Operations Manager - School to Work Program

About the role

The Operations Manager, School to Work leads the delivery of the Victorian Government's School to Work program across six regions (Inner East, Southern Melbourne, Bayside Peninsula, Barwon, Central Highlands and Outer Gippsland). Reporting to the Head of Disability and Employment Services, the role provides strategic leadership, operational oversight and performance management for work-based learning opportunities for secondary school students. It manages regional teams and regional team leaders, and sits at Service Leadership level (SCES level 6).

Key responsibilities

• Lead and oversee delivery of the program across regions, achieving contractual, performance and funding outcomes.
• Provide leadership, supervision and support to regional teams, fostering a high-performing, accountable culture.
• Build partnerships with schools, employers, industry, government and community stakeholders.
• Drive employer engagement strategies to increase the availability, quality and sustainability of placements.
• Monitor performance, analyse data and run continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with child safety, safeguarding, quality assurance and risk management requirements.
• Manage program resources, budgets and workforce planning.
• Champion equitable access and inclusive practice for priority cohorts.

Required profile

• Tertiary qualification in Community Services, Education, Employment Services, Management or a related discipline.
• Experience leading large-scale education, employment, youth or community services programs across multiple regions.
• Proven leadership of geographically dispersed teams and people management.
• Experience in employer engagement, work-based learning or vocational education.
• Ability to analyse data, manage budgets and risk, and meet safety screening requirements (police checks, Working with Children check, drivers licence, right to work in Australia).

What we offer

• Salary packaging benefits.
• Flexible hybrid work arrangements.
• A supportive learning and development environment.

Applications close on 22 November 2026; applicants should submit a resume and cover letter.