Strategic Business Partner, People and Culture

People and Culture

· Fixed-term, full-time parental leave replacement until 17 October 2026. The temporary role can be offered as a fixed- term appointment (external applicants) or as a secondment opportunity (UNE current staff).

· $ 128,529 to $ 137,444 per annum (HEO9)

· Plus 17% employer superannuation

· Salary packaging options are available

· 20 days family and domestic violence leave available per annum

· 10 days Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural and ceremonial leave per annum

· 5 weeks annual leave plus Christmas week shutdown, per annum.

· Location: UNE Campus Armidale or Parramatta

· Flexible or hybrid work arrangements available

· Applicants must have appropriate Australian work rights for the duration of this position (UNE will not provide sponsorship for this position)

· Current UNE Staff: In taking up this appointment, please be aware your current fixed term will cease the day prior to you taking this position

Acknowledgement of Country

The University of New England (UNE) is a regionally based, globally networked university renowned for the quality of its student experience and the excellence of its research specialisations. In addition, UNE pioneered teaching to external students making it the most experienced provider of distance and innovative online education.

UNE emphasises its people, staff and students' growth and development. We aspire to be a leader in innovation and change and a centre for the Armidale and the North-West communities.

Equity, diversity and inclusion are central to the core values of UNE and we are committed to engaging, supporting and growing a richly diverse workforce. From the Oorala Aboriginal Centre at the heart of our campus, to the inclusive organisations such as the UNE Ally Network, the UNE Women’s Society, and the many international cultural groups - all will feel valued and respected at UNE.

You will embody the UNE values and strive to be Open, Enquiring, Exceptional and Making a Difference. Additionally, you will be committed to achieving the goals embedded in the Future Fit Strategic Plan 2021-2030.

About the role

The Strategic Business Partner role is responsible for delivering strategic and operational human resources services across the University. As a trusted adviser to both client areas and senior leadership, the role requires advanced human resource expertise and strong business acumen. It provides high-level advice on complex workforce matters, including organisational change, employee relations, and cultural transformation, supporting the University's commitment to effective and sustainable people management.

Operating with a high degree of autonomy, the Strategic Business Partner works closely with university leadership to ensure people strategies align with institutional goals. The role is pivotal in shaping initiatives related to workforce planning, leadership development, and employee engagement, contributing to a high-performing, inclusive, and adaptable organisational culture. Through strong stakeholder partnerships, the position plays a key role in driving continuous improvement and embedding best-practice human resource solutions across the university.

About you

To be successful in this role, you will have:

Qualifications in human resources or a related field and/or extensive experience in a senior human resource role.

Broad generalist human resource expertise with demonstrated experience across workforce strategy, change management, industrial relations, and employee engagement.

High-level strategic thinking, analytical capability, and an innovative approach to human resource solutions.

Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and build relationships at senior levels.

Experience in leading and supporting organisational change initiatives while maintaining staff engagement.

Knowledge of human resource policy development and the application of employment legislation and enterprise agreements.

About People and Culture

The People and Culture Directorate is responsible for developing and implementing strategies that focus on enabling our people to create an engaging and high-performance work culture that delivers an outstanding higher education experience to our students. The Directorate is focused on working in partnership with Faculties and Directorates to deliver strategies, quality services and projects through several primary human resource functions.

About Armidale

Armidale is an attractive and vibrant city that combines all the features of a bustling regional town centre with the tranquility of rural living. It boasts gourmet restaurants and cafes, boutique shopping, quality schools and sporting facilities. Surrounded by mountain gorges, waterfalls and national parks, Armidale’s natural beauty and distinct seasons make it an ideal place to live and thrive. To find out more, visit https://www.visitarmidale.com.au/experience

Enquiries and additional information

To discuss this role please contact Patrick Crick, Associate Director People and Partnership, email: [email protected]

This position is a parental leave replacement and the appointment is subject to the staff member’s leave arrangements. Should the staff member on parental leave vary their return to work arrangements, this contract may be terminated earlier by giving four weeks’ notice.

Current UNE Staff: In taking up this appointment, the appointee will need to seek approval from the Head of Cost Centre to be released from their substantive position for the duration of the secondment.

Closing Date: Midnight, Thursday 17 July 2025

Reference No: 225102

Please visit www.une.edu.au/jobs-at-une for further information about this position and other career opportunities at UNE.

To Apply

Submit your application through www.une.edu.au/jobs-at-une and refer to vacancy ref 225102.

Your application should be comprised of:

i. Covering letter addressing applicant’s suitability for the position based on key functions of the role detailed in the Position Description;

ii. Current CV.

Commitment to Inclusion and Diversity

UNE is committed to building a diverse workforce and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Australians, people with disability, people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, mature age workers and LGBTQIA+ people.

About Our Process

At UNE, we are committed to employing individuals who meet the requirements of this role and align with our values. All applicants will be contacted and advised of an outcome. The successful candidate will be required to undertake pre-employment checks prior to commencing in this role as indicated in the position statement. Please visit our Privacy Statement to understand how your information is collected, stored, accessed and used.

National Police Check

If you are the successful candidate for this role you will be required to provide UNE with a National Police Check prior to your commencement. Please note that people with criminal records are NOT automatically barred from applying for this position (unless there is a particular requirement under law).