Operations and Student Journey Manager

Acknowledge Education is entering an exciting new chapter. With a refreshed leadership team and a renewed focus on innovation, growth, and student success, we are building on our 139-year legacy to shape the future of higher education and VET in Australia. We deliver programs across health & community services, social work, engineering design & construction, hospitality, and the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), with campuses in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide. Each year we support more than 8,000 students to achieve their goals. Now, under new leadership, we are strengthening our academic vision, deepening industry connections, and investing in our people. If you’re looking to make an impactinanorganisationwith momentum, this is the right time to join us. Job Description Permanent, Full Time The Operations and Student Journey Manager provides leadership and strategic oversight for the operational effectiveness and student experience across all campuses of Acknowledge Education (AE) and the International College of Hotel Management (ICHM). This role is responsible for ensuring the delivery of seamless, student-centred services, with accountability for timetabling, space optimisation, campus capacity, facilities, student surveys, student engagement initiatives and the coordination of operational strategy across multiple campuses. The role ensures operational capacity, compliance and student experience initiatives are aligned with institutional growth and regulatory obligations. The Manager works closely with senior academic and professional leaders to enhance the student journey from enrolment to graduation and again as alumni, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards across both VET, Higher Education, VCE and HSP, including the ESOS Act and National Code. Key Responsibilities: Provide leadership to campus operations teams to ensure consistent, high-quality service delivery across all campuses. Oversee campus operations, facilities, risk and emergency preparedness to maintain safe, compliant and effective learning environments. Lead initiatives that enhance the student journey, retention and satisfaction, using survey insights and data to drive continuous improvement. Work collaboratively with academic and professional teams to ensure seamless student support across the full student lifecycle. Provide governance and support for Student Representative Councils and alumni engagement initiatives at a national level. Act as a key liaison between operations, academic teams and senior leadership on operational, engagement and wellbeing matters. Build strong partnerships across internal teams to support coordinated, student-centred service delivery. Oversee national operational reporting, benchmarking and system use to inform executive decision-making. Ensure compliance with relevant legislative and regulatory frameworks, including TEQSA, ASQA, ESOS Act and the National Code. Oversee risk management, WHS, contractor compliance and audit readiness across campuses, and participate in critical incident and SASH governance as required. Qualifications About You: Tertiary qualification in management, education, business, or related field. Minimum 7 years’ leadership experience in operations, student services, or campus management within education. Demonstrated experience overseeing multi-campus or multi-site operations. Strong knowledge of regulatory frameworks including TEQSA, ASQA, ESOS Act, and National Code. Proven ability to develop and implement strategies that improve student experience and operational efficiency. Excellent analytical, planning and reporting skills with experience using data for decision-making. Demonstrated leadership and people management capability, with experience leading diverse, multi-disciplinary teams. Highly developed communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence across academic and professional areas. Experience with timetabling systems, facilities management software, and student record platforms. Knowledge of both Higher Education and VET operational environments. Willingness to travel between campuses nationally. Flexibility to work outside standard hours when required. Current Working with Children Check (or ability to obtain). Additional Information Now is the perfect time to join Acknowledge Education. With a refreshed leadership team and a renewed focus on innovation and growth,we’rebuilding something special — and you can be part of it. Opportunities to grow within theorganisation $1,500 annual professional development allowance Incredibly committed and supportive team of student-centric professionals Health insurance discounts through Bupa Be part of a fast-moving, agile private provider where decisions turn into action quickly Questions about your identity help us appreciate the diversity of individuals looking to work with us, ensuringwe’reattracting applications from people with identities and perspectives that are as diverse as our students. We are an equal opportunity employer. As part of our commitment to equity, we work to ensure a fair and consistent interview process. We celebrate diversity and we are committed to an inclusive work environment. Job Location #J-18808-Ljbffr