Business Manager

• Full-time, fixed-term position until 30 June 2028
• Hawkesbury campus with flexible working arrangements.
• Salary: HEW Level 8 $118,969 – $132,069 per annum, plus 17% Super and Leave Loading.

Manage business, finance and reporting for Western’s Australian Plant Phenomics Network (APPN) node, supporting researchers and partners across plant phenomics facilities.

The Opportunity
You will take a leading role in the governance and administration of Western Sydney University’s node of the Australian Plant Phenomics Network (APPN), hosted within the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment. The APPN is part of a national research infrastructure program, supporting open access to advanced technologies for digital phenotyping in horticultural and agricultural research. You will be the key point of contact for business and operational matters, working closely with the Professor and Node Director to support effective planning, reporting and service delivery across the node.

You will manage the business and financial operations that keep the facilities running efficiently and transparently. This includes developing and maintaining robust budgeting and financial reporting, monitoring performance against budgets, and regularly reviewing client pricing and access policies. You will oversee high-quality record keeping, coordinate the administration of APPN projects and activities (including establishment, contracting, monitoring and reporting), and ensure the facilities meet relevant regulatory requirements. You will also support continuous improvement by gathering and responding to client feedback and implementing practical quality controls.

You will contribute to the node’s growth and long-term sustainability through business development, strategic planning and stakeholder engagement. In collaboration with the Node Director, you will identify opportunities to increase facility usage, develop measurable operational targets, and support funding applications that enhance plant phenomics capability. You will also help progress business cases for new technologies through business proposals, risk assessments and supplier arrangements. A key part of your role is maintaining trusted relationships with researchers, industry and government partners, regulatory authorities and the wider APPN network, supporting clear communication and timely responses to stakeholder requests.

What Success Looks Like:

• Budgets, financial reporting and pricing settings support efficient, sustainable operations.
• APPN projects are established, administered and reported with accurate, timely records.
• Compliance obligations are met and service delivery is strengthened through quality controls.
• Facility usage grows through targeted business development and funding support activities.
• Stakeholder relationships are maintained and communications are coordinated effectively..

Please refer to the Position Description for full details.

About You

• You hold a tertiary qualification, supported by experience in research project management or a similar mix of industry or government experience and training.
• You bring solid experience in business operations and financial management, ideally in a service environment.
• You’re confident preparing business and operational plans, financial and milestone reports, and high-level briefs.
• You have experience supporting business development and building relationships with stakeholders across research, industry and government.
• You’re an effective leader, able to improve performance, foster a positive team environment and keep a strong focus on outcomes.
• Experience in a plant science research environment or related industry is desirable.

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 Professor Mark Tjoelker, Interim Director, Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment via M.Tjoelker@westernsydney.edu.au. Please include the job reference code REF1320T.
• Closing Date: 11:59pm, Tuesday 2 June 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 talentacquisitionteam@westernsydney.edu.au.

About the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment
The Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment (HIE) is a research institute within Western Sydney University. The Institute conducts fundamental and applied research in ecology, physiology, genetics and global change biology. Within the past decade, the Institute has become a world-leading centre of excellence in ecosystem function and environmental responses to climate change. With a unique suite of world-class research facilities, the Institute collaborates widely with Australian and international institutions to craft scientific research of the highest calibre.
For more information, please visit our website www.westernsydney.edu.au/hie 

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.