POSITION: Operations Manager

LOCATION: Adelaide Fringe Head Office

REPORTS TO: Executive Director – Operations & Finance

EMPLOYMENT: Full time

SALARY: $83,000 – 86,000 per annum (pro rata), plus 12% superannuation          

POSITION SUMMARY

The Operations Manager is responsible for leading Adelaide Fringe’s operational function, ensuring the organisation has the systems, processes, resources and support required to successfully deliver its year-round operations and annual festival.

Reporting to the Executive Director – Operations & Finance, the Operations Manager provides leadership across the Operations team, overseeing office operations, operational systems, organisational projects, volunteer coordination, events and activations, and inclusion initiatives.

The role is responsible for developing and implementing operational strategies, improving organisational processes, managing operational resources and supporting a high-performing workplace culture.

Working collaboratively across all areas of Adelaide Fringe, the Operations Manager identifies operational priorities, provides solutions to complex challenges and ensures operational activities align with organisational objectives.

The Operations Manager plays a key role in festival readiness, supporting teams to deliver successful programs, events and initiatives while ensuring operational risks are effectively managed.

ESSENTIAL / DESIRABLE CRITERIA

Education / Experience

• Demonstrated experience in an operations management, business operations or similar leadership role.
• Proven experience leading, developing and managing high-performing teams.
• Experience managing operational budgets, contracts, procurement and supplier relationships.
• Demonstrated experience leading organisational projects and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience developing and implementing operational systems, policies and procedures.
• Strong understanding of facilities management and organisational operations.
• Experience working with digital business systems and operational platforms.
• Understanding of Workplace Health & Safety principles and organisational risk management.
• Previous experience working within the arts, events or festival industry (desirable).
• Current Full C Class Driver’s Licence.

 Soft Skills & Personal Attributes

• Strategic thinker with the ability to see the bigger picture while maintaining operational excellence.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to coach, mentor and develop others.
• Highly organised with excellent planning and prioritisation skills.
• Proactive, adaptable and solutions-focused.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trusted relationships across all levels of the organisation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High level of professionalism, integrity and discretion.
• Committed to continuous improvement and innovation.
• Calm and resilient under pressure with the ability to manage competing priorities.