Operations Manager

• Full‑time, continuing opportunity at the Seymour Centre
• Senior operations leadership role across Front of House, Back of House and venue infrastructure
• Base salary $125,000 – $130,000 plus 12% superannuation

About the opportunity

Seymour Centre is the University of Sydney’s premier multi‑venue performing arts centre and one of Australia’s most respected cultural destinations.

We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead the seamless, safe and high‑quality delivery of all events at the Seymour Centre. Reporting to the General Manager and operating as part of the Centre’s senior management team, this role has responsibility for Front of House (FOH) and Back of House (BOH) operations, ongoing maintenance and enhancement of the Centre’s facilities, and Work Health & Safety (WHS) compliance.

This is a pivotal and fast‑paced leadership role, requiring sound judgement and hands‑on oversight across event delivery, people leadership and the safe operation of a complex performing arts venue.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• lead and mentor large FOH and BOH teams, including ushers, hospitality, food and beverage and technical services, to deliver exceptional audience and client experiences
• oversee the operational delivery of all events, working closely with producers, artists and partners to ensure shows are delivered safely and to expectation
• lead venue maintenance, repairs, upgrades and capital works, ensuring the physical building remains safe, compliant, functional and presentation‑ready
• develop and implement efficient service and staffing models, balancing safety, service quality and financial sustainability
• contribute to venue strategy, policy development and operational business planning to support Seymour Centre’s ongoing success
• ensure all WHS obligations are met across events and venue operations, including risk assessments, emergency preparedness and incident management

About you

• demonstrated experience in venue operations, ideally in a live performance venue or in an artistic environment
• proven ability to lead, motivate and develop large, customer‑focused teams, serving patrons and a range of venue users
• excellent organisational, numeracy and problem‑solving skills, with experience in obtaining value for money and managing budgets, costs and operational expenditure
• well‑developed stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with the ability to influence and negotiate effectively across diverse group
• strong knowledge of WHS, compliance and risk management in a public, live or built‑environment setting, with a focus on audience, artist and staff safety
• a team player who embraces change and challenges; proven capacity to be strategic and see the big picture
• holds a Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certificate or is willing to obtain one, and is willing to undertake First Aid training (or holds current certification); training will be coordinated by Seymour Centre if required

Important application requirement: Candidates are required to submit a Cover Letter as part of their application:

In your Cover Letter please outline why you are interested in this role, and include the skills and experience you would bring to the position.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

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

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.

EEO statement 

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

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or support filling out this application, please contact Kristy Fairweather, Recruitment Operations, by email to kristy.fairweather@sydney.edu.au

© The University of Sydney

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

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