Director Operations and Service

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At Southern Cross University, we do things differently, and so can you. A career with us is more than you might expect. Yes, it’s about the heart, connectedness and community you’d hope for in a regional university. But there’s also so much more. Our game changing Southern Cross Model brings a deeper, focused learning experience and our research is deeply connected to our regions, making a difference on a global scale. This is your chance to help us build something new and meaningful for our students, our communities and your career. To drive change, make a real impact, and thrive in a place as unique as you.

Your opportunity

Southern Cross University is on an ambitious journey to redefine how technology empowers learning, research and community impact. We’re building a future‑ready technology organisation, modern, secure, adaptable and driven by innovation. Our teams are embracing emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to deliver smarter services and real‑world benefits for students, staff and the wider community.

Within Technology Services, our five dynamic work units – Data, Architecture & Integration, Cyber Resilience, Digital Delivery & Innovation, Technology Platforms and Operations & Services – work collaboratively to deliver high‑impact solutions across the University.

We’re now seeking a results‑driven Director Operations & Service to lead a significant transformation of our service delivery, and technology culture. This is a newly created leadership role, a rare opportunity to shape operational excellence and lead people through change across a complex, multi‑campus digital ecosystem supporting over 20,000 students and staff across Australia.

Reporting to the Vice President Strategy & Technology and joining the Technology Services Senior Leadership team, this is a role for a resilient and inspiring leader who thrives in ambiguity, leads with empathy, and brings teams on a journey of pride, performance, and progress.

You will make an impact by:

• Leading 24/7 delivery of critical digital services, ensuring resilience, reliability and excellence
• Transforming IT service delivery and operations with modern ITSM frameworks aligned to ITIL and ISO standards
• Overseeing digital operations, creating seamless and high‑quality experiences across all campuses
• Driving cultural change to embrace an inclusive, proud, and performance focused environment
• Building and developing high‑performing teams, promoting psychological safety, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Managing vendor partnerships and technology contracts to deliver value, efficiency, and strategic alignment
• Collaborating across Cyber, Architecture, Data and Delivery to shape an integrated and agile operating model

What you will bring

You’re a transformational leader who combines operational excellence with emotional intelligence. You care deeply about people, but you’re not afraid to make tough calls. You’re energised by complexity and inspired by the chance to build something better together and lasting. You will deliver reliable, high impact digital services that make a real difference in people’s lives.

To succeed in this role, you will also need:

• Senior leadership experience in large‑scale IT operations and service delivery, ideally in multi‑site environments
• Proven ability to lead through change, ambiguity and challenge with a steady hand and forward‑thinking mindset
• Deep expertise in ITSM, service reliability, automation, and performance uplift across enterprise platforms
• A strong track record of building inclusive, high‑performing teams and evolving culture towards accountability, pride, and service excellence
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and vendor management skills, with the ability to influence federated, fast‑moving environments
• Strategic agility, with the ability to simplify complexity, align technology to business priorities, and adapt quickly as priorities shift with confidence.

Why Southern Cross University

SCU is proudly a regional university, young, small and vibrant. That means you’ll find more exposure, opportunity and ownership – to grow, achieve and build a career that means more. And you’ll do it alongside passionate people and leaders who go the extra mile to help you succeed. A career with us is about more than just work. It’s about place, community and the life you want to live. With three main campuses at the Gold Coast, Coffs Harbour and the Northern Rivers region of NSW, we’re integral to all these wonderful communities. Find your place and be more in this beautiful part of the world.

Your opportunity is:

• Full‑time, continuing (permanent)
• Located at either Gold Coast, QLD 4225, or Lismore, NSW 2480. Relocation assistance is available, making it easier to join our regional communities
• The level of appointment will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications, skills and experience.

You will enjoy a range of perks designed to support your wellbeing, growth and work‑life balance. For more information on our benefits and what it’s like to work at SCU, visit Why work at Southern Cross University?

Be more with Southern Cross University today

Southern Cross University values potential as much as experience. If you do not meet all the listed requirements but are excited about the role and confident you can contribute, we encourage you to apply or reach out for more information.

To view the full position advertisement and details of the application process, please click on the APPLY button where you will be redirected to the Southern Cross University website.

We’re ready when you are! This role is available for an immediate start, and we’re moving quickly – as soon as you apply, our team will review your application and reach out to progress next steps.

Eligible applicants must have Australian or New Zealand citizenship, Australian permanent residency or current working rights in Australia for the entire duration of the appointment. Employer visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Applicants must apply online and attach a CV and cover letter responding to the selection criteria within the position description. Information to support you prepare your application is available on our website.

Southern Cross University celebrates the rich diversity of our regions and international community. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that welcomes and values people of all backgrounds. We encourage applications from people of all genders, ethnicities, ages, languages, sexual orientations, and people with disabilities. We are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process to ensure every candidate can fully participate. For any support through the recruitment process reach out to