Are you ready to shape the next generation of trades professionals?

About the role:

Box Hill Institute has been supporting learners and industry for over 100 years through practical, industry‑focused education. We are seeking an experienced and thoughtful leader to guide the Refrigeration discipline.

As Department Manager - Refrigeration, you will provide leadership across teaching quality, team performance, and operational delivery. Working closely with educators and professional staff, you will ensure our refrigeration programs are well‑delivered, compliant, and responsive to industry needs, while also supporting positive student experiences and outcomes.

This role requires a strong understanding of vocational education and trade training, balanced with a collaborative leadership style. You will support and develop educators, encourage contemporary teaching practices, and maintain close relationships with industry to ensure training remains relevant and future‑focused.

You will play a key role in shaping a positive team culture-one that values professionalism, accountability, and continuous improvement-while ensuring the day‑to‑day operation of the department runs smoothly.

You'll also:

• Oversee the day‑to‑day performance of refrigeration programs to ensure strong delivery and outcomes
• Translate strategic priorities into clear plans, actions, and measurable results
• Guide continuous improvement activities across teaching practice, assessment, and operations
• Maintain oversight of regulatory, funding, and quality requirements
• Manage budgets, resources, and facilities to support safe, effective training environments
• Use performance data and feedback to monitor results and inform decisions
• Act as a key point of connection between education delivery and industry expectations

This role is ideal for a proven leader ready to take the next step-driving excellence, supporting educators, and strengthening industry connections.

Salary is EM3 as per current MEA plus 12% superannuation. Position is full time, ongoing.

About you:

You are an experienced vocational education or trade leader with strong knowledge of refrigeration training and industry practice. You bring a practical, people‑centred leadership style and a clear understanding of how to balance education quality, compliance, and operational delivery.

You hold a relevant degree (AQF Level 6 or above) alongside trade or professional qualifications, and have extensive experience in the VET sector, including curriculum and assessment development across multiple delivery modes. You bring a sound understanding of adult learning principles, competency‑based training, and the regulatory environment.

You have a strong track record of leading and developing educational teams, embedding contemporary teaching practices, and aligning training delivery with industry needs and government priorities. With proven stakeholder engagement skills, you build effective partnerships across industry, government, and community, and are comfortable leveraging digital and online learning technologies.

You are values‑driven and aligned with Box Hill Institute's culture of curiosity, trust, and compassion.

About us:

For over 100 years, we've been changing lives for the better, continuing to make this world a better place for all. By providing people with opportunities to expand their knowledge, experience and understanding of the world, we empower them to change their lives.

Our students can pursue everything from short courses through the Centre for Adult Education (CAE), Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM), Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC), pre-apprenticeships to certificates, diplomas, and higher education degrees. We support our students' ambitions to study through our well-equipped classrooms at our campuses in Box Hill, Lilydale and the Melbourne CBD, as well as remotely with blended and online courses.

To deliver great outcomes, we know it's important to attract and retain people who are passionate about our vision and role. We recognise that our employees are critical to our success, and that achieving our goals requires collective effort.

What we can offer you:

We offer more than just a job; we offer benefits to enhance your work life, help you grow, and celebrate your achievements. This includes but is not limited to:

• Flexible work arrangements
• On-site parking
• Career progression opportunities and reward & recognition programs
• Generous leave options such as Defence Reserve Service, Emergency Response, up to 20 days paid Family Violence leave and up to 14 weeks paid Parental Leave
• Access to health & wellbeing benefits and resources, including FREE flu-vaccinations, FREE skin checks, FREE health checks and corporate health insurance discounts
• Novated leasing and salary packaging
• Support student learning at our Barbershop with $5 haircuts, shaves and grooming as well as discounted treatments at our Day Spa and Beauty Salons located at our Elgar campus
• Discounts on CAE/Box Hill Institute short courses for staff and their immediate family as well as discounted access to our floristry, beauticians, restaurant, Vet & dog grooming

Apply now

If you're ready to take the next step in your career and make a real difference to students, we invite you to submit your application by clicking 'Apply Now'.

Want to know more? If you have any questions about this role, please contact Stu Hoxley via email at stuart.hoxley@boxhill.edu.au.

Applications close 5pm Friday 27th March 2026

We are a 2025 Circle Back Initiative Employer - we commit to respond to every applicant.

Candidates for employment at Box Hill Institute will be subject to pre-employment probity checks, and must satisfy Box Hill Institute's pre-conditions for employment. These include providing a satisfactory (valid employee) Working With Children Check and National Police Check.

Box Hill Institute is a Child Safe Organisation and has a zero tolerance towards the harm or abuse of children and young people. We believe that child safety is everyone's responsibility. All employees, volunteers, contractors and service providers are required to promote a culture of child safety, comply with the Child Safe Standards and other relevant legislation and reporting obligations of suspected child abuse as per the Institute's Child Safety Policy and Procedures. All employees are required to hold and maintain a current, valid Working with Children Check for the duration of their employment at their own expense.

Box Hill Institute reserves the right to withdraw an advertised position at any stage.