Program Manager

POSITION SUMMARY

The role helps deliver UNSW Bengalurus strategic plan, manages projects across divisions, and provides the executive support, governance, and analysis that senior leaders need to make good decisions. It works closely with the COOs team and with key stakeholders across the University.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Strategic & Executive Support

• Provide executive support and advice to the COO on day-to-day and strategic matters, following issues through to resolution.
• Help the COO deliver the strategic plan by tracking progress, flagging risks, and recommending fixes.
• Prepare reports, briefings, business cases, presentations, and proposals for the Management Board and governance committees.
• Advise the Leadership Team on strategy, governance, policy, and processes.
• Stay current on sector trends and draw on UNSW and external partnerships to give the best advice.

Program & Project Management

• Lead projects from planning through delivery, including monitoring, quality, and outcomes.
• Keep stakeholders involved and report on progress and results to the COO and governance committees.
• Review how work gets done and recommend process improvements.
  
• Manage project budgets, forecasts, and reporting with the CFO.
• Plan and manage resources in line with strategic priorities to build long-term capacity.

Business Analysis & Insight

• Analyse performance and business processes to surface insights, trends, and opportunities.
• Turn complex data into clear, practical recommendations for the COO and senior leaders.
• Present findings and business cases to support decisions.
• Apply University policies and guidelines to give evidence-based advice and deliver quality work.

Governance, Risk & Compliance

• Advise on governance structures and policy that support sound decision-making at UNSW Bengaluru.
• Make sure activities meet statutory, University, governance, and risk requirements.

People, Culture & Stakeholder Engagement

• Work with the Head of HR to deliver the annual People and Culture plan and workforce planning.
• Support the COO with staff matters: position descriptions, recruitment, onboarding, HR liaison, leave, travel, and scheduling.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Help the COO shape the team structure and encourage cross-team collaboration.
• Organise team meetings, events, and away days, with materials shared in advance.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• An MBA or equivalent qualification with 3-5 years of experience in a program management or operations role.
• Proven experience in strategic planning, program and project management, and delivering complex initiatives in a large, matrixed organisation.
• Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make sense of complex information and produce high-quality outcomes.
• A track record of designing and delivering improvement initiatives with measurable results.
• Strong consultation, influencing, and negotiation skills, and the ability to build relationships at all levels.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, including executive documents, business cases, and briefings.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to juggle competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to lead, motivate, and develop team members.
• Advanced computer skills across Microsoft Office and other business applications.
• An understanding of and commitment to UNSWs aims, values, and policies.
• Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and a commitment to relevant training.