Director Workforce Compliance and Payroll

We are seeking a highly accountable and analytical leader to take on the newly created role of Director, Payroll and Workforce Compliance within People and Wellbeing.

Reporting directly to the Chief People Officer, this is a pivotal leadership opportunity to shape a critical University function in a time of significant transformation for the Higher Education sector. This role will lead the transition from historical remediation to sustainable, future-focused compliance practice, fostering a culture that is detail-oriented, solutions-focused, and committed to continuous improvement.  

As Director, Payroll and Workforce Compliance you will provide strategic and operational leadership across three interconnected functions, Payroll and Benefits, Systems and Reporting and Workforce Compliance. As the University’s primary authority and single point of accountability for employment and pay compliance, you’ll ensure our obligations under legislation, industrial instruments, and regulatory frameworks are met with rigour, integrity and precision. 

This role will be central to strengthening the University’s compliance maturity and reputation. You will work closely with the Chief People Officer, People Leadership Team, and senior stakeholders across Workplace Relations, Legal and Risk, and Finance. You will also act as a key interface with governance bodies, including the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee and University Council, as well as external regulators such as the Fair Work Ombudsman, ATO and UniSuper. 

Success in this role will require a leader who is both highly analytical and deeply pragmatic — someone who can interrogate complex information, distil it into clear and actionable insight, and communicate with confidence across both technical and senior cohorts. You will bring a strong sense of accountability, and the courage to challenge, influence and drive innovation in how this critical work is delivered. 

We are seeking a candidate with deep expertise in payroll and employment compliance, including:

• A track record of building and leading high-performing specialist teams, upholding accountability, capability development, relentless problem-solving and continuous improvement 
• Comprehensive knowledge of employment legislation and regulatory frameworks, including the Fair Work Act, National Employment Standards, superannuation and long service leave across multiple jurisdictions
• Proven ability to provide authoritative advice and reporting to senior leadership and governance bodies, with confidence engaging external regulators and managing compliance obligations 
• Strong analytical capability, with experience interrogating complex data, overseeing audits and investigations, and driving root cause resolution.  
• Extensive exposure to HR Information Systems (including systems implementation) and technical expertise in payroll delivery. 

This is a career-defining opportunity to take full ownership of a critical function — leading with integrity, clarity and purpose, and shaping how the University delivers sustainable, high-quality payroll and workforce compliance outcomes into the future. You’ll also have access to an array of staff benefits and discounts including: 

• 26 Weeks paid parental leave for primary care givers
• 17% Superannuation contribution 
• Health and fitness membership options 
• Accommodation and Car Hire discounts 
• Health Insurance and Banking 
• Novated Leasing 

At the University of Tasmania, we have mission to make a difference for Tasmania, and from Tasmania. With our unique location and complex history, we have both an obligation and opportunity to make a global contribution. We focus on building a workplace culture where we come together in a way that empowers us all to connect, belong and grow. The University is one of the largest employers in our State, with campuses in three distinct regions: Hobart, Launceston, and Burnie. We also have a specialised health campus in Sydney. We strive to stimulate economic growth, lift literacy, improve health outcomes for Tasmania and nurture our environment as it nurtures us. We welcome enquiring minds, from near and far, to join us in our pursuit of the extraordinary.  

People are at the heart of everything we do. Our vision is to ensure that our people feel encouraged and supported to bring their whole selves to work. Fostering diversity and inclusion is our key priority, supporting our communities to come together in ways that empower connection, learning, belonging and growth. Celebrating the strengths that diversity brings will enable us to achieve our vision and mission. Applications are encouraged from all sectors of the community. Tell us how we can make this job work for you. 

If this role is of interest, we look forward to hearing from you. 

• Please provide your up-to-date resume  
• Cover letter (maximum 1 page) outlining your suitability and motivation for the role 

For further information about this position, please contact anastasia.tierney@utas.edu.au   

Applications close Sunday 07 June at 11.55pm. 

To be eligible for this position, you are required to have Australian citizenship, permanent residence or a current valid visa that allows you to fulfill the requirements of this role. 

As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive workplace, employment history and police checks may be conducted as part of the selection process.