Manager, Business Operations - APPLICATIONS CLOSED

An exciting opportunity exists to join Patternmakers as the Manager, Business Operations.

We seek a caring, efficient and process-loving collaborator, with experience in finance, legal and HR, who loves spotting risks and bringing systems, people and projects together in growing organisations. 

With quarterly team retreats and the opportunity to be based anywhere in Australia, this role will further build out our senior leadership team. 

Continue reading for more information on the role and how to apply.

Applications close 11.59pm Sunday 23 April 2023.

Job Description:

Job title: Manager, Business Operations 

Context: Established in 2016, Patternmakers is Australia’s research agency dedicated to culture, creativity and community. With a significant growth agenda, we are seeking a senior leader who loves to organise, collaborate and deliver efficient and impactful business and operational outputs. 

Purpose of the position: Responsible for the operational management of the business, including administration, finance and legal, and ensuring the business strategy is implemented.  

This role is part of the senior leadership team alongside the Manager, Research and Insights, reporting to the Managing Director. 

Salary: $80 000 - $90 000 + Superannuation, pro rata 

Workload: Part time, 24 to 30 hours per week across 4-5 days 

Location:  Work from home/own workspace (with quarterly face to face meetings) 

Job type: Permanent part-time 

Supervisor: Managing Director 

Main responsibilities: 

• Ensure Patternmakers has a strong operational base to deliver projects and outputs with precision; 

• Oversee financial management and reporting including compliance with accounting and tax regulations, and cash flow management 

• Support business planning and reporting to ensure business goals are achieved, including job profitability analysis, quarterly business KPIs etc. 

• Manage human resources to ensure optimal business capacity including recruiting and retaining high performance employees, and working with the MD and Manager of Research and Insights to conduct performance appraisals, staff training, team development and capacity planning 

• Manage risk and quality processes in the business to safeguard against business loss or interruption including: 

• Quality control on projects and publications (including some proofing) 

• Risk management  

• Ethical conduct  

• Research Society Membership 

• Privacy 

• Legal affairs.   

• Support business development functions to ensure business continuity, including lead management, project contracting and panel procurement.  

• Manage relevant suppliers (bookkeeper, financial accountant, solicitors, etc) to achieve the business strategy, including key contractors and strategic projects. 

• Support development of new products and services, such as events, courses and programs, as needed.    

• Manage IT and online business platforms – set up, processes, training, reporting and continuous improvement 

• Problem solving and troubleshooting business and operational issues. 

Skills and experience: 

• 5+ years prior experience in business management/operations – including finance and/or legal 

• Highly organised with excellent attention to detail and an eye for quality  

• A commitment to continuous improvement and strategic planning 

• Ability to design user-friendly processes and streamline business operations 

• Excellent initiative, problem solving skills and a can-do attitude 

• Ability to work independently with excellent time management skills 

• Ability to multitask across different projects/business areas 

• A good communicator with a friendly professional approach. 

Further info:  

Patterns of working vary around client and sector needs, with team retreats/intensives held quarterly. 

Allowances will be provided for technology expenses and working from home - and you will be responsible for designing and maintaining a home office/workspace that you love, along with your own smart phone, laptop computer and high-speed internet. We provide the online software applications you require for your role. We do have some options for working from co-working spaces in Sydney or Melbourne. 

We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and are committed to meeting access needs. 

How to apply: 

For a confidential discussion about the role, please reach out to our Recruitment Lead, Jade Lillie on hello@jadelillie.com 

Expressions of interest should be sent to Jade Lillie no later than 11.59pm on Sunday 23 April 2023. You are asked to submit a current CV and cover letter of no more than two (2) pages. 

Please use the following subject line: Patternmakers EOI - Manager, Business Operations.