Head of Talent Acquisition
Head of Talent Acquisition
Job no: 539557
Work type: Full Time
Location: Sydney, NSW
Categories: Human Resources & Recruitment, Management
- Help to shape the future of talent at a world-leading university
- Lead our enterprise-wide Talent Acquisition and Global Mobility strategy and functions
- 12 month Fixed Term Contract opportunity - Attractive Remuneration Package
About UNSW
UNSW Sydney is a world-leading university, known for driving progress that benefits everyone. Since its foundation in 1949, its collective aim has been to make a positive global societal impact, improving and transforming lives through excellence in research and outstanding learning and teaching.
A member of the prestigious Group of Eight (Go8), a coalition of Australia’s leading research-intensive universities, UNSW is ranked in the top 20 universities globally and UNSW ranks #1 in Australia for employment outcomes.
About this opportunity:
At UNSW, we are driven by a bold vision: to advance Progress for All through transformative education, pioneering research, and meaningful global engagement.
As Head of Talent Acquisition, you will play a critical strategic leadership role in shaping how UNSW attracts and engages with world-class talent both locally and globally in the academic and professional fields.
In order to achieve this clear strategic agenda at UNSW we recognise the need to continue to build a diverse, inclusive, and high-performing workforce, and to challenge and push boundaries to achieve these aspirations by continual improvements to our Employee Value Proposition/Branding, embracing technology/process optimisation, and further embedding AI technology into our Talent Acquisition space.
In this role you will lead a high-performing team of 23 staff with 3 Direct Reports, and drive innovative, data-informed strategies across the full recruitment lifecycle, ensuring an exceptional experience for candidates and hiring managers alike.
At UNSW our recruitment “footprint” is extremely diverse, and operates at considerable scale. Our team works in a highly collaborative manner and our ethos is underpinned by supporting our stakeholders with first class consultative partnering support. Quality outcomes and commitment to service excellence is always front of mind for our entire Talent Acquisition Team.
The Head of Talent Acquisition also oversees the relationship with recruitment service providers including executive search firms, recruitment agencies, and third party integration providers.
Who are we looking for?
You will have considerable demonstrable strategic Talent Acquisition leadership experience, and offer an innovative and intuitive approach to EVP, embracing technology to create and drive opportunity, and not forgetting strategic leadership of a large diverse Talent Acquisition Team, including a Global Mobility function.
A strategic and forward-thinking talent leader with a passion for further developing our high-performing team you bring with you:-
- Proven leadership experience in talent acquisition and global mobility within a large, complex organisation
- Deep understanding of international/national recruitment including relocation and visa pathways
- Strong capability in recruitment analytics, technology, and employer branding
- Exceptional stakeholder engagement and influencing skills
- A track record of driving transformation, innovation, and service excellence
- Commitment to equity, diversity, and UNSW’s mission to deliver societal impact
*Experience in higher education or an aligned sector whilst not essential would be highly regarded.
Please note 1st stage interviews for this role will be held: Tuesday 5th May 2026.
Enquiries:
For further information on the role & responsibilities, please refer to the Position Description
For General Enquiries about this role please contact: Ian Hoyles, current Head of Talent Acquisition.
Please note that the above email is for queries about the role only. To ensure we treat all applicants fairly and equitably all formal applications must be made via our online application process – applications made directly unfortunately cannot be accepted – please ensure that you apply online via the application portal.
How to Apply:
Submit your CV & cover letter detailing your interest and suitability for the job (as per the skills & experience bullet points in the Position Description) before 11.55pm on 28th April 2026.
Please note: Sponsorship is not available for this role, valid Australian working rights are required on application.
UNSW Benefits and Culture:
People are at the core of everything we do. We recognise it is the contributions of our staff who make UNSW one of the best universities in Australia and the world. Our benefits include:
- Flexible Working Options (work from home, flexible hours etc)
- Additional 3 days leave during December festive period.
- Career development opportunities
- Up to 50% discount on UNSW courses
- Flexible 17% Superannuation contributions, additional leave-loading payments and salary sacrifice.
- Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness passport)
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.
Advertised: 15 Apr 2026 AUS Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: 28 Apr 2026 AUS Eastern Standard Time
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