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Operations Manager - Maritime Training


Cairns region

TAFE Queensland is an organisation that puts our customers - students, employers, communities - at the centre of everything we do.

Job details

Position status Permanent
Position type Full-time
Occupational group Administration
Classification AO7
Workplace Location Cairns region
Job ad reference TQ2026-318
Closing date 30-Apr-2026
Job duration Permanent ~ Full-time
Contact person Donna.Spencer@tafeqld.edu.au
Contact details
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About TAFE Queensland

TAFE Queensland is proud to be the largest and most experienced Vocational Education and Training (VET) provider in the State. For more than 140 years, TAFE Queensland has delivered practical and industry-relevant training to provide students with the skills and experience they need to build lifelong careers. Our award-winning training is delivered on campus, online, and in the workplace to give people the skills they need to enrich their communities, support their industries, and strengthen their local economies. 

By working at TAFE Queensland, you can be part of a highly experienced workforce that is closely connected with their industries and dedicated to delivering best practices and innovative training.

Your Opportunity

The Maritime Operations Manager is accountable for the effective and efficient management of operational services and equipment at TAFE Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef International Marine College (GBRIMC). This includes oversight of all training infrastructure, such as the multi-purpose emergency response training simulators (MERTS), full mission bridge simulators, maritime training vessels, DAVIT and lifeboat, and other specialised training aids and equipment.

The role ensures that all operational aspects of the training equipment support the delivery of high-quality maritime training programs and comply with relevant safety, regulatory, and industry standards.

In addition, the position involves leading strategic projects that contribute to the regional expansion of maritime training and support the broader growth of maritime education across TAFE Queensland. This includes providing functional guidance, engaging with maritime industry governing bodies, and offering expert advice on legislation, regulations, and operational instructions related to maritime training delivery.

This position reports to the Faculty Manager - Maritime

This is a Permanent, Full-Time opportunity

The position will be based primarily at Great Barrier Reef International Marine College (GBRIMC), however you may be required to perform work at other TAFE Queensland campuses.  

Key Responsibilities

  • Coordinate operational services and maritime training equipment to ensure efficient scheduling, utilisation, and maintenance of training assets.
  • Manage the operational readiness and upkeep of all maritime training equipment to support high-quality training delivery.
  • Oversee the procurement, inventory control, and lifecycle management of training aids and technical equipment.
  • Administer and procure inventory and consumables required for campus-based training operations.
  • Develop, implement, and regularly review work instructions to ensure safe and compliant operation of specialist equipment in line with WHS standards.
  • Liaise with maritime safety regulators and TAFE Queensland personnel to ensure compliance with WHS, AMSA regulations, simulator standards, and training delivery requirements.
  • Collaborate with educators and staff to align operational support with curriculum needs and training schedules.
  • Manage operational budgets, including forecasting, expenditure monitoring, and financial reporting.
  • Lead and supervise operational staff, including technicians and support personnel, fostering high performance and professional development.
  • Coordinate and liaise with internal and external stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, industry partners, and contractors, representing TAFE Queensland.
  • Drive continuous improvement and innovation in operational systems, processes, and technology utilisation.
  • Support emergency preparedness and response planning for training activities and broader campus operations.
  • Undertake strategic project work to contribute to the growth and development of maritime education across TAFE Queensland.
  • Contribute to a positive team culture by modelling and promoting TAFE Queensland’s values, integrity, respect, and excellence in all aspects of operational delivery.
  • Contribute to the success of transformation and cultural change through promoting and modelling the established values of Showing Initiative, Working Together, Focusing on our Customer and Taking Responsibility

How you will be assessed

The ideal applicant will be someone who has the following key capabilities:

  1. Demonstrated ability to manage complex operational environments, including technical infrastructure and compliance requirements.
  2. Proven experience in resource planning, asset management, and operational logistics in a training or maritime setting.
  3. Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to build capability and foster a culture of safety and excellence.
  4. High-level communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across diverse teams.
  5. A proactive and solutions-focused mindset, with the ability to adapt to changing priorities and drive operational improvements.

Highly Desirable Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in Maritime Studies, Logistics, or a related field. 
  • Relevant experience in operations or maritime management. 
  • Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and team leadership skills

Note: Proof of qualifications and industry currency/experience to be provided at interview.

How to apply

If you’re interested in this role, click the ‘Apply’ button to submit your application via the TAFE Queensland Recruitment Portal.  When submitting your application, please ensure you provide the following:

  • A detailed resume; 
  • A cover letter that outlines your known skills, abilities, knowledge and experience in response to the “How you will be assessed” criteria above (maximum of 2 pages in total); and
  • The contact details for two referees (one of whom is your current supervisor)

Closing date: 30 April 2026

Job Reference Number: TQ2026-318

For further information, please contact:

Donna Spencer, Faculty Manager - Maritime

Email: donna.spencer@tafeqld.edu.au

Phone: 0479 178 407

 

 

Further information

We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.

Documents

Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.

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Licence
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia (CC BY 3.0)
Last updated
2 May 2023

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