About The Opportunity
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, the 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.
What's Required
* A track record of building and leading high‐performing specialist teams, upholding accountability, capability development, relentless problem‐solving and continuous improvement
* Comprehensive knowledge of employment legislation and regulatory frameworks, including the Fair Work Act, National Employment Standards, superannuation and long service leave across multiple jurisdictions
* Proven ability to provide authoritative advice and reporting to senior leadership and governance bodies, with confidence engaging external regulators and managing compliance obligations
* Strong analytical capability, with experience interrogating complex data, overseeing audits and investigations, and driving root cause resolution
* Extensive exposure to HR Information Systems (including systems implementation) and technical expertise in payroll delivery
Benefits
This is a career‐defining opportunity to take full ownership of a critical function – leading with integrity, clarity and purpose, and shaping how the University delivers sustainable, high‐quality payroll and workforce compliance outcomes into the future. You'll also have access to an array of staff benefits and discounts.
* 26 weeks paid parental leave for primary caregivers
* 17% superannuation contribution
* Health and fitness membership options
* Accommodation and car hire discounts
* Health insurance and banking
* Novated leasing
Applications close Sunday 07 June at 11:55pm.
We welcome applications from all sectors of the community.
To be eligible for this position, you are required to have Australian citizenship, permanent residence or a current valid visa that allows you to fulfill the requirements of this role.
As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive workplace, employment history and police checks may be conducted as part of the selection process. For further information about this position, please contact anastasia.tierney@utas.edu.au.
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