Role Statement – Operations Manager

Fixed Term Contract, 12 Months (Parental Leave Cover)

Indicative Start Date: January 2027. Earlier start date negotiable.

Loading: 0.8 FTE – 1FTE

Benefits:

- Negotiated base salary, based on relevant experience
- 17.5% Annual Leave loading
- 12% Super
- Tuition Fee Discount
- Super Salary Sacrificing
- Flexible arrangements are negotiable

About Our School The Armidale Waldorf School is an independent, co-educational school that teaches according to the educational philosophy of Rudolf Steiner. The School has grown since 1985 through the guidance, care and contributions of many, to a student population of over 150 students and now provides a comprehensive education from preschool, kindergarten and primary, through to secondary and senior years, that works clearly out of anthroposophy, focusing on the whole person and providing children with a foundation for life and inspiring them toward fulfilment of their destiny.

Role The Senior Operations Manager role is tasked with overseeing the non-educational (business) operation of the school. Core responsibilities include Administration and Compliance, Budget Management, and Operational and Strategic Business Planning for the school.

The role is primarily operational, rather than strategic-financial in nature. While it does include responsibility for budget oversight, the production of management accounts, liaison with auditors and submitting Government financial returns is carried out by the School’s financial consultant.

About You

Our ideal candidate is an experienced operations professional who is an aspiring Business Manager and enjoys creating efficient, well-organised systems. They have excellent judgement and can balance operational efficiency with the warmth, care and community focus that characterize The Armidale Waldorf School. They value collaboration, continuous improvement, and service, and understand that strong operational management is essential to delivering the school’s vision.

This is an excellent opportunity to build experience within the education sector and develop your leadership and business management skills within a supportive and values-driven team.

Capabilities:

- Strong administrative, digital and record management
- Robust organisational, planning and time management
- Strong stakeholder engagement, communication and relationship management skills.




- Strong understanding of workplace health and safety, child safety and risk management requirements.
- Sound understanding of compliance, governance and accountability
- Ability to work independently, exercise initiative and drive continuous
- Practical maintenance, facilities or trade-related
- Experience leading, supporting and developing staff, volunteers and
- Financial literacy, including budgeting, procurement and resource

Key Responsibilities

- Operational leadership

- Provide leadership in collaboration with the Principal and oversight of the School’s day-to-day operational functions.
- Ensure that operational systems, processes, and services are effective, efficient, and responsive to the needs of the School.
- Contribute to whole-school planning and decision-making as a member of the leadership team.

- Administration and support services

- Oversee the effective delivery of administration, reception, enrolment, marketing and general support services.
- Promote high standards of service to staff, students, families, and external stakeholders.
- Provide strategic oversight of enrolment, marketing and community engagement functions, ensuring alignment with the School’s growth, retention and sustainability objectives.

- Facilities and asset management

- Work closely with the site team to plan and budget the annual maintenance schedule for the school’s buildings
- Ensure the school’s grounds, buildings and assets are maintained, legislatively compliant and fit for purpose
- Ensure that facilities-related issues are addressed in a timely and effective manner.

- Compliance, risk and governance support

- Oversee operational compliance requirements, including child safety, work health and safety, risk management, and relevant regulatory obligations.
- Support the preparation of governance documentation, policies, and reports for the Principal and Board as required.
- Assist in ensuring the School meets relevant State and Commonwealth reporting obligations.





- Financial oversight and budgeting

- Prepare, monitor, and manage operational budgets in partnership with the Principal and external finance consultant.
- Monitor expenditure against budget and ensure responsible use of School resources.
- Supporting the Finance Consultant with financial reporting, budget tracking, forecasting inputs, and provision of operational data as required.
- Work collaboratively with the external Finance Consultant to support management reporting, audit processes, and financial compliance.

- Human Resources Management and Payroll Oversight

- Provide oversight of payroll processes to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and appropriate controls.
- Support the Principal in maintaining sound operational HR systems and practices.

- ICT and service provider oversight

- Provide oversight of ICT operations and liaise with external ICT providers to ensure reliable and effective service delivery.
- Oversee contracts and relationships with key suppliers, contractors, and service providers.
- Monitor service standards, value for money, and contractual compliance.

- Leadership and culture

- Lead and support operational staff in a manner that promotes accountability, professionalism, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Build productive working relationships across the School community.
- Contribute positively to a safe, respectful, and values-aligned workplace culture.

How to Apply:

Applications are now open and candidates are requested to submit applications by or before Friday 9 October 2026. Interviews will be held soon after.

Should you have questions or would like to discuss this role, please contact Heather, [email protected] 02 6772 8876

Applications may be submitted via the Seek portal or by email ([email protected])

All applications must include:

- A cover letter outlining your interest in working at The Armidale Waldorf School and demonstrating how your skills, experience and strengths align with the role’s key responsibilities and required capabilities.

- A current CV

- The contact details of two professional referees who have had a direct reporting relationship with you, or a willingness to provide referee details upon request.

- Please see download for full details

SCHOOL: Armidale Waldorf School CLOSING DATE: 9 October 2026 CONTACT: Heather Lewis [email protected]

📌 Operations Manager (Chatswood)
🏢 Steiner Education Australia (SEA)
📍 Chatswood