Scotch College Adelaide is one of Australia's leading independent schools—an ambitious, aspirational ELC–12 learning community grounded in courage, integrity, inclusivity and an unwavering focus on tomorrow. Everything we do is shaped by our wellbeing promise and our commitment to knowing, nurturing and challenging young people to achieve extraordinary outcomes.
We are, in every way, a learning institution. Whether in classrooms or labs, on fields or courts, on stage or behind the scenes, across our two campuses in the eastern suburbs, or on our 1600-hectare Argadells property in the Flinders Ranges, Scotch students and staff learn about themselves, their world and the impact they can make on its future.
Behind this transformative educational experience sits a complex, future-focused operational environment—spanning state-of-the-art facilities, an evolving masterplan, commercial and trading operations, campus services, digital systems, risk and compliance structures, and community-facing activities that are central to the College's identity.
This is the environment the Chief Operating Officer leads, shapes and enhances.
About the Role
The Chief Operating Officer is a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, reporting directly to the Principal and CEO and accountable to the Council of Governors. As COO, you will provide strategic, commercial and operational leadership across the College's diverse corporate services portfolio, including:
* Finance
* Infrastructure, Facilities & Asset Management
* Grounds & Maintenance
* Commercial Operations (including The Argadells)
* Risk, Privacy & Compliance
You will lead a committed team of professionals and work collaboratively across the College to realise Scotch's strategic intent, drive sustainable performance, and enable a high-quality, future-focused educational environment. This is a pivotal position for a leader who is energised by complexity, community impact and the opportunity to shape systems that enable outstanding educational outcomes for today and tomorrow.
Key Responsibilities
Drive whole-of-College operational performance by translating the College's strategic plan into clear, achievable operational priorities and delivers sustainable outcomes across all corporate service areas
Lead the College's financial and budgeting frameworks, including long-range financial modelling, KPI development, forecasting and reporting, ensuring decision-making is data-informed and strategically aligned.
Oversee the planning, development and delivery of major capital works, infrastructure upgrades and facilities maintenance, ensuring Scotch's learning environments are contemporary, functional and aligned to the masterplan.
Steward all enterprise risk, privacy and compliance frameworks, ensuring the College meets regulatory requirements, anticipates emerging risks, and maintains a strong culture of governance and accountability across all operational areas.
Provide executive oversight of commercial operations, including catering services, the Scotch Shop, campus hospitality, and the Argadells property, ensuring commercial viability and service excellence.
Act as a strategic business partner to the Principal, Senior Leadership Team, Council and Council Committees, providing high-quality analysis, insights and advice that influence long-term planning, financial sustainability and operational optimisation.
Embed high performance and wellbeing within corporate services teams, promoting collaboration, capability development and alignment to College values.
For further information about the role, including the recruitment package, please visit the College website:
About You
You are an experienced executive leader who thrives in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment and brings both commercial acumen and values-driven leadership. You can translate strategy into execution, see opportunities in challenges, and build high-trust relationships at all levels of a community.
You will bring:
* Tertiary qualifications in business, accounting, commerce or related discipline.
* Outstanding financial acumen and experience leading large operational or commercial portfolios in complex organisations.
* Experience developing and executing commercial strategies and evaluating business performance
* Demonstrated ability to manage risk, compliance and governance.
* Proven capability in leading infrastructure, property or capital development projects (desirable).
* Experience leading diverse teams and building cultures of high performance, collaboration and accountability.
* Exceptional interpersonal, communication and relationship-building skills.
* Strong problem-solving ability, personal resilience, sound judgment, and a commitment to continual development.
* Advanced digital literacy and an ability to optimise systems and processes.
* High-level organisational capability, personal resilience and the ability to prioritise in a fast-paced environment.
How to apply
Applications must be made through SEEK and close at 8am on Monday 12 January 2026 .
Applications should include a CV and Cover Letter and can be addressed to Mr. Trent Driver (Principal)
Applicants are encouraged to contact either Trent Driver (Principal – / *********@scotch.sa.edu.au) or Melissa Ciplys (Director of People and Culture – *** / *******@scotch.sa.edu.au) for a confidential discussion or to ask questions prior to submitting an application
Scotch College reserves the right to interview and appoint suitable candidates prior to the closing date.
Scotch College is a child-safe organisation. All applicants must be eligible to work in Australia and will be required to comply with the College's child protection policies and employment screening requirements.
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