Director Workforce Effectiveness​

Victoria University is seeking a visionary HR leader to drive strategic workforce planning and organisational effectiveness across the University. Reporting to the Chief Human Resources Officer, this newly established role will lead a team of Senior HR Business Partners and shape future-focused people strategies aligned with VU's bold 2028 vision.

• Be part of a bold and ambitious strategic plan aiming to be a global leader in dual-sector learning and research by 2028.
• Join a university committed to diversity, inclusion, and Protecting Country.
• Contribute to a thriving, innovative, and future-ready workforce.

About Us:

The People and Culture portfolio delivers integrated, strategic HR solutions through expertise in core services and Centres of Excellence, supporting the University's transformation and evolving workforce needs. A newly established Organisational Effectiveness team, comprising Senior HR Business Partners, plays a key role in workforce capability, succession and talent delivery, and change initiatives aligned with the VU Strategic Plan 2022–2028, enabling the development of a high-quality, diverse, and future-ready workforce.

At Victoria University (VU), our aim is to be a global leader in dual-sector learning and research by 2028. Join us on the journey and help us achieve our strategic drivers embedded in our Strategic Plan : Start well, finish brilliantly. One of the drivers "Thriving place to Study and Work" will enable us to continue to create places that our students and staff love to belong and feel immense pride.
 

About the Role:

The Director Workforce Effectiveness provides strategic leadership across core HR practices, aligning the HR workplan with VU's strategic goals, policies, and compliance frameworks. This role establishes enterprise-wide frameworks for People & Culture engagement and leads a team of Senior HR leaders and subject matter experts to deliver impactful, data-informed solutions in organisational design, workforce planning, and people strategy.

For a copy of the position description, please click here: Position Description - Director Workforce Effectiveness

Key Duties

As part of your role, you'll be responsible to deliver several important initiatives as part of your duties that will include 

Strategic Leadership:

• Lead a newly established Organisational Effectiveness practice within the People & Culture portfolio.
• Drive future-focused workforce strategies, including the integration of AI and emerging technologies.
• Influence enterprise-wide HR planning, design, and delivery aligned with VU's strategic goals.

Impact and Scope:

• Shape the workforce planning, organisational design, and people strategy across the University.
• Lead a team of Senior HR Business Partners and collaborate with other senior HR leaders.
• Act as Deputy CHRO when required.

Innovation and Transformation:

• Champion continuous improvement in HR systems, policies, and practices.
• Embed workforce analytics and performance metrics to inform decision-making.
• Support VU's strategic transformation through agile and resilient workforce initiatives.

Collaboration and Influence:

• Work closely with internal P&C stakeholders and external partners.
• Provide strategic advice and leadership across complex, multi-disciplinary environments.

What you'll bring:

• Proven leadership in strategic HR within complex, multi-disciplinary environments.
• Strong expertise in workforce planning, change management, and operational delivery.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Deep understanding of the HR Business Partner model.
• Strong business acumen and data-informed decision-making.
• Experience in driving continuous improvement and managing health and safety risks.

Application Closing Date: Sunday 2 November 2025, 5:00pm AEST. - This advert may close earlier should a suitable candidate be identified. Early applications are strongly encouraged.

How to Apply:

Applications must be submitted as a single document comprising:

• A cover letter
• Your curriculum vitae/resume
• Your responses addressing all selection criteria located in the position description
• Evidence of applicable qualifications, licences and registration

Why Join Us:

VU provides competitive salaries, excellent superannuation, and a variety of benefits. The university fosters an environment where staff can excel, achieve their goals, and develop their careers. With a focus on diversity, inclusion, and family-friendly policies, VU supports both professional and personal well-being. For more information, please visit our Jobs at VU Webpage

Our Commitment to Protecting Country: 

Victoria University honours its deep diversity as a foundation for collaboration and social progress. We will demonstrate sensitivity in respecting First Nation perspectives. We will ensure that we respect our Indigenous voices and commit to sustainable Protecting Country. We will take leadership responsibility, in all that we do, to improve the health and wellbeing of our local and global communities, and the planet that we share. 

Committed to Inclusive Recruitment

Victoria University is an equal opportunity employer and proudly committed to progressive inclusivity. We welcome and celebrate diversity in all its forms including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, culturally and racially marginalised communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds.

We strive to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and foster a respectful, inclusive, and supportive environment where everyone feels they belong.

If you require adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, including accessible formats of documents, please contact us at  or call