Manager, ResLife Operations

Job no: SL106

Category: Professional, HEW 8

Location: Callaghan Campus, Newcastle (with oversight across Callaghan and Ourimbah)

Employment Type: Continuing, Full Time

HEW Level: 8

The University of Newcastle is seeking an experienced and strategic Manager, ResLife Operations to lead the operational, financial, and admissions functions within Student Living.

This is a senior leadership role responsible for driving operational performance, ensuring service excellence, and supporting the University’s commitment to an outstanding residential student experience. You’ll oversee key business functions, lead a multidisciplinary team, and play a central role in shaping the future of Student Living.

About the Role

Reporting to the General Manager, Student Living, the Manager, ResLife Operations leads the delivery of financial, admissions, systems, and operational services across Student Living.

This role combines strategic oversight with operational execution. You’ll be responsible for optimising business processes, leading system and process improvements, managing budgets and performance, and ensuring occupancy and service targets are achieved.

You’ll also provide expert advice to senior leadership on business operations, financial management, and growth opportunities within the student accommodation portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Student Living operations across admissions, finance, systems, and service delivery
• Drive operational performance, ensuring services are delivered on time, within budget, and to a high standard
• Oversee admissions and occupancy processes to meet University targets
• Manage and monitor operational budgets, income, expenditure, and debtor processes
• Provide high‑level reporting and insights on financial performance, occupancy, and operational metrics
• Lead, develop, and support a team of professional staff, ensuring performance, capability, and engagement

About You

You are a strategic and commercially astute leader with strong operational capability and the ability to balance big‑picture thinking with day‑to‑day delivery. You’re confident working in complex environments, leading teams, and influencing outcomes across diverse stakeholder groups.

To succeed in this role, you’ll bring:

• Relevant degree and extensive experience in operations, business management, or a related field
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing multidisciplinary teams and driving performance
• Strong financial management capability, including budget development, monitoring, and reporting
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build and maintain strategic relationships
• Experience with systems, data, and operational reporting to inform decision‑making
• Understanding of student accommodation or a similar service‑delivery environment (highly desirable)

About the University

The University of Newcastle is a global leader in equity and excellence, committed to delivering an exceptional student experience and creating a better future for our regions and communities. Student Living sits within the Student Central Portfolio and provides safe, inclusive, and development‑focused accommodation experiences that support students to thrive.

Why Join Us?

At the University of Newcastle, you’ll have the opportunity to lead a critical portfolio shaping the student living experience. You’ll work with a high‑performing team, contribute to strategic growth, and play a key role in delivering impactful outcomes for students and the University community.

Your next steps

Your application must include:

• Your resume.
• A cover letter outlining your motivation to apply for this opportunity.
• A statement addressing the Essential Criteria listed in the attached Position Description

Please upload your Cover Letter and response to the requested Criteria as one PDF document. This document should not exceed 3 pages.

Additional Information

• This role requires flexibility to work outside standard hours as required
• Work may occur across multiple campuses
• The role is primarily campus‑based and involves engagement with student‑focused services
• A Working With Children Check is required

Our assessment process

Typically candidates that progress beyond the shortlist stage can expect to undertake the following (minimum) assessment activities as part of the recruitment process:

• Interview (an ‘in person’ interview will be conducted as part of the process)
• Referee checks
• Pre-employment checks as appropriate to the role

Our University is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for every member of our community. This commitment is central to our values and our efforts to build a diverse workforce where everyone can thrive.

As part of this, and in alignment with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence 2025, from 1 January 2026, the University will also consider gender-based violence risk factors as part of our recruitment processes.

The completion and return of the University’s Gender-based Violence Declaration Form will form part of the pre-employment checks for this position and any offer of employment will be conditional upon review by the University.

Our adherence to the Code is about more than compliance – it’s about living our values. Together, we can ensure our University remains a place where respect, safety, and inclusion are non-negotiable.

Contact Us

For specific position enquiries, please contact Jess Rokobaro, General Manager Student Living, on (02) 4921 5233 or via email at Jess.Rokobaro@newcastle.edu.au

Having technical difficulties? Please reach out to us: employment@newcastle.edu.au Please note, we do not accept email applications.

Closing date: Sunday 31 May, 2026 at 11.59pm AEST