Associate Director - Performance Improvement

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

KordaMentha is hiring an Associate Director for its Performance Improvement team in Sydney to tackle strategic, operational and financial challenges with a focus on the higher education sector. The role suits a 6–8 year consulting professional who can diagnose issues, model financials, and credibly influence senior stakeholders while delivering practical, sustainable improvements. You will partner with clients and senior leaders to design and implement high‑impact solutions across complex engagements, from strategic reviews to transformation programs. To apply, tailor your resume to show measurable outcomes, highlight education sector experience, demonstrate stakeholder influence, and reflect our values of independence, action and client focus; prepare examples of successful change and be ready to work onsite.

Company Description

For more than 20 years, KordaMentha has supported businesses through some of their most complex matters and opportunities. Founder owned and led; we are an advisory firm that helps corporations, financiers, lawyers, private investors and government clients to grow, protect and recover value.

That’s what we do, but it’s how we do this that makes us who we are.

Proudly independent, strategically local, and with a bias for action to get things done, we focus on doing what is right by our clients, our people, and the wider community. Our track record shows that we help navigate the best path forward in challenging times, and do so across cities, regions and territories.

In the most stressful or demanding environments, we continue to drive change where it really counts.

Job Description

Our Performance Improvement team is growing, and we are looking for an experienced Associate Director to join us. This is an excellent opportunity for a candidate with strong consulting capability, ideally complemented by higher education sector experience, who is motivated by solving complex strategic, operational and financial challenges and wants to continue making an impact in the sector.

As an Associate Director, you will work alongside senior leaders and partner closely with clients to design and deliver practical, high-impact solutions. You will contribute across a range of engagements spanning strategic review, operational improvement, financial performance, transformation and implementation. You will bring a commercially minded, problem-solving approach and the ability to work credibly with senior stakeholders in environments where change really matters.

This opportunity will particularly suit candidates who have built their careers in consulting or advisory environments and who value the chance to continue supporting organisations in the higher education sector—bringing together rigour, insight and pragmatism to help institutions respond to financial, operational and strategic pressures.

In this role, you will:

• Partner with clients and colleagues to deliver impactful performance improvement engagements across complex environments. 
• Analyse financial and operational information, identify key issues and develop clear, commercially grounded recommendations. 
• Support clients to better understand business performance, identify opportunities for improvement and navigate change with confidence. 
• Help shape and implement solutions that are practical, sustainable and tailored to each client’s context. 
• Work closely with Partners and senior leaders, contributing meaningfully to both client delivery and broader practice growth.

This role offers the opportunity to combine strategic thinking, commercial analysis and client advisory in a team known for working on high-impact, often business-critical engagements. At KordaMentha, our work is rarely theoretical. We are engaged when organisations need clear thinking, strong judgement and practical action. 

For candidates with higher education experience, this is an opportunity to continue applying your sector understanding in a more commercial, advisory-led environment—helping education clients think through sustainability, performance, transformation and strategic direction, while also broadening your exposure across other complex industries.

Qualifications

We are looking for someone who brings a strong consulting toolkit, a commercially curious mindset and the ability to influence outcomes in complex stakeholder environments.

You will have:

• Relevant tertiary qualifications and approximately 6–8 years’ experience, including time in professional services or consulting. 
• Strong experience diagnosing and solving complex commercial, operational or financial issues. 
• Excellent analytical capability, including financial analysis, modelling and/or report development. 
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build credibility and influence stakeholders effectively.
• A genuine interest in how organisations operate and how performance can be improved in practical, measurable ways. 
• Experience in or exposure to the higher education sector will be highly regarded, particularly where coupled with consulting, transformation or strategic advisory work.

Additional Information

KordaMentha — Build your future, shape ours

We don’t just hire talent; we invest in it - with support that accelerates your success in every way.

Why Join Us?

• Professional Development: Expert mentorship, tailored training via KordaMentha Business School, study support, and our Accelerate program for Analysts to Associate Directors — build your brand, expand your network, and gain strategic insights from senior leaders

• Flexibility: We champion work/life integration with options that fit your lifestyle.
• Career Growth: Merit-based promotions, secondments, and opportunities to work alongside senior leaders on impactful projects.
• Leave That Works for You: Buy extra leave and access volunteer, generous parental leave and career break options.
• Culture & Connection: Social events, cultural celebrations, and our bi-ennial black-tie ball.
• Family Support: Flexible parental leave, return-to-work support through our partner GracePapers, and resources for every stage of family life.
• Health & Wellbeing: Inclusive wellness initiatives and confidential and industry leading EAP for you and your family.
  
  This isn’t just a job — it’s a place where your ambitions are nurtured, your wellbeing is valued, and your contributions celebrated. Ready to shape your future with us?

Recruitment and Search Firms:

While your interest is appreciated, KordaMentha does not take responsibility or accept charges for unsolicited approaches.

At KordaMentha, we believe there is strength in difference. Our entrepreneurial spirit expands the possibilities for action. We approach situations, challenges, and opportunities with optimism, curiosity, and diversity of thought. We seek novel solutions to problems and encourage unconventional and innovative approaches. 

Our team's diverse skillsets, backgrounds and experiences fuel KordaMentha's different mindset. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply, recognising that talent and potential extend beyond traditional qualifications. Our selection process values diverse perspectives and considers each applicant's unique strengths and capabilities.