORK

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This is a full-time (35 hour work week) , 12-month fixed-term position.

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IDEAL START DATE

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Immediate start

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ABOUT THE USU

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The USU (University of Sydney Union) is proudly Australia's oldest and largest not-for-profit student organisation, dedicated to providing students with the best possible university experience.

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Led by a student board elected by our members, the USU provides fun things on campus, such as festivals, events and parties. We manage a diverse range of programmes, including an active volunteering program and a Language Exchange, to name a few. In addition, we support over 200 Clubs and Societies as well as operate bars, food and retail outlets across campus, providing great coffee, affordable fresh food, graduation gown hire and official USYD merchandise.

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We are committed to promoting a workplace of equal opportunities. We promote healthy living and aim to protect the health and safety of staff, members and visitors to the University by providing a Smoke-Free Workplace. We do not accept unsolicited agency applications.

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USU is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). We're committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage applicants from all walks of life. Help make us better by joining our team.

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Due to the volume of applications received, shortlisted applicants will be contacted within approximately 4 weeks of the role's closing date (or 4 weeks from the date of application if there is no specified closing date).

📌 Operations Transformation & Performance Lead (New South Wales)
🏢 University of Sydney Union
📍 New South Wales