Operations Manager, Melbourne National Security and Defence

Role type: Full-time; Fixed-term (2 years)Department: Chancellery – Melbourne Research and EnterpriseSalary: UOM 10 - $156,480 p.a. plus 17% super

- Institution-wide leadership on national security and defence / shape new governance and operating frameworks / high-visibility senior role
- Join us to build a resilient, secure University and lead operational excellence across national security initiatives.
- Investing in you – 17% superannuation, benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.

The University of MelbourneWe take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website.

Your next career opportunity:In this senior role, you will establish and lead the operating framework for Melbourne National Security and Defence (MNSD). Reporting to the Associate Director, Research Collaboration, you will work closely with the MNSD Executive Director and specialist University teams, to support effective governance, risk management and compliance for complex, sensitive activities. You will assist coordinated engagement with government, industry and research partners to strengthen the University's defence capabilities.

What you will deliver:

- Provide strategic operational leadership for MNSD, developing and implementing its architecture, operating framework and core activities.
- Oversee day-to-day operations, workflows and resourcing across national security and defence initiatives, aligning activity with University priorities.
- Lead governance, risk and compliance processes,



ensuring robust controls and adherence to DISP and institutional frameworks.
- Build strong relationships with senior leaders, academic staff and partners, acting as a trusted operational point of contact.
- Drive continuous improvement in service models, reporting, performance measures and ways of working across MNSD and partner teams.

You may be a great fit if you:

- Hold a postgraduate qualification and extensive experience in large-scale project or operations management at corporate level.
- Operate effectively at senior management level, cultivating relationships and engaging diverse stakeholders in complex environments.
- Demonstrate strong expertise in governance, risk and compliance within large, complex or highly regulated organisations.
- Coordinate activity across multiple portfolios or functions, managing interdependencies to achieve whole-of-organisation outcomes.
- Produce explicit, persuasive operational reports, briefings and advice for governance committees and executive audiences.
- Bring understanding of the defence and national security research environment, including associated risks, opportunities and compliance expectations.

What we offer youWe offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfilment, including:





- Build future financial security with 17% superannuation
- Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being
- Career development opportunities, including access to a range of tailored programs, such as Academic Women in Leadership, and learning platforms including LinkedIn Learning
- Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balanceand well-being, including leading parental leave, gender affirmation leave and cultural leave
- Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance, and access to unique cultural and recreational benefits such as discounts for the Melbourne Theatre Company
- Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program

For more information check out our benefits page

Your new team:

You will join Melbourne Research and Enterprise within Chancellery, supporting the University’s ambition to translate research excellence into societal benefit.

Melbourne National Security and Defence brings together strategic governance, institutional coordination and partner engagement to strengthen the University’s contribution to national security and defence. It connects expertise across the University, supports priority research capabilities and helps coordinate engagement with government, industry and higher education partners.Working closely with the MNSD Executive Director and reporting to the Associate Director, Research Collaboration, you will help build the operational foundations of this initiative.

Be YourselfThe University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organ

📌 Operations Manager, Melbourne National Security and Defence
🏢 University Of Melbourne
📍 Melbourne