Data and Automation Manager

The Opportunity

The Faculty of Engineering at UNSW has an exciting opportunity for a Data and Automation Manager to lead the Faculty’s data, reporting, analytics and automation capability. Working closely with senior leaders across Education, Research, Societal Impact and Operations, this role will develop and deliver a coordinated faculty-wide data strategy that enables evidence-based decision making, strengthens data governance and supports the achievement of strategic and operational priorities.

This role will drive innovation and continuous improvement through modern data platforms, automation technologies, AI and process optimisation. You will lead the development of reporting frameworks, dashboards and automation solutions that improve data accessibility, deliver actionable insights and create more efficient ways of working across the Faculty.

The successful candidate will be a strategic and collaborative data professional with strong experience in analytics, business intelligence, reporting and automation. You will be skilled at translating complex data into meaningful insights, influencing stakeholders and driving initiatives that improve organisational performance. Experience working within a university, research, innovation or similarly complex environment, together with expertise in data governance, automation technologies and modern reporting platforms, will be highly regarded.

This role reports to the Faculty Executive Director and has no direct report.

• Salary, Level 8 - $127,351 to $143,488 per annum + 17% superannuation
• Full time
• Continuing (Permanent)
• Location: Kensington – Sydney, Australia
• On-site role

Skills & Experience

• Relevant tertiary qualification with substantial relevant experience, or an equivalent level of knowledge gained through a combination of education, training, and professional practice. Experience in data management, analytics, reporting, business intelligence, or quality assurance within a higher education environment is highly desirable.
• Significant experience leading complex projects and continuous improvement initiatives, with a strong understanding of project management methodologies, strategic planning, governance, and the end-to-end project lifecycle.
• Extensive experience working with large and complex qualitative and quantitative datasets, including the ability to analyse, interpret, and synthesise information to support strategic and operational decision-making.
• Proven success in developing and overseeing enterprise reporting solutions, dashboards, and data visualisations that deliver clear, meaningful, and actionable insights for a range of technical and non-technical audiences.
• Advanced analytical, problem-solving, and critical judgement skills, including the ability to identify trends, risks, opportunities, and emerging issues and provide evidence-based recommendations to senior stakeholders.
• High level experience working with business intelligence, automation, and data platforms, including Microsoft Power Platform technologies such as Power BI, Power Automate, Power Apps, and Excel. Experience with AI-enabled tools, automation technologies, and university systems is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated experience leading initiatives that improve data governance, data quality, reporting capability, and process efficiency across a complex organisation.
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills, with proven ability to prepare high-quality reports, briefings, presentations, and visualisations for executive and external audiences.
• Excellent interpersonal, consultation, and stakeholder management skills, including demonstrated success building collaborative relationships and influencing stakeholders at all organisational levels.
• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities, lead multiple concurrent initiatives, exercise sound judgement, and deliver outcomes within agreed deadlines.
• Demonstrated understanding of data governance, privacy, ethical data use, and compliance obligations within a regulated environment.
• 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.