Work Type: Ongoing - Full-time
Salary: $142,790 - $191,084
Grade: VPS 6
Occupation: Other
Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs
Reference: VG/DE/VSBA/1940445
About the Role
The School Cleaning Unit is responsible for various cleaning related policies and services, including the delivery of cleaning services to metropolitan schools through large, centralised contracts.
The Operations Manager is a leadership role that manages a team of 8 in delivering metropolitan school cleaning contracts across approximately 1,000 schools. The Operations Manager provides direct leadership to two Senior Contract Managers, who in turn oversee a further six Contract Managers. As the senior leader for this function, the role carries substantial people management responsibilities. Other responsibilities include business and strategic planning, workforce planning, performance management, capability development and fostering a high-performing team culture.
The role will oversee contract management activities and ensure compliance with departmental policies and procedures across all commercial contracts. Tasks that the role undertakes includes:
Hybrid working arrangements are available, but regular attendance at the central office is required.
This position may require participation in evening and/or weekend work, including some travel.
During any emergency situation, you may be required to work outside typical working hours.
Role-specific requirements:
Essential qualifications, experience and capabilities:
Desirable experience and capabilities:
About the Department of Education
The Department of Education aims to provide every student in Victoria with equal access to high-quality public education. We are responsible for delivering education and early childhood services across Victoria.
About the Victorian School Building Authority
The Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA) is p art of the Department of Education,Education; our main responsibility is the management of land and infrastructure that supports schools and educational facilities. Established in 2016, we are currently overseeing Victoria's largest school building program since the state introduced free public education in the 1870s.
The VSBA builds, upgrades and maintains schools and educational facilities. We also support schools to maintain their buildings and grounds by offering expert advice and coordinating maintenance programs and grants. The VSBA also works in the early childhood sector by managing kindergarten and early learning centre infrastructure.
About the Division
The Asset Management and Operations Division helps schools maintain and manage their buildings and grounds. It includes three branches; Asset Operations, Programs and Maintenance Delivery. The School Cleaning Unit is part of the Asset Operations branch and is the coordinating unit for school cleaning.
Further Information
For more details regarding this position please see attached position description for the capabilities to address in application.
The department values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information about our work, working for the Department, diversity and inclusion, and our employment conditions visit the Department website.
Applicants requiring adjustments can contact the nominated contact person.
Applicants are encouraged to include a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria (no more than 2 pages) and a resume. For further information or queries about the role please contact Shanaka Perera by email, [email protected], or phone 03 7022 1711.
Information about the Department of Education's operations and employment conditions can be located at www.education.vic.gov.au.
Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and may be subject to other pre-employment checks. Information provided to the Department of Education will be treated in the strictest confidence.
Please let us know via phone or email if you require any adjustments to ensure your full participation in the recruitment process or if you need the ad or any attachments in an accessible format (e.g large print) due to any viewing difficulties or other accessibility requirements.
Applications close 11:59pm on Tuesday 25 August 2026.