Practice Design and Improvement Lead

University of Adelaide; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 135,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

17% superannuation

Job summary

University of Adelaide invites applications for a full-time fixed-term role based in City West. Lead the design and implementation of pay accuracy and entitlement practices to strengthen compliance and reduce underpayments.

You will head the Practice Design and Improvement workstream, guiding a team to build operating models, frameworks and end-to-end processes that deliver accurate payments and sustainable improvements across the employee lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Leading business transformation initiatives within a complex organisation.
• Translating compliance, audit or remediation findings into improvements.
• Leading large-scale process redesign and implementation programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead use-case design and end-to-end pay accuracy improvements.
• Oversee operating model design, controls, and governance.
• Collaborate with Payroll, HR, IT and senior leaders to embed sustainable changes.

Skills

Leading transformation

Translating compliance findings

Process redesign

Payroll/HR collaboration

Stakeholder engagement

Cross-functional projects

Delivery of Improvement workstream

Job description

• Based in People & Culture at City West
• Full-time, fixed term contract until 30 September 2028
• Salary Range: $135,226 - $144,672 per annum (plus 17% superannuation)

At Adelaide University, we create the opportunities you need to achieve your ambitions – because when you thrive, we thrive.

We are transforming education for contemporary learners and global citizens. Building on a proud legacy and shaped by bold ambition, it’s a place of excellence and equity, where our vibrant community of staff are united by our purpose to inspire Australia’s future change-makers and create a better tomorrow.

Workthat matters

Lead the design and implementation of future-state pay accuracy and entitlement practices that strengthen compliance and help prevent future underpayments across Adelaide University. As the leader of the Practice Design and Improvement workstream, you will lead a team focused on continuous improvement, operating model design and end-to-end process transformation, turning audit, remediation and discovery findings into practical, sustainable solutions. You will drive the development of frameworks, standards, controls and processes that support accurate payment outcomes and embed stronger practices into business-as-usual operations.

Curious to learn more? Explore the full role description above to discover more about this opportunity.

The team

Join a team delivering meaningful outcomes for our people. In this role, you will partner with business leaders, Payroll, Employee Relations, HR and IT to deliver complex process and system improvements across the employee lifecycle, with an initial focus on high-risk employment arrangements and payment practices.

Visit the AU website to learn moreabout People & Culture.

Our people

Our people are guided by purpose, curiosity and a commitment to lifelong learning. We embrace authenticity, innovation and collaboration, and harness diverse thinking in our pursuit of excellence.

This role is perfect for someone who thrives on leading complex transformation and continuous improvement, with a strong understanding of process design, operating models and compliance. You’ll be skilled at turning audit, remediation and risk findings into practical, sustainable improvements, and confident working across people, process and technology. If you’re a strong stakeholder manager who can influence senior leaders and lead large-scale change, you’ll be well suited to this opportunity.

Learn more about our people, what we stand for and what we offer at Careers at AU.

Experience

Tojoin our community and thrive in this role,you will likely havethe following skills and experience:

• Leading business transformation, operating model design or continuous improvement initiatives within a complex organisation.
• Demonstrated experience translating compliance, audit or remediation findings into sustainable operational improvements.
• Proven ability to lead large-scale process redesign and implementation programs.
• Working with payroll, workforce management, HR or related compliance environments.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, including working with senior leaders.
• Experience managing cross-functional projects involving technology, people and process change.
• Delivery of a Practice Design and Improvement workstream, ensuring governance, reporting, risk management and implementation activities achieve sustainable and measurable outcomes.

Ourcommitment to inclusionand diversity

We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion where diversity iscelebratedand everyone feels respected and valued.Adelaide University isanequal opportunityemployer,committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and equitable workplace where everyone can thrive. Westrongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, and people of allages,genders,cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations, andgender identities. We are committed to supporting flexible workingarrangementsand providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

Launch your futurewith Adelaide Universitynow

For further information about this opportunity, please contact (quoting reference number 493579):

Jessica De Lorenzo
Team Lead, Talent Acquisitions
[phone] | [e-mail]

Applications welcomed from Australian or NZ citizens, Australian permanent residents and those who have the legal right to work in Australia for the term of appointment.