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