Program Manager, Leap

Job no: 543487
Work type: Full Time
Location: Sydney, NSW
Categories: Information Technology, Project Management

• Employment Type: 14 months fixed term role as a Program Manager, UNSW IT.
• Key leadership role within transformation of our technology strategy
• Attractive salary package available
• Location: Kensington campus in NSW (Hybrid Flexible Working) 2-3 days in the office

About UNSW:

UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. Yes, we’re a large organisation with a diverse and talented community—but more importantly, it’s a community doing extraordinary things. Together, we are driven to be thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all we do. It’s this approach that makes our work matter—and why we’re recognised as one of the world’s top 20 universities and ranked Australia’s #1 university, as well as a proud member of the prestigious Group of Eight. If you’re looking for a role where you can shape change, thrive in complexity, and see the real impact of your work every day, you’re in the right place.

The Program Manager will play a key leadership role in the planning and execution of the UNSW Technology Strategy, Leap As part of a small Leap delivery team, the role will apply strong program management discipline to maintain momentum and progress agreed priorities with stakeholders, across IT, distributed technology owners and the wider University. This requires broad knowledge of technology, including digital delivery, AI and emerging technologies, and a strong customer focus, with an understanding of how business needs and technology delivery connect. The Program Manager will ensure University stakeholders responsible for progressing the strategy have the structures, reporting, tools and ongoing support and leadership to progress the strategy on a day-to-day basis. The Program Manager will have direct reports, and reports to the Head of Technology Transformation who has responsibility for the delivery of Leap.

They will bring experience delivering strategy across a complex organisation, including understanding its operational, cultural and governance impacts. You will be able to influence stakeholders, bring different perspectives together and align existing work with strategic priorities. You will have strong program management and reporting skills, and experience delivering a similar strategy or transformation program. Experience in higher education or a similarly complex industry is desirable.

Who you are:

• Relevant tertiary qualifications with at least 10+ years’ experience leading and implementing large scale change initiatives in complex environments and/or extensive relevant experience gained through any other combination of education, training and/or experience.
• Demonstrated experience using human-centred change principles in driving engagement, adoption and sustainable change in complex environments.
• Proven advanced program management experience, with an in-depth understanding of the project life cycle and strategic development of project plans, objectives, documentation and measurable outcomes
• Excellent consultation, influencing and negotiation skills and proven ability to engage effectively with diverse and senior stakeholders to build alignment, influence decision making and achieve successful outcomes.
• Extensive experience leading and influencing multi-disciplinary teams and delivery partners (architecture, data, engineering, cyber, business).
• Extensive experience establishing and managing program governance, reporting frameworks, risk management practices and quality assurance processes.
• Demonstrated strong analytical and problem-solving skills and proven capacity to exercise initiative, flexibility and to be proactive in development of robust solutions to problems.
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills, with a high level of attention to detail for deliverables produced.
• Confidence using AI/Large language models.
• Excellent time management skills, with a demonstrated ability to respond to changing priorities, manage multiple tasks and meet competing deadlines by using judgement and initiative.
• An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health & safety (psychosocial and physical) responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

Benefits and Culture

• Flexible Working Options (work from home, flexible hours etc)

• Career development opportunities

• Additional 3 days of leave over Christmas period

• Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness)

For further details on the benefits, please visit https://www.jobs.unsw.edu.au/lifestyle-benefits

To apply: Please submit your CV, Cover Letter and responses addressing the required Who you are criteria.

Please note: Sponsorship is not available for this role; valid Australian working rights are required on application.

Pre-Employment Checks
As part of our recruitment process candidates may be required to undergo pre-employment screening, which may include reference checks, qualification verification, right-to-work verification, and criminal history screening where relevant to the role.

Contact: Jen MacLachlan - Talent Acquisition Partner- e: [email protected]

Please apply through the application portal as we do not accept direct applications to the email above.

Applications close: Sunday November 1st at 11.30pm

UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

Position Description

Advertised: 19 Oct 2026 AUS Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 01 Nov 2026 AUS Eastern Daylight Time