Senior Manager (Centre Operations), Sir Lawrence Wackett Centre at RMIT University

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

28 May, 26

Salary

152131.0

Posted On

27 Feb, 26

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Strategic Planning, Operational Leadership, Financial Management, Budget Oversight, Risk Management, Business Development, Stakeholder Engagement, Compliance, Program Management, Project Management, Relationship Management, Negotiation, Analytical Skills, Evaluation Skills, Staff Management, Commercialisation

Industry

Education Management

Description

Overview: Full-time, Continuing position Salary Level HEW 10A ($152,131 p.a.) + 17% Superannuation and Flexible Working Arrangements Based at the Melbourne CBD campus, but may be required to work and/or be based at other campuses of the University We are seeking an exceptional Senior Manager, Centre Operations to help drive the strategic growth and operational excellence of the Sir Lawrence Wackett Centre, a nationally significant centre supporting Australia’s Defence and Aerospace capability. About the Role The Senior Manager (Centre Operations) is the most senior professional staff leader within the Sir Lawrence Wackett Centre and is a key member of the Centre’s leadership team. Reporting to the Associate Director, Research & Innovation, with a dotted line to the Director of the Centre, this role provides high-level strategic, financial and operational leadership to support the Centre’s mission and growth. The position carries significant responsibility for the oversight and stewardship of a substantial and complex funding portfolio across research, industry and government sources. The Senior Manager (Centre Operations) ensures sound financial governance, operational effectiveness, compliance and sustainability, while supporting business development and stakeholder engagement activities across the Defence and Aerospace ecosystem. Key responsibilities include: Leading strategic and operational planning aligned to Centre priorities Providing high-level financial management, forecasting and budget oversight Managing research programs, industry contracts, funding agreements and associated risk Supporting business development and partnership activities across Defence, government and industry Ensuring compliance with governance, reporting and University requirements Working closely with Research & Innovation on research translation and commercialisation matters Managing and developing Centre professional staff Building effective relationships with senior internal and external stakeholders To be successful in this position, you will demonstrate: Extensive experience in a tertiary research environment, including a strong knowledge of the business and operational contexts in which national research entities operate. Highly developed skills and experience in strategic and operational management and planning in are search environment, including the management of operational aspects of research programs, finance, resources, contracts, and risk management. Demonstrated ability to work independently and collegially as part of a senior team in a matrix structure, and to use initiative and problem-solving skills in order to organise and prioritise workload and provide practical solutions for problems. Exceptional program and project management experience including the ability to lead teams, scope, plan and manage complex projects using contemporary management methodologies, while working under time and resource pressures in a large, complex and dynamic organisation. Demonstrated ability to communicate, influence and negotiate effectively and sensitively with senior staff and industry to build productive relationships and facilitate mutually beneficial outcomes. Substantial relevant discipline and industry knowledge, and a demonstrated ability to identify, understand and articulate both RMIT University research strengths and relevant industry needs. Exceptional relationship management skills with the demonstrated ability to develop effective strategic and operational relationships with key senior stakeholders across Australia and internationally. Demonstrated capacity to influence and negotiate at senior levels within and outside the University Outstanding conceptual, analytical and evaluation skills, including the demonstrated ability to devise innovative solutions to complex strategic challenges and organisational issues Demonstrated history of behaviour aligned to the RMIT values (inclusion, imagination, agility, courage, passion and impact) and RMIT’s Leadership and Educator & Researcher frameworks. Qualifications Postgraduate qualification and / or extensive relevant experience or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and /or education/training Ability to obtain an Australian Defence Security Clearance Please Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children and National Police Check. About the Sir Lawrence Wackett Centre The Sir Lawrence Wackett Centre supports the transformational growth of Australia’s Defence and Aerospace industries by delivering trusted technology, policy, and business solutions. The Centre provides expert advice, education, and training to develop workforce capability and drive sovereign innovation. With expertise spanning the entire lifecycle of capability development — from concept and design through to testing, implementation, and commercialisation — the Centre is a national leader in translating cutting-edge research into practical Defence and Aerospace outcomes. Through collaboration with government, industry and academia, the Sir Lawrence Wackett Centre supports Australia’s high-tech economy and Defence innovation ecosystem. For more information: https://www.rmit.edu.au/defence-aerospace To Apply Please submit your CV and covering letter addressing your suitability for this position by clicking on the ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page. For further information about this position, please see the Position Description hyperlinked below or contact Lachlan Doughney, Associate Director, Research and Innovation via email Lachlan.doughney@rmit.edu.au For further information regarding recruitment processes, please contact Jennifer Pham, Senior Talent Acquisition Advisor via email at jennifer.pham2@rmit.edu.au Please do not share your application to this email address. Position Description – Senior Manager, Centre Operations Please note, if you are viewing this advert from an external site, please click ‘apply’ and you will be redirected to RMIT's Jobs website to access the Position Description at the bottom of the page. Due to recent upgrades, position description links may not work on LinkedIn advertisements. Applications Close: 22 Mar 2026 11.59 pm RMIT is an equal opportunity employer committed to being a child safe organisation. We are dedicated to attracting, retaining and developing our people regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability and age. Applications are encouraged from all sectors of the community, and we strongly encourage applications from the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community. In line with RMIT University’s commitment to a safe, respectful and inclusive environment, from 1 January 2026, the University will also consider gender-based violence (GBV) risk factors as part of our recruitment processes. All applicants will be required to complete a gender‑based violence declaration in accordance with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence. Preferred candidates will also be required to undertake relevant pre‑employment background checks, including Working With Children Checks. Information provided will be treated confidentially and considered only for its relevance to the role and RMIT’s safety obligations. At RMIT, we are committed to supporting adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, as well as during employment. We actively support and encourage people with disability to apply to RMIT (including alternate formats of application forms). To discuss adjustment requirements, please contact Dani, via talentsupport@rmit.edu.au or visit our Careers page for more contact information - https://www.rmit.edu.au/careers. We are a Circle Back Initiative Employer – we commit to respond to every applicant. Culture Our Values inspire us, wherever we are in the world, and guide how we live and work together. Imagination. Integrity. Courage. Passion. Impact. Inclusion. What unites us is our purpose and our values; they are at the heart of who we are, what we stand for, how we make decisions and connect with each other. Our people make everything at the University possible. We encourage new approaches to work and learning, stimulating change to drive positive impact. RMIT exists to create transformative experiences for our students, getting them ready for life and work. You will be a part of a productive and collaborative team, who values working relationships and outcomes through open and inclusive planning, continuous information sharing and transparent work practices. Find out what makes RMIT a great place to work

Responsibilities

This role serves as the most senior professional staff leader within the Centre, providing high-level strategic, financial, and operational leadership to support its mission and growth. Key duties involve overseeing a complex funding portfolio, ensuring financial governance and compliance, and supporting business development across the Defence and Aerospace ecosystem.