Information for candidates Executive Director People and Culture

Chief Operating Officer’s message

As the Chief Operating Officer, my role is to lead the Operations Division in providing the support required by the faculties and divisions to enable the achievement of our UTS 2027 Strategy initiatives and realize our vision of being a leading public university of technology recognized for our global impact.

The role of the Executive Director People & Culture (EDPC) is pivotal in driving the implementation of the People Strategy which enables our UTS 2027 Strategy to make an impact through our education and research. It involves guiding the strategic development of UTS’ academic and professional workforces through a range of initiatives and  policies in conjunction with the Vice-Chancellor and Provost. These initiatives are focused on building a workforce and culture for the future in a manner that enhances our staff experience through the realisation of our employee value proposition whilst continuing to fulfill our statutory obligations.

Our People Unit is a dynamic and integral part of the Operations Division, providing strategic advice, operational support, and employee services across UTS. With a team of 65 dedicated professionals and an operating budget of approximately $11 million, the EDPC will have a significant impact on shaping our workforce and culture. The role also involves leading major transformation initiatives, including process optimization and the implementation of the Workday Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system.

The EDPC will work closely with the Vice-Chancellor, Provost, Deputy Vice Chancellors, Deans, and myself, fostering influential relationships across the University. They are expected to develop and maintain a strong network within the HR industry and with counterparts in other universities.

The responsibilities of the EDPC are extensive, ranging from developing and implementing the UTS People Strategy, leading the continuous development of our Health, Safety and Wellbeing frameworks, to driving strategic workforce planning and capability building. The EDPC will also play a crucial role in managing industrial relations, ensuring compliance with enterprise agreements, and providing trusted advice to the university's senior executives.

We are seeking a seasoned leader with a proven track record in strategic management and leadership within complex organizations. The ideal candidate will have experience in workforce design and restructuring, HR process design, and ERP system implementation. They will possess excellent communication and collaboration skills, strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive work environment.

This is a particularly exciting opportunity at a critical time in UTS’ trajectory as Australia’s leading technology university. If you share our passion for advancing UTS’ mission and vision, I encourage you to consider joining us.

Glen Babington, CSC
Chief Operating Officer and Vice-President
University of Technology Sydney