Operations Manager

About the Role

The School Cleaning Unit is responsible for various cleaning related policies and services, including the delivery of cleaning services to metropolitan schools through large, centralised contracts.

The Operations Manager is a leadership role that manages a team of 8 in delivering metropolitan school cleaning contracts across approximately 1,000 schools. The Operations Manager provides direct leadership to two Senior Contract Managers, who in turn oversee a further six Contract Managers. As the senior leader for this function, the role carries substantial people management responsibilities. Other responsibilities include business and strategic planning, workforce planning, performance management, capability development and fostering a high-performing team culture.

The role will oversee contract management activities and ensure compliance with departmental policies and procedures across all commercial contracts. Tasks that the role undertakes includes:

• Leading and managing the contract management team in the delivery and day-to-day operation of the School Cleaning Program.
• Providing strategic leadership to the contract management team and contributing to the broader strategic direction of the School Cleaning Unit.
• Implementing the Metropolitan Area-based Cleaning Model to ensure high cleaning standards.
• Managing relationships with cleaning service providers to mitigate risks and resolve service delivery issues.
• Monitoring contract compliance and addressing instances of contractor underperformance.
• Collaborating with staff in the School Cleaning Unit and the broader Deparmtnet of Education such as Legal and Communications teamsExercising sound judgement and making evidence-based decisions within delegated authority.
• Providing high-quality advice to internal and external stakeholders.
• Coordinating and preparing ministerial briefs, correspondence, reports and stakeholder engagement materials.
• Supporting the Senior Manager, School Cleaning Unit, with operational priorities and other duties as required.

Hybrid working arrangements are available, but regular attendance at the central office is required.

This position may require participation in evening and/or weekend work, including some travel.

During any emergency situation, you may be required to work outside typical working hours.

Role-specific requirements:

• A valid driver's licence.
• Current Working with Children check

Essential qualifications, experience and capabilities:

• Significant experience and knowledge in operations, contract management, project management or program delivery, preferably in a large, complex or public sector environment.
• Significant experience leading high performing teams.
• A tertiary qualification in a relevant field such as Project Management, Business, Public Administration, Management or Law.
• Experience overseeing service provider performance, compliance and operational risk.

Desirable experience and capabilities:

• Demonstrated ability to build productive relationships and influence outcomes across schools, suppliers, internal teams and senior leaders.
• Strong analytical, organisational and communication skills, including experience preparing reports, briefings and operational advice.

About the Department of Education

The Department of Education aims to provide every student in Victoria with equal access to high-quality public education. We are responsible for delivering education and early childhood services across Victoria.

About the Victorian School Building Authority

The Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA) is part of the Department of Education,Education; our main responsibility is the management of land and infrastructure that supports schools and educational facilities. Established in 2016, we are currently overseeing Victoria's largest school building program since the state introduced free public education in the 1870s. 

The VSBA builds, upgrades and maintains schools and educational facilities. We also support schools to maintain their buildings and grounds by offering expert advice and coordinating maintenance programs and grants. The VSBA also works in the early childhood sector by managing kindergarten and early learning centre infrastructure.

About the Division

The Asset Management and Operations Division helps schools maintain and manage their buildings and grounds. It includes three branches; Asset Operations, Programs and Maintenance Delivery. The School Cleaning Unit is part of the Asset Operations branch and is the coordinating unit for school cleaning.

Further Information

For more details regarding this position please see attached position description for the capabilities to address in application.

The department values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information about our work, working for the Department, diversity and inclusion, and our employment conditions visit the Department website.

Applicants requiring adjustments can contact the nominated contact person.

Applicants are encouraged to include a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria (no more than 2 pages) and a resume. For further information or queries about the role please contact Shanaka Perera by email, **************@education.vic.gov.au, or phone 03 7022 1***.

Information about the Department of Education's operations and employment conditions can be located at www.education.vic.gov.au.

Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and may be subject to other pre-employment checks. Information provided to the Department of Education will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Please let us know via phone or email if you require any adjustments to ensure your full participation in the recruitment process or if you need the ad or any attachments in an accessible format (e.g large print) due to any viewing difficulties or other accessibility requirements.

Applications close 11:59pm on Tuesday 25 August 2026.