Job Summary
* Full time (applicants seeking part-time employment considered), fixed term, initially for 3 years, with possibility of further extension.
* Located at Camperdown Campus
* Senior leadership role supporting a nationally significant ARC Centre of Excellence
* Offering a competitive remuneration package including 17% superannuation along with a comprehensive range of employee benefits
About the opportunity
The ARC Centre of Excellence in Mathematics for Quantum Era Security and Trust (MathQuEST) is seeking an experienced and strategic Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead the Centre's financial, operational and people functions.
Working in close partnership with the Centre Director (Professor Nalini Joshi) and Deputy Directors, and as a key member of the Centre Directorate, you will translate strategy into effective operations and ensure the Centre delivers on its ambitious research, training and impact objectives. Supported by an Operations Team, you will provide leadership across finance, governance, risk, people management and systems, enabling MathQuEST to operate as a high-performing, purpose-led organisation across multiple universities and partner organisations.
This role directly shapes inclusive organisational culture and capability, supporting Centre leadership to build strong teams, manage risk and deliver sustainable outcomes in a complex, collaborative research environment.
Key Responsibilities
* Design, implement and oversee robust governance and operational systems aligned with ARC, University and partner requirements.
* Develop and manage Centre budgets, financial strategies and quarterly reporting across multiple institutions.
* Oversee executive governance processes, including committee structures, reporting and secretariat support.
* Partner with Centre leadership to develop, implement and monitor strategic and operational plans.
* Lead and manage professional staff, including performance, development, workforce planning and succession.
* Foster a positive, high-performing and inclusive work environment across the Centre.
* Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, participating universities, funding bodies, government and industry partners.
* Manage organisational risk and ensure compliance with workplace health and safety obligations.
* Prepare high-quality reports and discussion papers for executive and governance bodies.
About you
* Postgraduate qualifications in a relevant field, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
* Extensive senior leadership experience in a large, complex organisation.
* Demonstrated expertise in strategic and operational financial management, including budget development and reporting.
* Proven experience leading and developing professional staff and building organisational capability.
* Strong strategic thinking skills with the ability to translate strategy into operational outcomes.
* Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills.
* Demonstrated ability to manage risk, governance and compliance in complex environments.
* Adaptability, sound judgement and the ability to operate effectively in ambiguity.
Work Rights
You must be an Australian Citizen to be considered for this role.
Pre‑employment Checks
Employment is conditional upon completion of required pre‑employment and background checks. Successful completion of any necessary Australian Government security vetting process will be supported by the Centre.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
At the University of Sydney, our shared values include diversity and inclusion and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this commitment through our people and culture programmes, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQ. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.
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