* Shape people strategy across a bold, growing university.
* Lead complex ER and change to lift performance and culture.
* Partner with leaders to build capability and real‑world impact.
Western Sydney University is a modern, world‑class institution located in the heart of Australia's fastest growing and most economically significant region. With nearly 50,000 students, approximately 3,500 staff, and a network of campuses across Greater Western Sydney, Vietnam, and Indonesia, we are proud to be ranked among the top two per cent of universities globally.
This is your opportunity to be part of something bigger. By joining Western Sydney University, you become a valued member of our community. As our region changes, so too does our university. Western is boldly different, energetic, global, diverse, dynamic, and youthful.
Our mission is to deliver student success, impactful research, and stronger communities. As part of our team, you will have a stake in shaping the future of education, broadening horizons, and changing lives. Making a difference starts at Western.
The Opportunity
Reporting to the Executive Director, Employment Experience, you will be a trusted strategic partner to the University’s senior leadership. In this pivotal role, you move beyond operational delivery to provide expert guidance across the full spectrum of people and culture, ensuring workforce strategies directly enable our organisational goals.
Lead the design and implementation of bespoke strategic people plans that align with University‑wide priorities and portfolio‑specific objectives. Leverage deep HR expertise and data‑driven insights to anticipate workforce trends, diagnose complex challenges, and co‑design solutions that drive performance, engagement and inclusion.
As the subject matter expert, navigate complex people matters, from organisational design and change management to employee relations, translating detailed requirements into sustainable outcomes. Champion continuous improvement in HR service delivery, ensuring alignment with best practice while contributing to University‑wide initiatives that enhance the employee experience.
This is a full‑time, ongoing position based at our Hawkesbury and Parramatta South campuses, with hybrid working arrangements available.
Please refer to the Position Description for further information.
About You
We are looking for a contemporary, trusted people leader who brings courage, integrity and a partnership mindset. You thrive in complex environments, simplify the path forward, and deliver pragmatic solutions that lift performance, culture and employee experience.
You will bring:
* Postgraduate qualifications in Human Resources, Business, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and education/training.
* Proven capability in workforce planning, organisational development, and change leadership.
* Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and translate insights into action.
* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and credibility across diverse stakeholder groups.
* Experience in the higher education sector and enterprise agreement environments
* Continuous improvement and service design experience
Why Join Us?
At Western Sydney University, you will be part of an institution that is deeply connected to its community and globally recognised for excellence and impact.
We offer:
* Opportunities for professional growth and development within a world‑class institution.
* A unique opportunity to lead and shape a critical function, elevating People & Culture as a strategic enabler across the University.
* The chance to drive cultural transformation and build high‑performing, inclusive teams that bring our "Putting our people first" priority to life.
Remuneration Package
HEW Level 9 $159,739 to $170,588 p.a. (comprising Salary of $134,981 to $144,149 p.a., plus Superannuation and Leave Loading).
Position Enquiries
Please direct specific enquiries regarding the role to Matthew Bond, Executive Director, Business Partnering and Workplace Relations via ************@westernsydney.edu.au.
Recruitment Enquiries
Enquiries or issues with your application may be directed to the Talent Acquisition Team via ***************@westernsydney.edu.au.
Closing Date
11:59pm, Sunday 18th January 2026.
Working Rights in Australia - Eligibility
You must provide evidence of your full‑time working rights in Australia at time of application.
Please note that only applications submitted via the University’s online recruitment system will be considered.
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