Senior Manager, Delivery and Innovation

Be challenged and imagine with us

Digital Technology Solutions (DTS) is seeking a Senior Manager, Delivery and Innovation to lead the rapid development and delivery of innovative digital solutions that address immediate and emerging challenges across the University.

This is an opportunity to work at the intersection of technology, innovation and business transformation, partnering with teams across the University to understand their challenges, identify opportunities and rapidly turn ideas into tangible outcomes.

The role will have a strong focus on rapidly developing innovative digital solutions, including applications and AI agents, to address business challenges, reduce administrative burden and improve service delivery.

You’ll focus on the problem that needs to be solved, determine the most appropriate solution and rapidly take ideas from concept and prototype through to pilot and implementation.

In this role, you will:

• Lead the rapid identification, development and delivery of innovative solutions to complex business challenges.
• Partner with academic and professional areas to understand pain points, explore opportunities and co-design practical solutions.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams to rapidly prototype, test, pilot and implement new solutions.
• Explore how emerging technologies, including AI and AI agents, can improve processes and deliver better outcomes.
• Establish effective approaches for experimentation and rapid delivery while ensuring appropriate governance, risk management and cyber security.
• Evaluate pilots and prototypes to determine their business value, scalability and potential pathway to longer-term solutions.
• Provide strategic and operational advice to senior leaders and governance groups.
• Champion agile ways of working, innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement across DTS and the broader University.

These responsibilities align with the position's accountability for strategic delivery and innovation, including emerging technology, pilots and proof-of-concepts, rapid execution, experimentation and the evaluation of scalable solutions.

What we're looking for

You will be an innovative and pragmatic leader who enjoys working in environments where priorities and technologies are constantly evolving. You'll be comfortable moving between strategy and delivery and working with stakeholders to turn sometimes loosely defined problems into achievable outcomes.

You'll bring:

• Experience leading complex technology projects, programs or strategic initiatives in large and diverse organisations.
• A strong track record of leading multidisciplinary teams and delivering outcomes through agile and collaborative approaches.
• Experience applying project management, agile delivery and continuous improvement methodologies.
• The ability to build strong relationships and influence stakeholders across organisational boundaries.
• Outstanding communication, consultation and facilitation skills.
• The ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining momentum and a strong focus on outcomes.
• An interest in emerging technology and its practical application to business challenges.

These attributes reflect the essential criteria in the position description, including complex technology delivery, multidisciplinary leadership, agile methodologies, stakeholder influence and managing competing priorities.

Experience applying emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, to improve business or educational outcomes will be highly regarded.

This fixed term role is full time until December 2028 at a HEW 9 and is located at Callaghan Campus (Awabakal land).

About our University

The University of Newcastle stands as a global leader distinguished by a commitment to equity and excellence. Our vision is to be a world-leading University for our regions and creating a better future for our regions and the globe. Underpinned by this vision and our values of excellence, equity, engagement and sustainability, the University of Newcastle’s Looking Ahead Strategic Plan 2030 outlines the University’s commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience and serving our communities. 

For more information click here – Our University. 

What we offer

The remuneration for this position is Higher Education Worker Level 9 +17% superannuation and is commensurate with skills and experience. 

In addition to working for a university that is breaking boundaries, discovering new ways of thinking and cementing a place as a global leader, we offer a range of benefits to our employees to ensure you balance your commitments, stay healthy and work effectively. 

These include: 

• Flexible working arrangements (in line with the University’s Flexible Work Policy
• 35 hour week
• Discounts on private health insurance, gym memberships, software, travel and more.
• A range of support and wellbeing programs.

For more information on benefits and conditions, please follow this link.

Your next steps 

Please visit here for a guide on how to apply for a role. 

• If viewing this on a job board other than the University's please click ‘Apply’ (or equivalent) to reach the University's website, where a copy of the Position Description can be accessed. Please download a copy from the Related Documents section before commencing your application.
• Applications for this position will only be accepted from those with Australian residency or a valid work permit.

Your application must include: 

• Your resume
• A cover letter outlining your motivation to apply for this opportunity
• A statement addressing the Essential Criteria listed in the Position Description demonstrating your qualifications and experience with examples.

Please upload your Cover Letter and response to the requested Criteria as one PDF document. This document should not exceed 4 pages.

Our assessment process

Typically, candidates that progress beyond the shortlist stage can expect to undertake the following (minimum) assessment activities as part of the recruitment process:

• Interview (an ‘in person’ interview will be conducted as part of the process)
• Referee checks
• Pre-employment checks as appropriate to the role

Our University is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for every member of our community. This commitment is central to our values and our efforts to build a diverse workforce where everyone can thrive.

As part of this, and in alignment with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence 2025, from 1 January 2026, the University will also consider gender-based violence risk factors as part of our recruitment processes.

The completion and return of the University’s Gender-based Violence Declaration Form will form part of the pre-employment checks for this position and any offer of employment will be conditional upon review by the University.

Our adherence to the Code is about more than compliance—it’s about living our values. Together, we can ensure our University remains a place where respect, safety, and inclusion are non-negotiable.

Contact Us

For specific position enquiries, please contact Luke Shaw, Senior Manager Service and Engagement on (02) 4921 7148 or via email: Luke.Shaw@newcastle.edu.au

Having technical difficulties? Please reach out to us: employment@newcastle.edu.au

Please note, we do not accept email applications.

Closing date: Sunday, 18 October 2026 11:59pm

We are excited to be Looking Ahead with you

We are committed to a fair, inclusive, and barrier-free recruitment process. If you require an alternative way to access the Position Description or submit your application, please contact employment@newcastle.edu.au.

Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the assessment and interview process to support all applicants to participate fully.

The University of Newcastle is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity, and social inclusion. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and strongly encourage women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates to apply.

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