Manager Payroll Operations

Continuing, Full Time Appointment

Professional Employee Level 8 

Annual salary $108,349 – $122,491 pa + 17% superannuation and 6 weeks annual leave

Casuarina Campus | Larrakia Country

Utilise your extensive Payroll knowledge and experience to lead a fast-paced, high performing team at Charles Darwin University.

About the Position

As the Manager of Payroll Operations, you will be responsible for actively supporting the Senior Manager of Payroll as well as manage the payroll team and encourage cross-skilling and team-focused approach to ensure a seamless service is delivered to the University for all payroll administration. 

The Manager will develop initiatives to assist CDU in being an employer of choice locally, nationally, and internationally and create seamless processes to engage, onboard and maintain people records. The role advises on the best practice Payroll and manages constructive relationships with providers so that they can advocate effectively for CDU with potential candidates.

As the Manager Payroll Operations, you will be leading a high-performing team in a fast-paced environment to ensure smooth and accurate operations and manage all payroll related tasks for the University.

About You

To be successful, you will require:

• Completion of or progress of postgraduate qualification in Payroll or related field or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.
• Demonstrated experiencing managing end to end Payroll, including but not limited to front and back end, Superannuation obligations, PAYG, third party payments as well as Payroll governance.
• Demonstrated experience providing advice and recommendations on complex issues, including the ability to accurately interpret and apply policies, procedures and legislative instruments to manage and/or resolve issues as they relate to payment of salary, superannuation and taxation.
• Detailed understanding of legal and regulatory requirements of payment of salary, superannuation and taxation, and the ability to interpret and advise on those requirements.
• Pro-actively develop processes and policies to continuously improve Payroll practices including reviewing processes, leading projects, developing new policies, staff meetings.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, and the ability to maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders across the University.
• Demonstrated commitment to leading for the highest quality customer service, working in partnership with clients to find workable solutions.
• Commitment to the University's values.

Remuneration

Appointment to this role will be at Professional Employee Level 8. The base salary will be in the range of $108,349 - $122,491 per annum. The total remuneration package will be in the range of $126,768 - $143,314 per annum, including 17% superannuation.

First Nations Priority Recruitment Measures

While this vacancy is open to all applicants. First Nations applicants are strongly encouraged to apply & will be granted priority consideration for this vacancy, in accordance with s57 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1992 (NT More information on First Nations Priority Recruitment at CDU and how to apply, available here. 

Access Full Position Description

To view the full position description, please click the Apply link which will direct you to our CDU job site, then select Job Attachments.

What's in it for you?

• An employer who values your contribution to building a bigger, better and stronger University
• Work with a University committed to changing people's lives for the better through training, education, and research
• Opportunities for professional development, paid study and career progression
• An enviable lifestyle in the spectacular Northern Territory
• 17% superannuation
• Up to six weeks of paid annual leave
• Up to 26 weeks of paid parental leave (primary care giver), in addition to government payments (eligibility criteria apply)
• Recognition of prior service with another Australian university / NT Government for Long Service Leave (recognition applied to qualifying period only)
• Ability to negotiate transfer of leave entitlements under the Public Employment (Mobility) Act 1989
• Free on-campus parking in designated areas
• Employee Assistance Program
• Salary Packaging opportunities
• Access to over 5,000 courses via LinkedIn learning corporate membership

How to Apply

All applications must be received online via the 'apply' button and should include your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest in the role and relevant skills and experience.

For a confidential discussion about the position please contact Marice Leonard on or email

Do you need support?

CDU endeavours to establish and maintain effective systems and processes that support a flexible and inclusive workplace culture. 

Adjustments can be made to support you throughout the application and selection process, as well as during employment, in line with the University's Workplace Adjustment Policy and Procedure. 

For confidential discussions, reasonable adjustment requests, or further information on workplace inclusion and policies, please contact People Services on or

Work Health and Safety

CDU is committed to providing a physical and psychological safe working environment.  Confidential support can also be provided to employees who may be experiencing domestic, family or sexual violence outside the workplace. 

Diversity and Inclusion

At CDU, we actively celebrate our diversity and believe that our differences will make CDU the most connected University in Australia. We are committed to maintaining a culture where every member of our University community feels respected, safe, encouraged to speak up and supported in achieving their professional goals, and that they truly belong.

Applications from First Nations people, women at all levels, culturally and racially marginalised people, people with disability, neurotypical and neurodiverse people, LGBTQIA+ people, people with family and caring responsibilities and people at all stages of their careers are welcomed.

You make CDU. And we want you to be exactly who you are.

Applications Close: Thursday 27th November 2025