- Shape workforce confidence in a values-driven university
- Newly created role to build compliance and capability
- Build trusted frameworks with lasting organisational impact

Australian Catholic University (ACU) is one of Australia's leading national universities, employing approximately 4,000 staff (including casuals) across multiple campuses and locations. As the university continues to strengthen its workforce governance, compliance and assurance capability, an exceptional opportunity has arisen to establish and lead a newly created People Compliance & Assurance function.

Reporting directly to the Chief People Officer, this is a rare opportunity to establish and lead a strategically important capability that will influence workforce governance, compliance, assurance and organisational confidence across a complex and diverse national university. You will play a critical role in embedding sustainable frameworks, improving organisational capability and supporting long-term institutional success, while contributing to the ongoing success of a values-led national organisation.

Ideally based in North Sydney, this role will also serve as a visible People & Capability leader working with others to foster a connected, engaged and collaborative People & Capability function while contributing to a positive, high-performing and connected workplace culture.

Created as ACU transitions a significant wage compliance program into a sustainable business-as-usual operating model, the remit extends well beyond wage compliance. This role will establish and embed the frameworks, governance, controls and assurance practices that underpin a highly effective People & Capability function. You will partner closely with senior leaders across the university, providing expert advice, driving organisational improvement, and ensuring confidence in governance, compliance and workforce-related decision-making.





This opportunity will appeal to a leader who enjoys solving complex problems, building trusted relationships, influencing outcomes and designing practical solutions that deliver lasting organisational impact. Success will rely on your ability to influence without authority and deliver through collaboration. In return, you will have the chance to leave a genuine legacy by embedding sustainable governance, assurance and compliance capability across a nationally significant institution. Key Responsibilities include:

- Lead the successful embedding of ACU's wage compliance program into an enduring business-as-usual compliance and assurance framework.?14/li>
- Design, embed and continuously improve workforce compliance, governance, assurance and risk management frameworks across People & Capability.
- Lead the preparation of executive papers, governance submissions and committee reporting while supporting executive decision-making and institutional accountability.

The Leader We Seek

Leaders operating at Director, Associate Director or equivalent level within higher education, healthcare, public sector or other complex and highly regulated environments will be highly regarded. You will bring experience across HR, workforce compliance, employment relations, governance, risk, assurance or workforce transformation. Experience with Fair Work obligations, employment compliance and workforce governance is advantageous; however, we are equally interested in leaders who bring strong governance, process improvement, data,



assurance or compliance expertise and can apply those capabilities within a complex People & Capability environment.

What will truly set you apart is your style. You are a collaborative and credible leader who builds trusted relationships and works effectively across diverse stakeholder groups. You understand how to balance governance and compliance requirements with practical operational outcomes and are comfortable navigating complex environments where influence, consultation and stakeholder engagement are critical.

Importantly, you are a practical leader who enjoys turning ideas into action. You can balance strategic thinking with execution, design and embed improved ways of working, and connect the dots across data, risk, governance and compliance. Exceptional written communication skills, executive reporting capability, and the ability to engage confidently with senior leaders, committees, regulators and external stakeholders will be critical to your success.

Location

North Sydney is the preferred location for this role; however, outstanding Melbourne-based candidates will also be considered.

Application process

This search will remain open for several weeks; however, applications will be reviewed throughout the process so interested candidates are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

To receive a Candidate Information Package, please visit https://www.ontalent.com.au/acu-ad-peoplecomplianceandassurance/ for this opportunity, or to schedule a briefing conversation, please contact Donna Bliss on 07 3305 5818 or Jevon Seah on 07 3305 5806.

Applications Close: Sunday 6 September 2026, 11:59 pm

ACU is not accepting applications through this application portal.

Learn more about Athena Swan

Establish and lead a strategically important capability that will influence workforce governance, compliance, assurance and organisational confidence across a complex national university.

📌 Associate Director, People Compliance and Assurance (Australia)
🏢 Australian Catholic University
📍 Australia