Senior Manager, Workforce Development & Optimisation

• Full-time continuing role as an experienced Senior Manager, Workforce Development & Optimisation within the University’s ICT department

• Comprehensive range of employee benefits, focusing on work-life balance, financial well-being, health, and career development  

• Offering a competitive remuneration package including 17% superannuation 

Solve by Talent is partnering with the University of Sydney to recruit a Senior Manager, Workforce Development and Optimisation to support the delivery of key Information and Communications Technology program (ICT) initiatives that help shape the future of education, research, and innovation.

Why join the University of Sydney?

Join one of Australia’s leading universities at a pivotal point of change, where technology is evolving to better support student learning, empower teaching excellence, and enable research delivery at global scale.

ICT is central to delivering the University’s academic mission. Working across faculties, disciplines, and research communities, you will shape the platforms, services, and partnerships that enable student success, strengthen teaching, and accelerate research impact.

This work spans both the critical services that keep the University running every day and the ongoing improvement of systems and experiences.

With strong investment and clear direction, you’ll operate in a large and complex environment where your contribution has visible, meaningful impact across the University.

You’ll collaborate across academic and professional communities to help shape a more connected and capable University, supporting teaching excellence, research impact, and student success.

The opportunity

As Senior Manager, Workforce Development and Optimisation, you’ll lead the strategy that ensures ICT has the right people, skills, and structure to deliver now and into the future.

This is a newly created role with real influence- sitting on the Extended Leadership Team and operating at the intersection of workforce planning, capability development, and operational performance.

You’ll build key initiatives from the ground up, including the ICT graduate program, workforce and capability strategy, and refreshed reporting frameworks. Partnering closely with senior leaders, you’ll bring a strong “people lens” into a technical environment, driving smarter decisions on resourcing, skills, and investment.

What you’ll do

• Define and drive the ICT workforce and capability strategy, aligning skills, capacity, and structure to future demand

• Build and launch the ICT graduate program, creating a sustainable talent pipeline for the function

• Lead training, development, and investment planning to uplift capability across ICT

• Deliver workforce insights and executive reporting to inform strategic decision-making

• Partner with senior leaders to influence workforce planning, resourcing, and organisational design

• Provide expert guidance on EBA, policy, and workforce matters to ensure compliant, effective outcomes

What we’re looking for

• Proven experience in workforce planning and capability strategy within complex ICT environments

• Strong understanding of EBA, HR policy, and workforce compliance requirements

• Ability to influence and engage senior stakeholders across technical teams

• Experience building or evolving workforce programs, frameworks, or strategies

• Strong analytical capability with experience using workforce data and reporting

• Excellent written communication skills, with experience preparing executive-level materials

What’s in it for you?

At the University of Sydney, we support our staff with a range of benefits designed to enhance your career, wellbeing and work-life balance, including:

• Up to 17% superannuation to support your financial future

• Extremely generous parental leave entitlements.

• Competitive salary with salary packaging options

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements

• Career development and learning opportunities

• Health and wellbeing programs including Fitness Passport

• Access to a vibrant, globally recognised university community

How to apply 

If you’re looking for an opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects while building your career in a world-class university environment, we would love to hear from you. 

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.   

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday  account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard.  Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply. 

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Holly Fitzgerald, holly.fitzgerald @sydney.edu.au  

Accessibility and inclusion 

The University of Sydney is committed to creating an inclusive recruitment experience for all candidates. If you require adjustments or additional support at any stage of the recruitment process, we encourage you to let us know. 

This may include adjustments to the interview format, additional time, breaks, accessible interview locations, receiving materials in advance, or any other practical support that will help you participate comfortably. 

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia 

Work Rights: you must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment. 

Pre-employment checks 

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment. 

EEO statement  

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence  and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion , evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People , women , people living with a disability , people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds , and those who identify as LGBTIQ+ . We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.  

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Gold employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion .   

© The University of Sydney 

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment. 

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

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