Project Operations Lead

Role Overview

• Take ownership of the operational engine behind project delivery
• Oversee workflow that underpins project delivery, ensuring projects are set up and resourced
• Coordinate operational workflows for successful project delivery across the business
• Help improve processes, reduce friction, and strengthen operational performance
• Shape the evolution of operations and take on broader responsibilities as the function grows
• Contribute to the culture of the Australia offices, building strong relationships across Melbourne, Sydney, and Auckland
• Engage in travel between locations as required
• Work hands-on in workflow coordination and delivery operations

Requirements

• Experience in a research environment is strongly preferred.
• Oversee operational setup of new projects following client approval
• Projects are set up accurately, on time and with complete systems data.
• Coordinate resource allocation across internal teams
• Resources are allocated effectively, with clear visibility of workloads and delivery needs.
• Source supplier quotes and manage external vendor engagement
• Supplier quotes are obtained on time and vendors aligned to project needs.
• Raise and administer purchase orders for external suppliers
• Purchase orders are raised accurately and processed promptly.
• Coordinate freelancer and contractor resourcing where required
• Freelancers and contractors are secured efficiently and matched to project needs, timelines and budgets.
• Maintain operational oversight across active projects
• Projects run smoothly, with risks and bottlenecks identified early.
• Support teams with workflow coordination and operational troubleshooting
• Teams receive timely support to keep workflows efficient and minimise disruption.
• Identify process inefficiencies, reduce friction and implement improvements
• Improvement opportunities are identified, progressed and translated into more efficient ways of working.

Core Competencies

• Problem Solving: Anticipates issues, identifies root causes and resolves problems early.
• Smarter Not Harder: Looks for opportunities to reduce friction, simplify workflows and improve efficiency.
• Planning & Organising: Manages multiple workflows with clarity, accuracy and calm.
• Operational Judgement: Uses sound judgement to spot issues early, raise concerns and improve how work moves through the business.
• Attention to Detail: Maintains high standards in data accuracy, reporting, and documentation.
• Collaboration: Builds strong relationships across teams, freelancers, and suppliers.
• Business Acumen: Understands commercial drivers, margins and the operational impact of delivery decisions.
• Tech savvy: Confident in using project and workflow tools (e.g., Productive, Sage, and Microsoft automations).

Benefits

• Real ownership: you’ll shape how operations works, not just maintain it
• Growth: the role is designed to evolve as the business grows
• Impact: you’ll improve how the entire delivery engine runs
• Collaboration: work across Melbourne, Sydney and Auckland to build a connected way of working
• You will work from our office in Melbourne (Collingwood) or Sydney (Surry Hills).
• We have regular social events, some flexibility to work from home, and a competitive salary package to underpin the experience!