National HR Business Partner

Australian Research Data Commons (ARDC)

Location: Melbourne
Employment Type: Fixed Term to 30 June 2028
Reports to: Chief Operating Officer

About the ARDC

The Australian Research Data Commons (ARDC) is Australia's leading research data infrastructure, funded by the Australian Commonwealth Government through the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS). We partner with the research community and industry to build leading-edge digital research infrastructure, providing Australian researchers with competitive advantage through data.

At the ARDC, we're accelerating Australian research and innovation by driving excellence in the creation, analysis and retention of high-quality data assets. We're committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, fostering an organisational culture that values individual differences and treats all people with respect, dignity and equity.

Our organisational values guide everything we do: Ambition, Focus, Collaboration, Flexibility, Transparency.

The Opportunity

We're seeking an experienced National HR Business Partner to develop and lead a fit-for-purpose HR function for the ARDC. This is a unique opportunity to shape the people strategy for one of Australia's leading research data infrastructures.

Working closely with the Chief Operating Officer and our network of host institutions across Australia, you'll lead transformational projects involving staff culture, engagement and system implementation, while providing hands-on oversight of day-to-day human resource operations.

This role offers the chance to build effective partnerships with ARDC leadership, delivering contemporary people solutions that support our innovative operating model. You'll be at the forefront of developing dynamic workforce plans, talent management strategies, and sustainable people solutions that drive organisational success.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership:

Develop and embed an effective people strategy for the ARDC, including frameworks and solutions aligned with environmental trends

Lead organisational change initiatives with fit-for-purpose solutions, demonstrating empathy for individuals navigating change

Translate complex organisational issues into clear, actionable objectives

Operational Excellence:

Ensure compliance across all HR policies, processes and systems

Lead the complete employee lifecycle, including recruitment oversight across all ARDC roles

Provide expert HR and WHS advice to the Senior Leadership Team to mitigate organisational risk

Stakeholder Management:

Oversee industrial relations matters and build positive employee relations across the ARDC network

Manage complex stakeholder issues with innovative, practical solutions

Influence leaders to create an environment where staff feel valued, included and motivated to achieve organisational priorities

Service Delivery:

Deliver comprehensive people and culture services including organisational development, performance management, remuneration, workplace relations, wellbeing and recruitment

Work in partnership with host institutions' HR teams across Australia

What We're Looking For

Education & Experience:

Degree with relevant experience, OR extensive specialist HR expertise, OR equivalent combination of experience and education/training

Proven expertise managing significant human resources within NFP environments (Universities, Publicly Funded Research Agencies, Medical Research Institutes, or Collaborative Research Centres)

Essential Skills:

Experience providing high-level, complex HR advice to senior managers through meaningful relationship building

Knowledge of contemporary HR People & Culture practices with ability to facilitate strategic thinking and future-focused solutions

Strong problem-solving skills with ability to identify issues and recommend innovative resolution strategies

Experience developing, reviewing and applying HR policies, programs and practices

Key Competencies:

Exceptional written and oral communication, interpersonal and presentation skills

Outstanding organisational and time management abilities, with capacity to prioritise and perform under pressure

Strong interpersonal skills with ability to build productive relationships across diverse stakeholders

Proven consultation, negotiation and collaboration skills in team environments

Why Join the ARDC?

Impact: Shape the future of Australian research data infrastructure

Innovation: Work at the cutting edge of research technology and data science

Flexibility: National role with collaborative approach across host institutions

Growth: Opportunity to build and lead a contemporary HR function from the ground up

Culture: Join an organisation committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and transparent values

Purpose: Contribute to accelerating Australian research and innovation

Ready to Lead People Excellence in Research?

If you're passionate about developing people strategies that drive organisational success and want to make a meaningful impact in Australia's research landscape, we want to hear from you.

Applications should include:

Cover letter addressing the key selection criteria

Current resume

The ARDC is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disabilities, and those from culturally diverse backgrounds.

On offer is a 3-year fixed-term contract until 30 June 2028 with a competitive remuneration package depending on the successful candidate’s skills and experience. This role is based in our Melbourne office.

To find out more about this exciting role or to review the position description, please click here: https://tinyurl.com/3y3wzjxs

Matt Dailey, Chief Operating Officer, via email at [email protected]

Applications close on Friday 29th August 2025, 11:59 pm AEST

No agencies please