Benefits

• Free membership to on campus gym and pool
• 4 weeks annual leave + birthday leave and ex gratia leave days
• Flexible working arrangements

The organisation

The Griffith University Gold Coast (GUGC) Student Guild is an independent not-for-profit student association servicing all students enrolled at the Griffith University Gold Coast campus. The Guild works closely with Griffith University and other key stakeholders to support the diverse community of approximately 17,000 students.

With the support of the newly created Head of Operations role, this position sits across Commercial Services and with oversight of various Business Services functions. The role will operate and provide support and strategy across the areas of:

• Commercial Services operations, including the operation of retail, food and beverage and fitness outlets,
• Risk and compliance,
• Infrastructure and business systems, and
• People and culture management.

The Guild is led by the General Manager reporting to a Board of elected student representatives. Under the direction of the Board, the Guild’s purpose is to support students and enhance student life.

Our vision is to create a thriving community where all students feel supported and empowered for their future.

The role

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Head of Operations to drive organisational strategy, ensure compliance with risk management protocols, oversee commercial services and business infrastructure, and lead our human resources functions. This is a critical leadership role that requires a strategic thinker with a proven ability to execute operational excellence across diverse business areas.

Key responsibilities include:

• Strategic and Operational Oversight – Monitor and evaluate organisational performance, customer experience, and key outcomes, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
• Risk and Compliance Management – Identify and mitigate organisational risks, conduct compliance audits, and lead crisis preparedness initiatives.
• Commercial Services Leadership – Oversee the performance of commercial operations, manage supplier contracts, and maintain strong tenant relationships.
• People and Culture Development – Lead recruitment, performance management, and diversity initiatives, fostering an inclusive and high-performing workplace.
• Infrastructure and Business Systems Management – Ensure IT, facilities, and business systems support operational efficiency, cybersecurity, and service excellence.
• Leadership and Team Development – Guide and mentor the Operations team, contributing to a collaborative and high-performance culture.
• Cross-functional Collaboration – Work across departments to support organisational goals, uphold compliance, and drive continuous improvement.

Selection criteria

Essential:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management, or a related field.
• Significant experience in operations, strategy, or commercial services management, with a track record of success in leadership roles, ideally more than 5 years.
• Proven experience in risk and compliance management, as well as project and people management.
• Strong communication and relationship management skills, with a demonstrated commitment to fostering a positive work culture.

Desirable:

• Experience working within the Higher Education Sector and an understanding of extra-curricular services and student associations within the Higher Education Sector

How to apply
Please submit your application online (click ‘apply’) and ensure you include the following:

• One to two page cover letter responding to the selection criteria and outlining your motivation and suitability for the role.

Current curriculum vitae/resume which should include:

• The full position description is available here: https://shorturl.at/6rt28
• Full name, address, telephone number and email address;
• Details of education, professional training and qualifications;
• Employment history, including current position;
• Name and contact details of two references.

Please note that only applicants who provide their cover letter and resume as listed above will be considered for this role.

Application attachments should be saved as .doc, .docx or .pdf only. File names should be no more than 25 characters long and should include letters and numbers only.

Further information
Please direct all queries to Linda Gillespie, Business Services Coordinator, on [email protected].

The full position description is available here: https://shorturl.at/6rt28

Closing date

Applications close Monday 7 April at 9.00 am AEST, with earlier applications encouraged. All applications must be submitted online.