Head of Operations

About Us
Nestled in the picturesque Hunter Valley on 32 acres of green space, Hunter Valley Grammar School (HVGS) is an independent, non-selective, secular, coeducational day school for students from Preschool to Year 12.

Our innovative curriculum and co-curriculum activities foster curiosity, critical thinking, and entrepreneurialism, preparing students for the challenges of tomorrow’s workplaces.

 

About the Role
Hunter Valley Grammar School seeks to appoint a permanent full-time (1.0 FTE) Head of Operations commencing in Term 1, 2026.

The Head of Operations is accountable for the overall operational efficiency and optimisation of whole School operations within Hunter Valley Grammar School (HVGS).

This spans from the day-to-day requirements to future strategic, operational planning that ensures the best outcomes for both student and staff wellbeing and learning. The Head of Operations will enhance the efficient and smooth operations of HVGS and will be required to teach at least one class per cycle.

The Head of Operations would be required to work in non-term time, and the timing and number of weeks will be negotiated with the Principal at the time of appointment.

 

Key Duties

Strategic Leadership:

• Ensure efficient and effective operational systems and processes at HVGS.
• Collaboratively contribute to the future planning of school events and overall campus management.
• Develop and maintain a holistic whole school duty roster that is equitable and across all school sections that promotes connection between staff, students and across school sections.
• Lead (identified) projects which directly contribute to the achievement of annual school goals.

Operational Leadership – Whole School:

• Directly manage the casual staffing needs with regards to teachers and support & operational staff through effective recruitment practices in conjunction with Human Resources.
• Manage and allocate cover lessons to all teachers, both permanent and casual staff, to ensure there is a teacher in front of every class from Kindergarten to Year 12.
• Oversee the resourcing and allocation of casual Professional and Operational staff, including Educational Assistants and Administration roles from Kindergarten to Year 12.
• Manage the School calendar and ensure it is focussed on supporting student and staff wellbeing whilst optimising learning outcomes.
• Oversight and management of excursions and incursions from an operational perspective, in collaboration with the Compliance Manager, Deputy Principal – Head of Junior School and Deputy Principal – Head of Senior School.
• Direct management of the Plan-Check-Go system and its efficient implementation.
• Work cooperatively with the events team to minimise the operational impacts to student and staff wellbeing and learning.
• Lead the Parent Teacher Interview process for both semester one and two.
• Lead the scheduling, supervision and administration of large scale testing such as NAPLAN, AllWell and PISA.
• Coordinate and manage student examination timetables and the scheduling and supervision of examinations in collaboration with Head of Curriculum – Years 11 to 12. E.g. HSC trial examinations.
• Have leadership and oversight of the traffic/parking inside HVGS grounds and surrounds. This includes working collaboratively with other leaders to ensure efficiency and optimisation.
• Have direct management of the buses, this includes both internally operated and external providers and liaising with providers as required.
• Maintain positive and strong relationships with the neighbours of HVGS, being the point of contact for enquires.
• Liaise with Maitland Council regarding traffic questions and concerns and pro-actively manage school traffic and drop-off/pick up systems at the School.
• Manage operational changes, in collaboration with the Executive, as a result of critical incidents, adverse weather events or other significant events that impact school operations.
• Provide guidance and support to both staff and leaders regarding the leave and relief processes.
• Manage the submission of DRAFT Leave and Relief applications for all staff as required
• Provide a termly Leave Report to the Principal.
• Provide logistical support for key events as needed.
• Manage the punctual arrival of teachers to timetabled classes and duties.

 

About You

• Relevant Tertiary qualifications in Teaching and NESA Accreditation
• Post graduate qualification in Operations, Operations
• Management or similar is highly desirable.
• Responsibility for managing one’s own annual accreditation requirements including fee payment and maintenance of a current Working with Children Check (WWCC) clearance.
• Demonstrated experience and knowledge of the operational running of an independent school in NSW.
• Strong commitment to, and understanding of, the importance of balancing the student and staff wellbeing and learning outcomes through the lens of operations.
• Demonstrated experience supporting, leading, and managing people and multiple systems including exceptional interpersonal and communication skills and proven experience in engaging, motivating, and inspiring within and beyond their team.
• Proven dedication to customer service and continuous improvement.
• Displays strong organizational and time management skills, with an ability to prioritise tasks, meet prescribed deadlines, and concurrently manage several competing tasks.
• Ability to:
  • Develop positive, empathetic, collaborative relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
  • Display empathy, enthusiasm, commitment and strong work ethic.
  • Be flexible, agile, positive and resilient to operate and adapt in a dynamic environment.
  • Communicate effectively and collaboratively.

For a complete picture of the role, you can find the full Job Description on our website.

 

Benefits
At HVGS, we’re dedicated to empowering our staff to thrive in the dynamic realm of teaching and learning.

We uphold this commitment by equipping our educators with cutting-edge tools and skills necessary to excel in their profession.

Moreover, HVGS offers a suite of exclusive benefits to our valued staff members, including:

• 15 days Personal Leave for all full-time, permanent staff (prorated for part-time staff)
• Generous professional development opportunities.
• Access to Fitness Passport, which provides you and your family with flexible access to a wide range of gyms and pools, at a discounted price.
• State-of-the-Art teaching and learning infrastructure.
• Access to our comprehensive Employee Assistance Program.
• Access to Staff strength and conditioning sessions and the school gym.
• Salary Sacrificing options, including novated leasing.

Join HVGS and be part of a supportive community committed to your professional growth, well-being, and success.

 

How to Apply
Applicants must apply by completing the online Job Application form here: https://www.hvgs.nsw.edu.au/about/employment/

Applications submitted via SEEK’s ‘apply for job’ button will not be considered.

For a confidential discussion regarding the role, please contact Human Resources on (02) 4934 2444 or hr@hvgs.nsw.edu.au.

Applications close: 5:00 pm Tuesday, 16 September 2025.

Hunter Valley Grammar School reserves the right to interview and appoint prior to the closing date.

Applications received after this date will not be considered. HVGS is an equal opportunity employer. All staff must have a current Employee Working with Children Check.