Job Description
We are seeking a highly accountable and analytical leader to take on the newly created role of Director, Payroll and Workforce Compliance within People and Wellbeing. Reporting directly to the Chief People Officer, this is a pivotal leadership opportunity to shape a critical University function in a time of significant transformation for the Higher Education sector. This role will lead the transition from historical remediation to sustainable, future-focused compliance practice, fostering a culture that is detail-oriented, solutions-focused, and committed to continuous improvement. As Director, Payroll and Workforce Compliance you will provide strategic and operational leadership across three interconnected functions, Payroll and Benefits, Systems and Reporting and Workforce Compliance. As the University’s primary authority and single point of accountability for employment and pay compliance, you’ll ensure our obligations under legislation, industrial instruments, and regulatory frameworks are met with rigour, integrity and precision. This role will be central to strengthening the University’s compliance maturity and reputation. You will work closely with the Chief People Officer, People Leadership Team, and senior stakeholders across Workplace Relations, Legal and Risk, and Finance. You will also act as a key interface with governance bodies, including the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee and University Council, as well as external regulators such as the Fair Work Ombudsman, ATO and UniSuper. Success in this role will require a leader who is both highly analytical and deeply pragmatic — someone who can interrogate complex information, distil it into clear and actionable insight, and communicate with confidence across both technical and senior cohorts. You will bring a strong sense of accountability, and the courage to challenge, influence and drive innovation in how this critical work is delivered.
