Project Operations Lead Australia

This isn’t about managing projects. It’s about making them work better.

TRA is a leading insights agency that practices the art of knowing people. We combine behavioural science, data and marketing thinking to solve complex problems for organisations across Australia, New Zealand and beyond.

We’re looking for a Project Operations Lead to take ownership of the operational engine behind project delivery. Keeping everything running smoothly from kick-off through to completion. This role can be based in either Sydney or Melbourne.

The Operations Project Lead coordinates the operational workflows that support successful project delivery across the business. This covers project setup, resourcing, supplier management and workflow administration, while identifying ways to improve processes, reduce friction and strengthen operational performance. It is well suited to someone who wants to take ownership, drive improvements and grow with the role over time. 

Experience in a research environment is strongly preferred.  

Role Overview 

Oversees the workflow that underpins project delivery, making sure projects are set up, resourced and commercially coordinated from kick-off to completion, without directly managing projects or client relationships. It offers scope for someone who wants to shape how operations evolves and, over time, take on broader responsibility as the function grows. 

The role also important part in contributing to the culture of our Australia offices, building strong relationships across Melbourne, Sydney, and Auckland to support connected and collaborative ways of working. Some travel between locations is included in the role.

This is a hands-on role for someone with strong administration, workflow coordination and delivery operations experience, as well as the judgement and drive to improve ways of working. It would suit someone who is looking to build their scope and develop with the role 

Key Tasks and Success Indicators  

Oversee operational setup of new projects following client approval  

• Projects are set up accurately, on time and with complete systems data. 

Coordinate resource allocation across internal teams  

• Resources are allocated effectively, with clear visibility of workloads and delivery needs. 

Source supplier quotes and manage external vendor engagement   

• Supplier quotes are obtained on time and vendors aligned to project needs. 

Raise and administer purchase orders for external suppliers 

• Purchase orders are raised accurately and processed promptly. 

Coordinate freelancer and contractor resourcing where required 

• Freelancers and contractors are secured efficiently and matched to project needs, timelines and budgets.

Maintain operational oversight across active projects  

• Projects run smoothly, with risks and bottlenecks identified early. 

Support teams with workflow coordination and operational troubleshooting 

• Teams receive timely support to keep workflows efficient and minimise disruption. 

Identify process inefficiencies, reduce friction and implement improvements 

• Improvement opportunities are identified, progressed and translated into more efficient ways of working. 

Core Competencies 

• Problem Solving: Anticipates issues, identifies root causes and resolves problems early. 

• Smarter Not Harder: Looks for opportunities to reduce friction, simplify workflows and improve efficiency. 

• Planning & Organising: Manages multiple workflows with clarity, accuracy and calm. 

• Operational Judgement: Uses sound judgement to spot issues early, raise concerns and improve how work moves through the business. 

• Attention to Detail: Maintains high standards in data accuracy, reporting, and documentation. 

• Collaboration: Builds strong relationships across teams, freelancers, and suppliers. 

• Business Acumen: Understands commercial drivers, margins and the operational impact of delivery decisions. 

• Tech savvy: Confident in using project and workflow tools (e.g., Productive, Sage, and Microsoft automations). 

Why this role stands out:

• Real ownership: you’ll shape how operations works, not just maintain it
• Growth: the role is designed to evolve as the business grows
• Impact: you’ll improve how the entire delivery engine runs
• Collaboration: work across Melbourne, Sydney and Auckland to build a connected way of working
• You will work from our office in Melbourne (Collingwood) or Sydney (Surry Hills).
• We have regular social events, some flexibility to work from home, and a competitive salary package to underpin the experience!

We would love to hear from you if you like the sound of this role. Please attached a cover letter outlining what skills and experience you have for this role, your salary expectation and confirm you have have the right to work in Australia.