About The Next Economy

The Next Economy works with regions, government, industry and civil society leads to build climate-safe, regenerative and socially just economies.

Communities and organisations all over the country are feeling the burden of economic change, often bearing the brunt of policies that don't appreciate the true value of regional economies. Change is inevitable, and with that comes great anxiety. But it also comes with great opportunities.

In an atmosphere that is often politically and emotionally charged, we endeavour to create spaces for communities, government and industry to come together and develop practical and positive economic solutions that fit with the particular circumstances of each place. Our work demonstrates how it is possible to manage the transition to net zero in ways that uphold social, economic and environmental wellbeing.

With this experience, we generate broad public understanding and support for the transition that transcends political lines. And, we build the capacity and confidence of leaders across government, industry and civil society to act on climate change and the energy transition.

Purpose of the Role

TNE’s Operations Manager is accountable for the design, development and implementation of TNE’s internal management systems, enabling the team’s effective delivery of TNE’s 2030 Strategy. Key responsibilities include policy and procedure development and implementation, digital platform management, and building the team’s capacity to deliver work and collaborate efficiently.

TNE’s Operations Manager will work closely with the CEO, Program Leads, Finance Manager and Office Manager to improve the effectiveness of internal practices and, in turn, the efficiency of program and initiative delivery with external collaborators, partners and clients.

Directly Responsible to:

The Chief Operating Officer

Roles Reporting to This Position

The Finance Manager, The Office Manager

core duties & responsibilities

The key responsibilities of the Operations Manager are:

• Planning and Resourcing: lead development and implementation of TNE’s annual Operations Plan, and assist the CEO and Program Leads with broader annual work planning and resourcing for delivery of TNE’s 2030 Strategy.
• People Management: develop, train and manage a small team to deliver TNE operations, including the Finance Manager and Office Manager positions, as well as service providers and sub-contractors.
• Team Effectiveness: as a priority, work with the CEO and Program Leads to identify and implement activities and processes the support the staff’s team’s ability to effectively communicate, collaborate and deliver high quality programs and initiatives. This includes the development of tools and resources (e.g. templates and practice guides) across priority work areas including:
  • Project management
  • Business development
  • Income generation
  • Knowledge sharing
  • Impact monitoring, evaluation, learning and reporting
• Management Systems: lead the development and implementation of TNE’s management systems, including the review, improvement and implementation of all policies and procedures, so that TNE undertakes its work safely, effectively, efficiently, lawfully, and with transparency and accountability.
• Reporting: support the CEO and Program Leads to undertake compliance and reporting activities. For example, coordinate bi-monthly reporting to provide TNE’s Board with accurate and timely information regarding the organisation, including program outcomes, financial position, operations, opportunities and risks, so as to reasonably position the Board to fulfil its governance responsibilities.
• Internal Communications: working with the Program Leads and Office Manager to identify and implement improvements to internal communications practices, including the use of different digital platforms /channels.   
• Financial Management: manage budgeting and monthly financial review activities for TNE’s Operations projects, and work with TNE’s Finance Manager to coordinate the input of Program Leads and Project Managers in monthly financial review activities and budgeting processes.
• Risk Management: coordinate the identification and management operational risks for TNE. Make decisions on day-today issues and consult the CEO as needed. Lead processes for strategic risk identification and management.
• Service Providers: establish and maintain positive and effective relationships with service providers supporting TNE’s operations.
• Innovation: find and implement new ways of working and new types of collaborations that enhance the effectiveness of TNE’s work. This includes review and integration of new digital platforms / tech.
• Other duties: As required by the CEO, as commensurate with the Operations Manager’s capabilities and capacity.

Key Attitudes & Behaviours of the Role

• A strong commitment to and enthusiasm for the purpose of TNE and its role in transforming the economy.
• Solutions-focused, positive approach.
• Whole-of-systems approach.
• Embraces diversity and able to work with people from a range of different backgrounds.
• Willing to learn and try new things.
• High standards, with attention to detail.
• Requires minimal supervision, but willing to receive and learn from constructive feedback.
• Shows initiative, creativity, and innovation.
• Understand and comply with TNE values / vision & objectives.
• Sensitive to professional and personal confidentialities.

Person Selection Criteria

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty to a high standard. The requirements listed below are representative of the essential knowledge, skills and/or experience required.

Essential Knowledge, Skills & Experience

The types of knowledge, skills and experience required for this position include:

Knowledge

• Understanding of operations management in a for-purpose work context including familiarity with compliance requirements, standards and leading practice across key functions including project and quality management, finance, health, safety and environment, risk and people management.

Skills

• Management Systems: experienced in the design, development and implementation of management systems including policy, procedures, tools and resources across core operational functions.
• People Management: demonstrated ability to inspire and support diverse teams to work together effectively and achieve shared goals, especially in environments that are dynamic and have variable levels of resourcing.  
• Project Management: demonstrated ability to successfully design and deliver projects, manage teams and budgets, monitor progress and report on outcomes. This includes the ability to support and enable other leaders and project managers to implement their roles effectively.
• Communication and presentation skills: strong ability to engage positively with internal and external stakeholders, especially to lead internal change management projects.

Experience

• At least ten years’ experience working in senior management roles, including experience managing and working with senior teams.
• At least 10 years’ experience in project management, including the development of project management tools and resources.
• At least 5 years’ experience in the design, development and implementation of management systems including policy and procedure development across the breadth of core organisation functions (planning, risk, people, finance, communications, reporting).
• Experience leading significant and potentially disruptive team change management projects e.g. on-boarding new management systems, digital platforms, or new work practices.
• Experience building team capacity to effectively adopt or change practices.

Desired Qualifications

Relevant undergraduate or post graduate degree in a field related to operations management, or relevant role experience and training.

Hours of Work

The working day is between 8:00am and 5:30pm Monday to Friday. There is flexibility to distribute part-time or full-time hours across a 5-day week:

• Minimum of 22.8 hours (equivalent to 3 days of 7.6 hours) per week.
• Maximum of 38 hours (equivalent to 5 days of 7.6 hours) per week.
• As directed outside the above hours to ensure completion of duties identified within this position description.