Director, Infrastructure Operations, Assurance and Systems

Lead the systems, governance, and assurance that underpin infrastructure delivery across the University.

Partner with senior leaders to drive performance, accountability, and operational excellence at scale.

Full time, 5 year contract

About the opportunity

The Director, Infrastructure Operations, Assurance & Systems leads the operational backbone of University Infrastructure (UI), ensuring the function operates safely, compliantly, and with strong commercial and delivery discipline.

This role is accountable for the enterprise operating system for UI, spanning policy, governance, risk, commercial frameworks, workforce operations, and data and reporting. It provides a clear, single point of accountability for the frameworks, controls, and systems that underpin infrastructure delivery and performance across the University.

With a focus on operational integrity, assurance, and system maturity, the Director translates University strategy and policy into practical, fit-for-purpose frameworks that enable effective and efficient infrastructure delivery.

The Director, Infrastructure Operations, Assurance & Systems will:

Lead multidisciplinary teams and influence stakeholders at all levels through strong executive communication

Design, implement, and continuously improve enterprise governance, policy, and operating frameworks

Translate strategy and policy into clear, practical, and executable operational outcomes

Lead policy, risk, and assurance functions with sound judgement across risk, cost, and compliance trade-offs

Apply expertise in infrastructure or similarly complex environments across the full delivery lifecycle

Demonstrate strong commercial discipline, including contract governance, procurement, and supplier management

Leverage data, reporting, and systems to support informed decision-making and performance improvement

Operate effectively in complex, high-pressure environments, balancing competing priorities

About you (skills, capabilities and experience)

The Director, Infrastructure Operations, Assurance & Systems will have senior-level experience across infrastructure, operations, governance, risk, commercial, or related disciplines, supported by a relevant tertiary qualification (or higher) in areas such as Project Management, Commercial Management, Procurement, Quantity Surveying, or an MBA.

This role is suited to individuals with a proven track record of leading in complex operational environments, strong experience in project governance, commercial and/or risk frameworks. The Director, Infrastructure Operations, Assurance & Systems will be familiar with recognised methodologies across project delivery, procurement, and assurance, and will be comfortable applying them in dynamic, high-stakes settings.

Key benefits

a University contribution of 17% of your base salary to your superannuation fund

tax-efficient salary packaging options for cars, laptops, and additional contributions to your superannuation fund

generous relocation allowance if moving from interstate or overseas

access to fitness passport, as well as discounted rates on university sports and fitness centers

gain the recognition of working in a leading University.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to be eligible to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Term and remuneration

The successful candidate will be offered a competitive remuneration package commensurate with the responsibilities of the position and the candidate’s relevant experience and qualifications.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all pre-employment or background checks required for the role in terms satisfactory to the University. Also, to meet the University’s obligations under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Eliminate Gender-Based Violence you will be asked to declare if you have been investigated for, or found to engaged in, sexual harm or gender-based violence in the course of previous employment or in a legal process. 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.

Other

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion , evidenced by 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 LGBTQIA+ . We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum Employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion .

How to apply

Applications ( including a CV and cover letter outlining how your skills, capabilities and experience meet the requirements for the role ) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page. Please refer to the position description for further details.

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact John Flynn (Senior Talent Partner, Senior Talent Acquisition, Recruitment Operations) on +61 481 564 562 or by email john.flynn2@sydney.edu.au

© The University of Sydney

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

Applications Close

Sunday 28 June 2026 11:59 PM