Director, HR Services

Job Description

The Director, HR Services is responsible for leading a multi-disciplinary team that will maintain and enhance the University’s employee-related information and in particular the HR Systems, payroll compliance, and payroll processing. The position will develop plans to mitigate risks to HR systems and ensure business continuity. Duties will include but are not limited to: Develop and maintain a culture of continuous improvement and process reform to ensure high-quality customer-focused service. Play a key role in the development, implementation, and operationalisation of a new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system in 2025 and 2026. Develop and implement a yearly HR Systems Operational Plan focused on covering all aspects of environment management, system maintenance and upgrades, and appropriate disaster recovery strategy planning for business continuity, ensuring the systems are secure, robust, and compliant with vendor license agreements, legislation, and policies. Produce and maintain documented frameworks that describe the HR systems technical environment and processes to ensure appropriate HR system governance. Ability to identify issues by providing innovative solutions and creative alternatives to minimise risks to the payroll function and HR systems. Provide advice and direction for strategic initiatives that enhance the delivery of the payroll function. Ensure high-quality service delivery by championing continuous improvement strategies, aligning operations with leading practice, maintaining a strong focus on quality control, and promoting a proactive approach to all client issues. Build capability and capacity within the HR Systems and Payroll functions to manage all operational activity and to create and deliver a culture of service excellence. Utilise technology and innovation through automation and self-service mechanisms to reduce transactional and non-value-added activity. Skills and Knowledge required to be successful in this role: Proven experience and success in leading a team, managing staff performance, development, and culture. Specialised knowledge of complex methods and techniques within an HR system and/or payroll function. Collaborative mindset to work across HR and into the business to achieve goals. Demonstrated ability to build and apply expertise through developing and pursuing challenging goals and directing resources to deliver successful outcomes, particularly in a changed and uncertain environment. A sound knowledge and understanding of contemporary HR systems and practices, with a particular emphasis on improved service delivery. Experience in driving continuous improvement, on-time delivery, and compliance in the payroll function. Delivered major projects (an ERP would be highly regarded), in agreed timeframes and on budget. Demonstrated high-level analytical, problem-solving, and research skills. Ability to work with quantitative and qualitative information. Proven capacity for analytical and conceptual thought in the development of new initiatives, in the diagnosis of problems, and in providing timely, relevant, and practical solutions. High-level data analysis, reporting, research, and presentation skills. Proven experience influencing, communicating, and managing senior stakeholder groups. Highly developed project management, planning, prioritisation, and time management skills. Please refer to the Position Description for other duties, skills, and experience required for this position. Welcome to Bundoora campus – Please click on the video link below: To apply for this exciting opportunity, please: Submit your resume and a cover letter outlining: Why do you think you are suitable and what strengths you bring to the role, highlighting your collaboration initiatives. Please highlight your strengths in compliance management in an HR Services context. What attracts you to the role and the Higher Education sector. (please note no more than 2 pages) Closing date: Sunday, 9th February 2025 by 11:55pm. Only candidates with Full Working Rights in Australia may apply for this position. Why La Trobe: Develop your career at an innovative, global university where you’ll collaborate with community and industry to create impact. Enjoy working on our inspiring and stunning campuses – the perfect hub for industry, students, and academics. Help transform the lives of students, partners, and communities now and in future. All La Trobe University employees are bound by the Working with Children Act 2005. If you are successful, you will be required to hold a valid Victorian Employee Working with Children Check prior to commencement. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants We welcome and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. La Trobe University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce. We take an intersectional approach by actively supporting and encouraging people of all backgrounds and abilities to submit an application and aim to ensure that the recruitment and employee experience is as accessible and inclusive as possible. Flexibility in interview format will be offered to shortlisted candidates. All La Trobe University employees are bound by the Working with Children Act 2005. If you are successful, you will be required to hold a valid Victorian Employee Working with Children Check prior to commencement. Advertised: 24/1/2025 Closing Date: 09/2/2025 #J-18808-Ljbffr