Operations Transformation & Performance Lead

Operations Transformation & Performance Lead

• Lead high-impact transformation and strategic projects across USU operations
• Turn commercial and operational insights into practical improvements
• 12-month fixed-term senior role with broad exposure across a diverse portfolio

WHO WE ARE

We are Australia's largest and oldest Student Union. We are all about creating an exceptional campus experience for students.

Our Operational Services & Systems portfolio spans food and beverage, retail, licensed venues, graduations, infrastructure, technology and other services that support a vibrant and diverse campus environment.

We are looking for an experienced Operations Transformation & Performance Lead to help us strengthen how we operate, deliver major priorities and identify new opportunities for improvement and growth.

WHO YOU ARE

You are an experienced transformation, commercial operations or business improvement professional who enjoys turning complex problems into practical solutions.

You are commercially minded, analytical and comfortable working across multiple functions and priorities. You know how to take a project from an idea through to implementation, bring stakeholders with you and maintain momentum without relying on formal authority.

You can move comfortably between strategy and hands‑on delivery – whether that means analysing performance, developing a business case, facilitating cross-functional problem‑solving or driving an improvement initiative through to completion.

Working closely with the Director, Operational Services & Systems and operational leaders, you will play a key role in improving performance, delivering strategic projects and building a stronger culture of continuous improvement across Operations.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Lead significant cross-functional transformation and improvement projects from planning through to implementation, with clear milestones, accountabilities and measures of success.
• Analyse commercial and operational performance across areas including revenue, profitability, margins, labour, cost of goods, productivity and utilisation.
• Develop practical reporting and dashboards that provide meaningful insights and support better decision‑making.
• Identify opportunities to improve profitability, efficiency, service quality and customer outcomes, and work with operational managers to translate these into action.
• Research, benchmark and test new concepts, technologies and ways of working.
• Facilitate cross-functional problem‑solving, helping establish clear priorities, accountability and follow‑through.
• Support the successful handover of projects into business‑as‑usual operations while building capability and a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

Initial priorities may include reviews of pricing and rewards programs, procurement, rostering, major food and beverage infrastructure projects, outlet improvements and venue utilisation.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS

• Strong experience in operational transformation, strategic projects, commercial operations or business improvement, including leading complex cross‑functional projects.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen, with experience analysing operational and financial performance and translating insights into practical action.
• Strong project management, analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to influence outcomes, build trusted relationships and engage stakeholders without formal authority.
• A practical continuous improvement mindset with the ability to identify and implement better ways of working.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to balance strategic thinking with hands‑on delivery and competing priorities.
• Experience within hospitality, food and beverage, retail, venues, multi‑site operations or another customer‑facing operational environment will be highly regarded.

THE PERKS

• Daily $15 meal allowance and USU-wide discounts.
• Free USU Rewards membership from commencement.
• Work on high‑impact projects across a diverse operational portfolio.
• Partner with senior leaders and operational teams to deliver meaningful change.
• Opportunity to influence how USU improves, innovates and grows.
• Be part of a unique, inclusive and diverse campus environment.

THE PAY

Starting from $157,000 + 12% Superannuation.

HOURS OF WORK

This is a full‑time (35 hour work week), 12-month fixed‑term position.

IDEAL START DATE

Immediate start

ABOUT THE USU

The USU (University of Sydney Union) is proudly Australia's oldest and largest not‑for‑profit student organisation, dedicated to providing students with the best possible university experience.

Led by a student board elected by our members, the USU provides fun things on campus, such as festivals, events and parties. We manage a diverse range of programs, including an active volunteering programme and a Language Exchange, to name a few. In addition, we support over 200 Clubs and Societies as well as operate bars, food and retail outlets across campus, providing great coffee, affordable fresh food, graduation gown hire and official USYD merchandise.

We are committed to promoting a workplace of equal opportunities. We promote healthy living and aim to protect the health and safety of staff, members and visitors to the University by providing a Smoke‑Free Workplace. We do not accept unsolicited agency applications.

USU is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). We're committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage applicants from all walks of life. Help make us better by joining our team.

Due to the volume of applications received, shortlisted applicants will be contacted within approximately 4 weeks of the role's closing date (or 4 weeks from the date of application if there is no specified closing date)

You must have the right to live and work in Australia to apply for this job.

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