Be challenged and imagine with us Are you an experienced leader with a strong background in people and operational management? The University of Newcastle is seeking a Manager, HDR Program Support and Systems to lead a high-performing team responsible for supporting Higher Degree by Research candidates throughout their candidature from enrolment through to examination and completion.

Reporting to the Director, Graduate Research, you will provide expert leadership across compliance, reporting and process and systems improvement while influencing strategic decision-making across the University. Leading a team of nine staff, you will build strong stakeholder relationships, drive continuous improvement and use data and insights to support research excellence and an outstanding candidate experience.

If you are a collaborative leader with strong analytical capability, good judgement and experience leading teams and a passion for improving services, we invite you to join a team shaping the future of graduate research.

In this role you will:

Lead and develop a team of nine staff delivering graduate research operational services.

Oversee Higher Degree by Research candidature operations, reporting, compliance and recruitment activities.

Provide expert advice to senior leaders on analytics, forecasting, financial management and emerging issues.

Prepare and deliver strategic reports, briefings, forecasts and performance insights.

Lead complex projects and continuous improvement initiatives that enhance systems and services.

Monitor compliance with University and external regulatory requirements.

Build strong partnerships with Schools, Colleges and stakeholders across the University.

Drive data quality,



reporting accuracy and evidence-based decision making.

Support recruitment planning through data analysis, benchmarking and forecasting.

Contribute to the strategic direction of Graduate Research and act on behalf of senior leaders when required.

This is a full-time, 12-month fixed-term position, and will be located at the Callaghan Campus (Awabakal and Worimi land).

How will you inspire us? You will:

Bring proven experience leading and developing high-performing teams.

Build trusted relationships and influence stakeholders across a complex organisation.

Use data, analytics and reporting to drive informed decision making and continuous improvement.

Lead strategic projects from concept through to successful implementation.

Communicate complex information clearly to a range of audiences.

Identify opportunities to improve systems, processes and service delivery.

Balance operational priorities while maintaining a strategic focus.

Foster a team-oriented, inclusive and high-performing team culture.

Demonstrate sound judgement, initiative and a commitment to excellence.

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 create a better future for our regions and the globe.



Underpinned by this vision are our values of excellence, equity, engagement and sustainability.

What we offer The remuneration for this position is Higher Education Worker Level 8 ($120,677-$140,791) +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:

17% super and salary packaging.

Additional University Holiday days, generous personal, life, and parental leave, annual leave loading, and additional purchased leave scheme.

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.

Our assessment process Typical 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 protected, 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-Ba

📌 Manager, HDR Program Support and Systems (Newcastle)
🏢 The University Of Newcastle
📍 Newcastle