Chief Operating Officer (Centre of Excellence for Renewable Fuels)

Help shape Australia's renewable energy future.

The ARC Centre of Excellence for Renewable Fuels is bringing together leading researchers, industry partners, government stakeholders and international collaborators to accelerate the development and commercialisation of sustainable fuel technologies.

As Chief Operating Officer, you will play a pivotal leadership role in establishing and driving the operational success of this nationally significant research initiative. Working closely with the Centre Director and Executive Management Committee, you will help build the foundations, systems, partnerships and governance frameworks required to support world-leading research and real-world impact.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to an organisation at the beginning of its journey while helping shape Australia's clean energy future.

About the Role

Reporting to the Centre Director, the Chief Operating Officer will provide strategic and operational leadership across the Centre's professional, administrative and business functions.

You will be responsible for overseeing governance, finance, risk, compliance, reporting, stakeholder engagement, workforce planning and operational delivery, ensuring the successful execution of the Centre's strategic objectives throughout the funding term.

As a key member of the Executive Management Committee, you will work closely with senior academic leaders, partner institutions, industry stakeholders, government agencies and funding bodies to support the delivery of a complex national research program.

About the Team

The ARC Centre of Excellence for Renewable Fuels is a highly collaborative national research partnership, connecting universities, industry and government to deliver innovative solutions in renewable energy and sustainable fuels.

Based at the University of Wollongong's Innovation Campus, the Centre brings together a diverse network of researchers, professional staff, students and external partners, creating an environment focused on innovation, impact and collaboration.

This is a rare opportunity to help build and lead the operational foundations of a newly established Centre of Excellence while supporting groundbreaking research with global significance.

What You will Bring

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Significant senior leadership experience within a complex, research-intensive, higher education, government or similarly regulated environment.  
• Demonstrated success leading operations, governance, financial management, risk and compliance functions.  
• Proven experience delivering large-scale programs, research institutes, centres, or multi-partner collaborative initiatives.  
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills, with the ability to influence across academia, industry, government and funding organisations.  
• A history of establishing high-performing teams, systems and operational frameworks that enable organisational success.  
• Strong strategic and commercial acumen, with the ability to translate vision into measurable outcomes.  
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, including experience providing advice to executive leaders, boards, committees or governance groups.  
• Relevant tertiary qualifications, with postgraduate qualifications highly regarded.

If you are motivated by the opportunity to build a nationally significant research enterprise and contribute to Australia's renewable energy future, we encourage you to apply.

Why Join UOW

• Competitive salary package  
• 35-hour full-time work week supporting greater balance and flexibility
• Flexible working arrangements and family-friendly policies
• Generous leave entitlements including additional concession days over the Christmas–New Year period.
• Purchased leave options to provide greater flexibility throughout the year.
• Ongoing professional development and clear career progression opportunities

Role Details

• Employment type: Full-time fixed-term appointment to 1 May 2030
• Salary: Level 10 | Competitive remuneration package + 12% superannuation
• Position Description
• Location: Wollongong Campus with hybrid work arrangements
• Work Rights: Valid Australian work rights required. Visa sponsorship is not available.

How to Apply

Click on the ‘Apply Now’ button at the bottom of the advertisement. You’ll be requested to submit a CV, and cover letter (of no more than 3 pages) summarising your skills and experience as they relate to the selection criteria located in the position description.

For further information about this position, please contact the Centre Director, Prof Gerhard (Gerry) Swiegers by email at [email protected].

Closing Date: Sunday 29 November 2026, 11:55pm

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

The University of Wollongong is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where diversity is valued, respected and celebrated.  We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve, removes barriers to participation, and provides equitable opportunities for staff to reach their full potential. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people of all gender identities and sexual orientations, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disability, and those with caring or family responsibilities.

As required by federal legislation, prospective employees are required to declare whether they have been investigated for an allegation of Gender based Violence or determined to have engaged in conduct that constitutes Gender based Violence, during their previous employment, or otherwise in a legal process. Any such declaration will be included in the University’s employment screening processes and will be treated with the strictest confidence and in compliance with all privacy legislation.

At the University of Wollongong (UOW), our people are united by a shared purpose — to create a better future through education, research, innovation and meaningful community impact.

With deep local roots and a growing global presence, UOW is proud to contribute to positive change in the communities we serve and the world beyond them. Guided by our Vision 2035 and Strategic Plan 2030, we are building a future that is innovative, inclusive and committed to societal impact — one where people, ideas and opportunity can thrive.

We are recognised for excellence in teaching and research, and for the real-world impact of our work. But what truly brings UOW to life is our people. Across every role, our staff contribute to something bigger — helping shape the future through the work they do every day.

At UOW, we are committed to fostering a culture where people feel valued, supported and empowered to do their best work. Our Values in Action guide how we work, lead and make decisions — creating a workplace grounded in integrity, accountability, collaboration and excellence.

Joining UOW means becoming part of a values-led community where your work has purpose, your contribution is valued, and the impact you make can be felt locally and globally.