Project Manager, People Partnering

UOW; Wollongong City Council; Hybrid; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

35-hour work week

Flexible working arrangements

Job summary

University of Wollongong (UOW) is seeking a transformation-focused Project Manager to lead and deliver strategic people initiatives and embed the new People Partnering Operating Model within a transformed People & Culture function. You will co-design tools, support workforce redesign, and work with People Partners to uplift capability while embedding new ways of working.

The role sits within the People & Culture division, reporting to the Associate Director and Senior People Partners, and

Qualifications

• Experience delivering complex people or organisational change programs.
• Strong expertise in organisational design and workforce analysis.
• Experience overseeing formal consultation processes in industrial or legislative environments.
• Proven ability to scope, sequence and deliver projects aligned to transformation agendas.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver strategic people initiatives to implement the Partnering Operating Model.
• Co-design tools and frameworks for the People Partnering function.
• Support workforce redesign and formal consultation processes.
• Uplift capability and embed new ways of working across teams.

Skills

Change management

Org design

Workforce analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Governance

Transformation delivery

Job description

Make an impact at the University of Wollongong (UOW) - a purpose-driven institution ranked in the top 1% of universities globally.

About the Role

Working closely with the Associate Director and Senior People Partners, you will lead and actively deliver strategic people initiatives to implement and embed the new People Partnering Operating Model within a transformed People & Culture function.

This is not a traditional project management role. You will play a hands-on role in shaping and building the Partnering model - co-designing tools and frameworks, supporting workforce redesign and formal consultation processes, and working alongside People Partners to uplift capability and embed new ways of working.

Bringing structure, insight and forward visibility to the people change pipeline, you will apply best practice change approaches within a complex industrial and legislative environment - ensuring change is not just delivered, but sustained.

About the Team

This is a 12-month fixed-term opportunity for an experienced Project Manager to provide specialist expertise in project and operating model delivery, organisational design, and change management during a significant period of transformation at UOW.

The People & Culture division sits within the Vice President Operations portfolio and is responsible for enabling a high-performing, engaged and future-ready workforce across UOW's global footprint.

You will work within the People Partnering and broader P&C team, collaborating closely with Senior People Partners, Workplace Relations, Shared Services, and specialist teams including Culture, Capability & Belonging. The team is currently focused on strengthening ways of working, embedding consistent change methodologies, and supporting enterprise-wide transformation programs - making this a highly visible and impactful role.

What You'll Bring

We are seeking a transformation-focused project professional who brings:

• Demonstrated experience delivering complex people or organisational change programs within large, multifaceted organisations.
• Strong expertise in organisational design, workforce analysis, and change management frameworks.
• Experience overseeing or supporting formal consultation processes within an industrial or legislative environment.
• Proven ability to scope, sequence and deliver projects aligned to broader strategic transformation agendas.
• Strong governance capability, including reporting, risk identification, and executive-level documentation.
• Ability to translate workforce data and insights into practical, sustainable recommendations.
• Experience driving process improvement, simplification, and standardisation across partnering or advisory functions.
• Highly developed stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to collaborate confidently with senior leaders and specialist teams.

Why Join UOW

• 35-hour full-time work week supporting greater balance and flexibility
• Flexible working arrangements and family-friendly policies

Role Details

• Employment type: Fixed-term | Full-time 12 Contract
• Level 10 | Attractive remuneration package available
• Position Description
• Location: Wollongong Campus / Hybrid
• Valid Australian work rights required. Visa sponsorship is not available.

Closing Date: Monday 19th October 2026, 11:55pm

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

The University of Wollongong is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where diversity is valued, respected and celebrated. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve, removes barriers to participation, and provides equitable opportunities for staff to reach their full potential. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people of all gender identities and sexual orientations, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disability, and those with caring or family responsibilities.

As required by federal legislation, prospective employees are required to declare whether they have been investigated for an allegation of Gender based Violence or determined to have engaged in conduct that constitutes Gender based Violence, during their previous employment, or otherwise in a legal process. Any such declaration will be included in the University’s employment screening processes and will be treated with the strictest confidence and in compliance with all privacy legislation.