Operations Manager, School Cleaning Unit (Soft Services) Job posted: 17/10/2024 Reference: VG/DE/VSBA/20009318A Occupation: Facilities Management Salary Range: $134,593 - $180,115 The Operations Manager will oversee all contract management activities and ensure compliance with departmental policies and procedures across all commercial contracts. This position requires an experienced Operations Manager to oversee commercial contracts and uphold compliance with Departmental procedures and policies. The successful candidate will deliver outcomes in a high-risk contract management environment using their strong stakeholder engagement and problem-solving skills. This is a full-time fixed-term position for 3 years, classified as a VPS6.1, $134,953-$157,355, exclusive of superannuation. About the Department The department provides a wide range of learning and development support and services. The department provides policy leadership, plans for the future of education in Victoria and leads key cross-sector collaboration. The department plays an important system steward role by providing support, guidance, oversight and assurance across early childhood and school education systems, as well as directly providing school education and 50 new early learning centres. About the Victorian School Building Authority The Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA) is part of the Department of Education. Established in 2016, it oversees Victoria's largest school building program since the state introduced free public education in the 1870s. The VSBA upgrades and expands existing schools and plans, designs and builds new schools to meet enrolment demand. We also support schools to maintain their buildings and grounds by offering expert advice and coordinating maintenance programs and grants. With Victoria recently introducing two years of funded kindergarten, the VSBA is also working with the early childhood sector on a massive kindergarten construction program. About the Division The Asset Management Division helps schools maintain and manage their buildings and grounds and ensures they are more energy efficient. The Division trains school leaders as facilities managers and supports them to develop school maintenance plans. They coordinate programs, assessments, and systems to ensure schools are routinely maintained and cleaned. The Division includes the Asset Management Branch, School Asset Management Support Branch, Facilities Branch, Maintenance Delivery Branch and the Programs Branch. About the Role The Operations Manager directly reports to the Manager and plays a vital leadership role, providing daily oversight within the School Cleaning Unit (SCU). With strong stakeholder engagement and problem-solving skills, the ideal candidate will effectively manage, negotiate, and resolve escalations of issues raised. You will be responsible for developing and managing the operational SCU team members while overseeing multiple commercial contracts and offering specialised support to the wider team on various inquiries. In this pivotal role, you will oversee all contract management activities and ensure compliance with departmental policies and procedures across all commercial contracts. Your primary responsibility will be to ensure the School Cleaning Unit meets its business objectives, including successfully managing the area-based cleaning model. Developed conceptual and analytical skills will be essential for the candidate to ensure they can regularly produce reports on performance, improvement needs, and other metrics as required from time to time. Leading the contract management and broader team. Providing strategic advice for operations and commercial aspects. Implementing the Metropolitan Area-based Cleaning Model to ensure high cleaning standards. Managing relationships with service providers to manage risks and resolve delivery issues. Ensuring contract compliance and managing underperformance. Collaborating on planning, legal, and communication matters. Leading procurements and maintaining commercial arrangements. Building stakeholder confidence in school cleaning services. Supporting all unit goals, including successfully delivering cleaning services to schools in regional Victoria. Performing additional unit support duties as required. Reviewing reports, invoices and payments of services. 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. Technical knowledge and operational experience in facilities management – soft services – cleaning would be highly regarded. Knowledge and experience working within a Government environment. 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 and our Diversity and Inclusion page. Applicants requiring adjustments can contact the nominated contact person. Information about the Department of Education's operations and employment conditions can be located at 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 Sunday 3rd November, 2024. Applicants are encouraged to include a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria (no more than 3 pages) and a resume. To apply for this role, you will be redirected to the Department of Education job application system. #J-18808-Ljbffr