Chief Operating Officer (COO)

• Full time (applicants seeking part-time employment considered), fixed term, initially for 3 years, with possibility of further extension.
• Located at Camperdown Campus
• Senior leadership role supporting a nationally significant ARC Centre of Excellence
• Offering a competitive remuneration package including 17% superannuation along with a comprehensive range of employee benefits

About the opportunity

The ARC Centre of Excellence in Mathematics for Quantum Era Security and Trust (MathQuEST) is seeking an experienced and strategic Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead the Centre's financial, operational and people functions.

Working in close partnership with the Centre Director (Professor Nalini Joshi) and Deputy Directors, and as a key member of the Centre Directorate, you will translate strategy into effective operations and ensure the Centre delivers on its ambitious research, training and impact objectives. Supported by an Operations Team, you will provide leadership across finance, governance, risk, people management and systems, enabling MathQuEST to operate as a high-performing, truly equitable, purpose-led organisation across multiple universities and domestic and international partner organisations

This role directly shapes inclusive organisational culture and capability, supporting Centre leadership to build strong teams, manage risk, and deliver sustainable outcomes in a complex, collaborative research environment.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• design, implement and oversee robust governance and operational systems aligned with ARC, University and partner requirements
• develop and manage Centre budgets, financial strategies and quarterly reporting across multiple institutions
• oversee executive governance processes, including committee structures, reporting and secretariat support
• partner with Centre leadership to develop, implement and monitor strategic and operational plans
• lead and manage professional staff, including performance, development, workforce planning and succession
• foster a positive, high-performing and inclusive work environment across the Centre
• build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, participating universities, funding bodies, government and industry partners
• manage organisational risk and ensure compliance with workplace health and safety obligations
• prepare high-quality reports and discussion papers for executive and governance bodies.

About you

• postgraduate qualifications in a relevant field, or an equivalent combination of training and experience
• extensive senior leadership experience in a large, complex organisation
• demonstrated expertise in strategic and operational financial management, including budget development and reporting
• proven experience leading and developing professional staff and building organisational capability
• strong strategic thinking skills with the ability to translate strategy into operational outcomes
• excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills
• demonstrated ability to manage risk, governance and compliance in complex environments
• adaptability, sound judgement and the ability to operate effectively in ambiguity.

Work Rights

You must be an Australian Citizen to be considered for this role.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

Applicants to this role must be willing to undergo an Australian Government security vetting process if required. The Centre will provide appropriate support to the successful applicant should national security vetting become necessary. Further information is available via the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency.

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values include diversity and inclusion and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this commitment through our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQ. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Deepna Chand, Recruitment Operations by email to recruitment.sea@sydney.edu.au

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

Applications Close

Sunday 17 May 2026 11:59 PM