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Mannix College | Clayton
Lead with purpose. Drive excellence across the College
Do you love bringing order to complexity, turning strategy into action, and ensuring both finances and operations run like clockwork?
Mannix College is seeking an exceptional Head of Operations and Finance — a strategic, values‐led leader who combines commercial acumen with operational discipline.
This is a senior leadership role with real breadth, responsibility, and influence across a vibrant residential college community.
Applications must close 5pm, Tuesday, 21 April.
About Mannix College
Founded in 1969, Mannix College is a Catholic residential college supporting 315 students studying at Monash University. We provide a structured, values‐based residential experience that promotes academic success, wellbeing, leadership development, and inclusion — particularly for students from regional and under‐represented backgrounds.
Mannix also operates a successful conferencing and short‐stay business, contributing to the College's long‐term financial sustainability.
Governed by an incorporated Council appointed by the Archbishop of Melbourne, Mannix College offers a distinctive environment that blends mission, governance, and operational complexity.
About the Role
As Head of Operations and Finance, you are both the financial steward and operational backbone of the College.
You will:
* Lead disciplined financial management and long‐term sustainability
* Oversee the delivery of high‐quality operational services
* Manage outsourced service providers and major contracts
* Act as Secretariat to the College's governance bodies
* Contribute as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team
In short, you ensure the College is financially sound, operationally excellent, and well‐governed.
What You'll Be Responsible For Financial Leadership
* Leading the annual budget, long‐term financial planning, forecasting, and cashflow management
* Directing finance and payroll operations with accuracy and integrity
* Maintaining strong financial controls and audit readiness
* Coordinating the College and Foundation annual audits
* Providing clear, strategic financial advice to the Principal and Council
* Overseeing financial performance across all operational functions
Operations & Service Delivery
* Holding accountability for all College operations, including facilities, catering, housekeeping, administration, security, and conferencing
* Governing outsourced service providers and driving performance, quality, and value
* Leading procurement, contract negotiation, and vendor management
* Ensuring efficient, integrated, and reliable operational systems
Facilities & Asset Management
* Planning and overseeing maintenance, upgrades, and capital works
* Ensuring buildings, grounds, and infrastructure are safe, compliant, and well‐maintained
* Managing facilities contractors and costs
* Serving as Secretariat to Council and Committees, ensuring high‐quality papers, accurate records, and disciplined follow‐through
* Maintaining the risk framework and risk register
* Overseeing compliance across financial, WHS, child safety, food safety, and regulatory obligations
* Supporting the development and implementation of College policies
People & Capability
* Overseeing recruitment, onboarding, and performance management processes
* Building capability and engagement across operational teams
* Managing complex employee matters with sound judgement and discretion
Commercial Operations
* Leading conferencing, events, and catering performance
* Maximising utilisation of College facilities
* Ensuring commercial activities contribute positively to financial sustainability
Leadership & College Life
* Contributing to strategic planning and institutional decision‐making
* Supporting the Principal and Dean in the daily leadership of the College
* Maintaining a visible, professional presence within the College community
* Upholding the Mission, Vision, and Values of Mannix College
Key Selection Criteria
* Senior Financial Leadership: Significant experience in a senior finance role within a complex organisation, with full accountability for budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, audit coordination, and long‐term financial planning.
* Financial Governance, Controls and Risk: Demonstrated ability to establish, strengthen, and oversee robust financial controls, governance frameworks, and enterprise risk management practices, ensuring compliance and audit readiness.
* Operational Leadership and Team Management: Proven experience leading multi‐functional operational teams, driving performance, accountability, and continuous improvement across diverse service areas.
* Contract, Procurement and Vendor Management: Extensive experience managing outsourced services and complex contractual arrangements, including procurement, negotiation, performance management, and value optimisation.
* End‐to‐End Service Delivery Oversight: Demonstrated capability to oversee integrated service delivery across multiple operational domains such as facilities, catering, administration, or similar environments, ensuring quality, efficiency, and reliability.
* Executive and Governance Advisory: Experience advising senior executives and governing bodies, with the ability to translate complex financial and operational data into clear, strategic insights and recommendations.
* Commercial Acumen and Financial Sustainability: Strong commercial capability, including experience managing revenue‐generating activities, identifying opportunities for growth, and contributing to long‐term financial sustainability.
* Stakeholder Engagement and Influence: Highly developed interpersonal and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build effective, trusted relationships across internal teams, contractors, and external partners.
* Analytical Thinking and Sound Judgement: Exceptional analytical and problem‐solving skills, with the ability to exercise sound, disciplined judgement in complex or high‐pressure environments.
* Leadership Character and Values Alignment: Demonstrated integrity, discretion, and professionalism, with an appreciation for mission‐based organisations and the ability to lead in alignment with the values and ethos of Mannix College.
Qualifications
* Tertiary qualifications in finance, accounting, or a related discipline
* CA or CPA (highly desirable)
* Operate with high integrity, communicate clearly, and bring an appreciation of Catholic Social Teaching and mission‐based organisations.
Why Join Mannix?
* Senior role with genuine breadth and impact
* Purpose‐driven organisation shaping young people and future leaders
* A collegial, values‐aligned environment
* The opportunity to lead across finance, operations, governance, and community life
Additional Information
A competitive remuneration package will be negotiated with the preferred candidate and includes on‐site car parking and daily lunch provided as part of the College Dining Hall community.
For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact:
Applications must close 5pm, Tuesday, 21 April.
Early applications strongly encouraged.
To apply, please submit your application through Seek with:
* A current resume
* A cover letter outlining your suitability for the role, including clear responses to all of the 10 Key Selection Criteria (maximum one page per criterion).
If you're a leader who enjoys making complex organisations work well and wants your work to have meaning, we would love to hear from you. Apply now and help keep Mannix College thriving.
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