Job description

Position title: RTO Manager
Reports to: Board of Directors works closely with: Training Director
Direct reports:

• Compliance Manager
• Student Support Coordinator
• Finance/HR Officer
• Marketing & Communications Coordinator
• IT & Systems Support

Location: AVT Ascot Campus + partner training sites
Employment type: Full time

Position summary

The RTO Manager is responsible for the leadership and coordination of AVT’s daily operations and non teaching departments to support high-quality delivery, strong student outcomes, compliance oversight, financial sustainability and a positive team culture.

This is a practical, hands-on operational leadership role that requires calm decision-making, clear communication, and an ability to work collaboratively across teams. The RTO Manager works in partnership with the Training Director, who leads course and trainer/assessor delivery, while the RTO Manager leads operations, organisational coordination, compliance oversight, financial performance and culture.

Key responsibilities 

Operational leadership

• Lead and support the following direct report roles to ensure aligned, efficient daily operations:
  Compliance Manager, Student Support Coordinator, Finance/HR Officer, Marketing & Communications Coordinator and IT & Systems Support
• Oversee day-to-day operations across training logistics, student support workflows, administration, and campus facilities
• Ensure efficient scheduling, workload coordination, and structured communication across teams
• Maintain a calm, organised, and proactive operational environment
• Resolve daily operational issues constructively, escalating when required
• Review, approve, develop and support the implementation of policies, continuous improvement actions
• Assist with staffing needs analysis and recruitment when needed

Compliance oversight & quality assurance

• Work in close partnership with the Compliance Manager to maintain compliance with:
  • Standards for RTOs 2025
  • DTWD / Jobs & Skills WA funding and other contractual obligations
• Review, approve and support the implementation of policies, continuous improvement actions, and audit documentation
• Ensure strong assessment validation practices and consistent evidence standards
• Identify compliance risks early and enable prompt resolution
• (Note: Compliance Manager leads implementation; RTO Manager provides oversight and authority)

Finance & business performance

• Implement and monitor the annual business plan and operational budget approved by the Board
• Track and report key performance indicators, including:
  • Monthly P&L and cashflow
  • Enrolment, progression, and completion metrics
  • Resource efficiency and delivery costs
• Identify opportunities to improve performance, efficiency, systems, and service delivery
• Ensure responsible cost control, staffing sustainability, and operational efficiency
• Provide monthly operational and financial performance reports to the Board
• Contribute to strategic planning, risk management, and business improvement initiatives

Culture, people & leadership

• Foster and maintain AVT’s culture of professionalism, fairness, kindness and student-centred care
• Model calm, respectful, and solution-focused communication
• Support performance development, role clarity, and cross-team collaboration
• Work with the Training Director to support staff wellbeing and professional growth
• Promote a supportive work environment where staff feel valued and included

Industry & stakeholder partnerships

• Maintain strong, positive relationships with veterinary clinics, farms, animal shelters, and workplace partners
• Support and strengthen the operational framework for work placements and external training delivery
• Represent AVT professionally within the industry and community

Required skills & experience

• Experience in RTO, VET, or training organisation operations or leadership
  
• Strong working knowledge of the Standards for RTOs and vocational compliance contexts
  
• A strong understanding of financial principles, experience monitoring budgets, reading P&L reports, and managing operational performance
  
• Demonstrated ability to lead people with clarity, empathy, and accountability.

Desirable:

• TAE40116/TAE40122 or relevant education/management qualification
  
• Experience in animal care, veterinary services, or health/applied science training (not required but welcome).

Personal attributes

• Warm, grounded, and approachable leadership style
• Clear communicator and active listener
• Calm and thoughtful under pressure
• Values fairness, kindness, accountability and student/animal welfare