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
