Swinburne Student Union provides services, activities and representation on academic affairs for students at all Swinburne University campuses. The organisation is governed by a board of elected students and is independent from the University. We aim to provide students with the No. 1 University Experience by delivering programs and services that make a difference to Swinburne students as they navigate through their time at university.

As SSU’s most senior employee, the General Manager is responsible for the day to day management of its operations. Critical capabilities include proven leadership and people management skills, high level communication skills and a capacity to understand and navigate a complex political, social and organisational environment.

Job description

The General Manager (GM) is ultimately responsible for the day-to-day management decisions and for implementing the strategic direction of the union. The GM liaises regularly with the President and General Secretary to ensure the Student Council is kept fully informed of all relevant matters including regular reporting and strategic issues management.

More specifically, the duties and responsibilities of the General Manager include the following:

• undertake the day-to-day management of SSU's operations including the management and supervision of staff
• ensure that the Student Council’s policies, plans and decisions are implemented;
• support the management of SSU businesses (Croydon Café, Hammer & Swine Bar);
• ensure that SSU’s assets and resources are properly managed and maintained;
• ensure that proper standards of financial management are maintained and, in particular, proper controls over expenditure;
• ensure that financial and other records are properly made and maintained;
• appoint, develop, manage and, where necessary, discipline SSU’s staff
• ensure effective internal controls and management information systems are in place;
• ensure that SSU has appropriate systems to enable it to conduct its activities lawfully, ethically and in line with its contractual obligations;
• keep abreast of all material undertakings and activities of the organisation and all material external factors affecting the organisation and to ensure that processes and systems are in place to ensure that the management of the organisation are adequately informed;
• provide or obtain for the Student Council the information and advice the Council reasonably requires for effectively carrying out its functions;
• abide by specific internally established control systems and authorities, to lead by personal example and encourage all employees to conduct their activities in accordance with all applicable laws and the organisation’s standards and policies, including occupational health and safety policies, constitution and regulations;
• develop and support productive relationships with the University, corporate bodies, and key stakeholders to strengthen the capability of SSU;
• work in productive partnership with the Student Council to achieve sustainable growth and development of SSU;
• carry out other functions as delegated by the Student Council or Executive, or assigned under the Constitution or Regulations;
• any duties required as the Public Officer of the SSU, as the SSU is an incorporated association;
• build organisational influence and maintain positive reputation-based relationship with academics, executives and senior managers throughout the University;
• ensure effective and accountable management systems and practices are applied across all business, human and financial resource areas; and
• provide on the ground operational supervision and project management as and when required.

Key Selection Criteria:

Qualification(s):

• A Bachelor Degree (or higher qualification) in a relevant area; and /or
• A combination of education and experience demonstrating the application of equivalent knowledge and skills

Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

• Experience working with boards
• Demonstrated commitment to teamwork and the maintenance of a supportive work environment
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to consult and negotiate

Capabilities:

• Strong people management skills
• Proven ability to successfully manage high-level relationships
• Demonstrated ability to foster a culture of continuous improvement and commitment to achieving effective outcomes
• A capacity for adaptability and flexibility in a rapidly changing environment
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgement in complex decision making

• High-level problem-solving skills and research/analytical ability including the ability to obtain and interpret information and make specific recommendations
• The capability to understand and navigate a complex political, social and organisational environment

Desirable:

• Experience working directly with students and/or young people
• Excellent understanding of the principles of non-for-profit governance

Enquiries can be directed to SSU President, James Atkins, on 0477 673 749 or via email: [email protected] using the subject line: General Manager enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Interviews will occur week commencing 20th September.