Product Owner Principal

Be Bold. Belong. Be More.

At Southern Cross University, we do things differently, and so can you.

A career with us is more than you might expect. Yes, it's about the heart, connectedness and community you'd hope for in a regional university. But there's also so much more. Our game changing Southern Cross Model brings a deeper, focused learning experience and our research is deeply connected to our regions, making a difference on a global scale. This is your chance to help us build something new and meaningful for our students, our communities and your career. To drive change, make a real impact, and thrive in a place as unique as you.

You can be good anywhere. Here, you can be great.

Your opportunity

Southern Cross University is on an ambitious journey to redefine how technology empowers learning, research, and community impact. We're building a future-ready technology organisation – modern, secure, adaptable, and driven by innovation.  Our teams are embracing emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to deliver smarter services and real-world benefits for students, staff, and the wider community.

Within Technology Services, our five dynamic work units – Data, Architecture & Integration, Cyber Resilience, Digital Delivery & Innovation, Technology Platforms, and Operations & Services – work collaboratively to deliver high-impact solutions across the University.

We're now seeking a strategic and experienced Product Owner Principal to shape product direction and deliver enterprise-wide technology solutions that enhance the student and staff experience across all major university domains.

Reporting to the Portfolio Delivery Lead, this role leads multi-platform product strategy, drives value across complex initiatives, and mentors product teams while embedding best-practice product management and governance across the University.

You will make an impact by:

• Defining product vision, roadmaps, and priorities across multi-domain tech solutions
• Leading enterprise product strategy across platforms including CRM, LMS, and ERP
• Championing user-centered design and data informed decision making
• Coordinating cross-functional teams and complex stakeholder groups
• Establishing product standards, frameworks, and governance across initiatives
• Driving innovation and adoption of emerging product practices and technologies
• Coaching and mentoring Product Owners to grow SCUs product capability
• Leading complex product planning and strategic stakeholder engagement
• Navigating critical product issues and supporting resolution at a senior level

What you will bring

You're a strategic, user-focused product leader who thrives on complexity, clarify, and delivering value.  You have a strong grasp of agile practices, a passion for product innovation, and the ability to lead teams and influence outcomes across large, diverse environments.

To succeed in this role, you will also need:

• A degree in Commerce, Business, IT, or related field
• Ideally 6+ years' experience in product roles, including enterprise environments
• Strong experience as a Product Owner in agile teams and multi-platform ecosystems
• Demonstrated success aligning product strategy with organizational goals
• Experience delivering value through incremental, iterative development
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and vendor management capabilities
• Ability to articulate value, ROI, and prioritization at a strategic level

Why Southern Cross University

SCU is proudly a regional university, young, small and vibrant. That means you'll find more exposure, opportunity and ownership - to grow, achieve and build a career that means more. And you'll do it alongside passionate people and leaders who go the extra mile to help you succeed. A career with us is about more than just work. It's about place, community and the life you want to live. With three main campuses at the Gold Coast, Coffs Harbour and the Northern Rivers region of NSW, we're integral to all these wonderful communities. Find your place and be more in this beautiful part of the world.

Your opportunity is:

• Full-time, continuing (permanent)
• Located at either Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450, Gold Coast, QLD 4225, or Lismore, NSW 2480. Relocation assistance is available, making it easier to join our regional communities
• The level of appointment will be commensurate with the candidate's qualifications, skills and experience.

You will enjoy a range of perks designed to support your wellbeing, growth and work-life balance. For more information on our benefits and what it's like to work at SCU, visit Why work at Southern Cross University?

Be more with Southern Cross University today

Southern Cross University values potential as much as experience. If you do not meet all the listed requirements but are excited about the role and confident you can contribute, we encourage you to apply or reach out for more information.

To view the full position advertisement and details of the application process, please click on the APPLY button where you will be redirected to the Southern Cross University website.

Applications close 11.30pm AEST 29 October 2025

Eligible applicants must have Australian or New Zealand citizenship, Australian permanent residency or current working rights in Australia for the entire duration of the appointment.  Employer visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Applicants must apply online and attach a CV and cover letter responding to the selection criteria within the position description. Information to support you prepare your application is available on our website.

Southern Cross University celebrates the rich diversity of our regions and international community. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that welcomes and values people of all backgrounds. We encourage applications from people of all genders, ethnicities, ages, languages, sexual orientations, and people with disabilities. We are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process to ensure every candidate can fully participate. For any support through the recruitment process reach out to