Senior Manager, People Experience

• Deliver transformational programs that shape culture, unlock talent and enhance the employee experience.
• Collaborate with senior leaders and lead a high-performing team to translate people strategy into meaningful outcomes.
• Apply exceptional program management expertise to deliver University wide initiatives that create measurable value and lasting impact.

Be challenged and imagine with us

At the University of Newcastle, our people are central to achieving our strategic aspirations. Through our Looking Ahead Strategic Plan, we are focused on creating an environment where our people can thrive, grow and make a meaningful contribution to our future.

We are seeking an accomplished Senior Manager; People Experience to lead a portfolio of strategic employee experience and organisational development initiatives that will help shape the University's future workforce and culture.

As a key leadership role within Human Resource Services (HRS), you will translate the University's People Enabling Plan into meaningful programs and initiatives that enhance the employee experience, strengthen organisational capability and support our broader strategic objectives.

Leading a team of Organisational Development and Project Specialists, you will bring together strategic thinking, workforce insights and effective program management to drive initiatives from concept through to implementation and evaluation.

In this role you will:

• Lead the development and delivery of a portfolio of university-wide employee experience and organisational development programs aligned with the University's strategic priorities.
• Provide strategic advice and insights to senior leaders on organisational development, workforce trends, employee experience and opportunities for cultural transformation.
• Drive initiatives that strengthen leadership capability, talent management, succession planning, performance development, career pathways, mentoring and internal mobility.
• Lead the University's employee experience measurement and insights program, using employee surveys, HR metrics and workforce analytics to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Oversee university-wide recognition initiatives, including the Excellence Awards and Celebrating Success programs.
• Lead, develop and inspire a specialist team, fostering collaboration, accountability, continuous improvement and high-quality program delivery.
• Build strong partnerships across the University and externally, leveraging research, benchmarking and emerging sector trends to inform innovative people initiatives.

About you

You are a strategic and engaging people leader with a strong background in organisational development, employee experience and strategic HR program delivery. You bring the ability to see the bigger picture while translating complex people strategies into practical initiatives that deliver measurable outcomes.

You are confident building collaborative relationships and leading multidisciplinary teams through complex programs of work. With a strong understanding of contemporary people practices, organisational culture and change management, you use evidence, insights and innovation to identify opportunities and drive meaningful improvement.

This continuing role is full time at a HEW 9 Higher Education Worker Level and is located at Callaghan Campus.

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

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: 

• A remuneration of $140,791 - $150,846 p.a. + superannuation commensurate with skills and experience
• Excellent employment conditions in line with University of Newcastle professional staff conditions.
• Flexible working arrangements (in line with the University’s Flexible Work Policy)
• 35 hour week
• 17% super and salary packaging
• Additional University Holiday days, generous personal leave and parental leave, annual leave loading and additional purchased leave scheme
• Discounts in private health insurance, gym memberships, software, travel and more
• Wellbeing programs

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’ to reach the University's website, where a copy of the Position Description can be accessed. Please download a copy before commencing your application. 

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 job description demonstrating your qualifications and experience with examples.

To ensure that your application receives full consideration, it's important to structure and address the selection criteria outlined in the application process. This helps us better understand your experience and suitability for the role. We appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to reviewing your application.

Please upload your Cover Letter and response to the requested Criteria as one PDF document.

Your Cover Letter and Response to the Essential Criteria should not exceed 4 pages (approximately 2,000 words).

Applications for this position will only be accepted from those with Australian residency or a valid work permit. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. 

For specific position enquiries, please contact Fiona Williams, Associate Director – People Strategy and Organisational Development 02 40550813 or email Fiona.Williams@newcastle.edu.au

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

Closing date:   Monday 23^rd November 2026 @ 11.59pm AEDST

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. 

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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