The Opportunity

The School of Civil and Environmental Engineering within the Faculty of Engineering at UNSW has an opportunity for a School Manager. Working closely with the Head of School and School Executive Team, you will play a key leadership role in supporting the School's teaching, research and operational objectives. You will provide strategic advice and operational leadership across a broad portfolio including finance, human resources, facilities, governance, student administration and strategic planning.

This role is being offered as a 12-month fixed-term opportunity to provide leadership continuity while the current School Manager is on extended leave. You will lead a team of professional staff and work collaboratively with academic and professional colleagues across the School, Faculty and University to ensure the effective delivery of operational and strategic priorities.

To succeed in this role, you will bring strong leadership, stakeholder engagement and operational management experience, together with the ability to navigate complex environments and drive continuous improvement. Experience working within a university or similarly large and complex organisation will be highly regarded.

• Salary, Level 9 – Starting at $148,012 per annum + 17% superannuation
• Full time
• Fixed term – 12 months (extended leave cover)
• Location: Kensington – Sydney, Australia
• On-site role

About UNSW

UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. Yes, we’re a large organisation with a diverse and talented community; a community doing extraordinary things. But what makes us different isn’t only what we do, it’s how we do it. Together, we are driven to be thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all we do. If you want a career where you can thrive, be challenged and do meaningful work, you’re in the right place.

The Faculty of Engineering at UNSW continues to be a national and international leader in engineering research and education, cementing its status as the University’s premier research faculty. As the largest Engineering Faculty in Australia, it graduates the highest number of engineers and maintains the largest research expenditure in the country. Through excellence in both fundamental and applied research, the Faculty strives to sustain and further its global impact, aiming to be ranked among the top engineering faculties worldwide. For more information, visit the Faculty website: https://www.unsw.edu.au/engineering/about-us

Skills & Experience

• Appropriate degree and extensive relevant management experience or equivalent in an academic or similar large and complex environment (or equivalent competency gained through another combination of education, training and experience).
• Superior communication skills and demonstrated high level interpersonal skills.
• Excellent consultation, influencing and negotiation skills and proven ability to engage effectively with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Extensive experience managing, coaching and developing staff.
• Strong initiative and superior analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience in financial management and proven ability to interpret financial data to provide strategic advice.
• Proven skills and experience in strategic and resource planning, goal setting and project management.
• Substantial experience in business improvement activities and leading change activities.
• An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

Additional details about the specific responsibilities for this position can be found in the position description. This is available via JOBS@UNSW.

Benefits and Culture: 

UNSW offer a competitive salary and access to a plethora of UNSW-perks including:​ 

• 17% Superannuation and leave loading​  
• Additional 3 days of leave over the Christmas Period​ 
• Access to lifelong learning and career development ​ 

More information on the great staff benefits and culture can be found here.  

To Apply:

Please click the “Apply Now” button and submit your CV, Cover Letter and a brief statement (maximum 1 page) outlining how your skills, experience and qualifications align with the Skills and Experience listed in the position description.

Applicants must have working rights in Australia and be able to be on site in Kensington on a regular basis. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Please note applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed below.

Contact:

Eugene Aves - Talent Acquisition Partner

E: eugene.aves@unsw.edu.au

Applications close: 11:55 pm (Sydney time) on Sunday, 21 June 2026

Pre-Employment Checks
Aligned with UNSW’s focus on cultivating a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for.

These pre-employment checks may include a combination of some of the following checks: - 

• National and International Criminal history checks
• Entitlement to work and ID checks
• Working With Children Checks
• Completion of a Gender-Based Violence Prevention Declaration
• Verification of relevant qualifications
• Verification of relevant professional membership
• Employment history and reference checks
• Financial responsibility assessments/checks.
• Medical Checks and Assessments

Compliance with the necessary combination of these checks is a condition of employment at UNSW.

UNSW is committed to evolving a culture that embraces equity and supports a diverse and inclusive community where everyone can participate fairly, in a safe and respectful environment. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage applications from people of diverse gender, sexual orientation, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, people with disability and those with caring and family responsibilities. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.