Operations Manager: Learning and Academic Systems

Application close date: 19 June 2026

Please note that this Job Description has been shortened for advertising purposes, a full one will be provided to candidates who are shortlisted for the role.

1. The position

To lead the operational management, support, configuration, and continuous improvement of digital learning technologies and academic administration systems, ensuring reliable and effective delivery of academic operations, student support, assessment readiness, and student success activities.

The role is accountable for the day-to-day operation of digital learning platforms and academic systems, including student information system enablement, integration continuity, vendor coordination, assessment support, incident response, user enablement, data availability, and team leadership.

2. Role Context

Reporting to the Deputy CAO: Academic Operations and Registrar

Works closely with Learning Strategy and Innovation, Registrar, IT, Schools, and student support teams

Accountable for business-as-usual digital learning operations and academic systems enablement

Responsible for staff enablement and operational process effectiveness

Operates in collaboration with IT, which retains responsibility for infrastructure, architecture, and system ownership

Excludes ownership of pedagogy and curriculum design (Learning Innovation & Development)

Requires a strong understanding of digital pedagogy and user experience

3. Key Relationships

Internal

Academic Operations and Registrar teams

Learning Strategy and Innovation

Schools and academic leadership

Institutional IT / CIO

Student support, assessment, quality, and data teams

External

Educational technology vendors

System and integration partners

4. Key Performance Areas and Responsibilities
Digital Platform Operations

Lead the day-to-day operation of digital learning platforms and academic systems

Ensure systems are configured, maintained, and ready for each academic cycle

Manage system issues and maintain service continuity through effective processes and controls

Academic Systems and Student Information System Enablement

Lead academic configuration and use of the student information system for scheduling, registrar processes, and administration

Oversee configuration of calendars, modules, assessment cycles, and scheduling

Ensure alignment with academic processes and support data accuracy in collaboration with IT

Scheduling and Registrar Systems

Support systems for scheduling, timetabling, and registrar workflows

Ensure changes are implemented, tested, and communicated accurately

Enable execution of academic rules and timelines

Systems Integration and Continuity

Manage integrations between digital learning platforms, SIS, and related systems

Ensure critical integrations operate reliably

Lead resolution of integration issues and maintain monitoring, escalation, and continuity controls

Assessment Technology and Incident Response

Ensure readiness of systems supporting online assessments

Maintain configurations, controls, and testing processes

Lead response to assessment and exam-day incidents

Implement preventative improvements and maintain continuity arrangements

Vendor and License Coordination

Monitor vendor performance, product usage, and licensing

Support renewal planning and risk management

Work with IT, procurement, and finance on governance

Staff Support and Training

Provide system support to staff and student-facing teams

Develop training materials and user guidance

Identify capability gaps and support adoption

Student Success Data and Communication

Ensure availability of data supporting student success monitoring

Support system-based communication with students

Ensure reliability and alignment of communications

Collaboration with Learning Strategy and Innovation

Support teaching and learning requirements through system enablement

Support transition of new tools into business-as-usual operations

Translate academic requirements into system configurations

Process Improvement and Service Quality

Identify inefficiencies and implement improvements

Maintain documentation and enhance operational consistency

Team Leadership

Lead and develop the systems operations team

Manage capacity, performance, and service delivery

Build a culture of accountability and continuous improvement

5. Decision-Making Authority

Make operational decisions relating to digital learning and academic systems

Oversee system configuration within approved frameworks

Lead incident response and implement improvements

Recommend system, vendor, and process actions; escalate risks where required

Enterprise system ownership remains with IT / CIO.

6. Minimum Requirements
Qualifications

Relevant Bachelor’s degree

Postgraduate qualification advantageous

Experience

Digital learning or academic systems operations

Student information systems and platform support

Systems integration and incident management

Staff training and team leadership

Higher education experience preferred

Knowledge and Skills

Academic systems and digital learning platforms

Academic operations, scheduling, and assessment processes

Systems thinking and problem solving

Stakeholder management and communication

Planning, organisation, and ability to work under pressure

7. Key Performance Indicators

Reliable system performance and continuity

Accurate and timely system configuration

Effective incident management and reduced repeat issues

Reliable integrations and vendor management

High-quality staff support and training

Effective student communication and data availability

Strong team performance

8. Role Success Profile
The role ensures that digital learning and academic systems operate reliably, academic operations are effectively enabled, assessment-related issues are managed efficiently, and staff and student-facing teams are consistently supported.

 

Preference will be given to applicants from designated groups, and appointments will be made in line with our EE requirements