Manager, Network Operations

• Full-time, Ongoing position at HEW Level 9.
• Hawkesbury campus with flexible working arrangements.
• Salary: $139,747 – $149,238 p.a., plus 17% Super and Leave Loading.

Lead the delivery, security and continual improvement of network services across the University’s multi-campus environment..
The Opportunity
You will lead the delivery and operation of network services across the University’s campuses and locations, ensuring the availability, performance, security and reliability of critical network infrastructure. Your remit will include campus switching, wireless networking, internet services, firewalls, network access control and secure connectivity platforms.

You will provide architectural and technical leadership, establishing network standards, reference architectures and implementation patterns. You will oversee operational governance, capacity planning, major incident response, lifecycle management and technology refresh programs, while ensuring network designs meet operational, security and business requirements.

You will lead network engineers and managed service providers, building a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement. Working closely with Cyber Security, Infrastructure and project delivery teams, you will support network segmentation, Zero Trust, automation, observability and the successful transition of new services into business-as-usual operations.

What Success Looks Like:

• Deliver secure, stable and resilient network services across University locations.
• Establish effective operational standards, governance and service management practices.
• Improve network reliability, performance and customer experience through service improvement initiatives.
• Deliver network lifecycle, remediation and technology refresh roadmaps.
• Strengthen network security through segmentation, secure access and Zero Trust initiatives.

Please refer to the Position Description for full details.
About You

• Demonstrated experience leading network operations in a large, complex enterprise environment.
• Extensive knowledge of enterprise routing and switching, including BGP, OSPF, VLANs, VRFs, QoS, multicast and high-availability technologies.
• Experience with Cisco, HPE Aruba, Palo Alto and enterprise wireless platforms.
• Strong understanding of ITIL incident, problem, change and configuration management processes.
• Proven ability to manage technical resources, vendors, managed service providers and senior stakeholder relationships.

Benefits
We invest in the people who make our mission possible. Alongside a rewarding career, we offer a range of benefits designed to support your financial, personal and family wellbeing.

• Financial benefits: Access to staff-only products and offers with selected banking partners, salary sacrifice options for onsite parking, and novated motor vehicle leasing.
• Health and wellbeing support: Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP), complimentary annual flu vaccination, eligibility for Fitness Passport membership, and access to discounted private health cover.
• Onsite childcare: Long day care and early learning services operate at our Campbelltown, Hawkesbury, Parramatta, and Penrith campuses. Staff may be eligible for discounted fees and salary packaging, with places subject to centre capacity.

Application Details

• Position Enquiries: Direct to Rob Mihalek, Director, IT Operations via [email protected] . Please include the job reference code REF1886Q
• Closing Date: 11:59pm, Tuesday 13th October 2026
• Working Rights: You must provide evidence of full-time working rights in Australia at application.
• How to Apply: Please note that only applications submitted via the University’s online recruitment system will be considered. As part of your online application, you will be asked to respond to screening questions addressing the key qualifications, experiences and skills required for this position.

Belonging at Western
We are committed to substantive equality as outlined in our Equal Opportunity Policy. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous Australians, candidates of all gender identities and expressions, people of all abilities, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
For Reasonable Adjustments during the application process, please contact [email protected].
About Western
This is your opportunity to be part of something bigger. By joining Western Sydney University, you become a valued member of our community. As our region changes, so too does our university. Western is boldly different, energetic, global, diverse, dynamic, and youthful.
Our mission is to deliver student success, impactful research, and stronger communities. As part of our team, you will have a stake in shaping the future of education, broadening horizons, and changing lives. Making a difference starts at Western.
For the latest please visit our website and LinkedIn.