"Human Resources Business Partner"

Human Resources Business Partner

Newly created role with real influence across the University

Diverse, fast paced work where no two days are the same

Supportive team, great locations and work life balance

Be Bold. Belong. Be More.

At Southern Cross University, we do things differently, and so can you.

A career with us is more than you might expect. Yes, it’s about the heart, connectedness and community you’d hope for in a regional university. But there’s also so much more. Our game changing Southern Cross Model brings a deeper, focused learning experience and our research is deeply connected to our regions, making a difference on a global scale. This is your chance to help us build something new and meaningful for our students, our communities and your career. To drive change, make a real impact, and thrive in a place as unique as you.

You can be good anywhere. Here, you can be great.

Your opportunity

Join the People and Culture team at Southern Cross University and play an integral role in shaping a positive, high-performing workplace in a values-led organisation where we strive to Be Bold. Belong. Be More.

This is a newly created HR Business Partner role, offering the opportunity to make your mark while working alongside an experienced and supportive leader in a collaborative, high-performing team.

No two days are the same. You’ll partner across a diverse portfolio, working closely with academic and professional leaders to navigate complex people matters, drive workforce initiatives, and support meaningful organisational change. From strategic workforce planning to hands-on employee relations, this role offers genuine variety and impact.

With a 35-hour work week, stunning campus locations, and a strong commitment to flexibility and wellbeing, this is an opportunity to build a rewarding career while maintaining true work-life balance.

In this highly collaborative role, you will bring sound judgement, empathy, and practical solutions to complex people challenges — strengthening leadership capability and fostering a workplace where people feel supported to do their best work.

You will make an impact by:

Partnering with leaders to deliver trusted, high-level HR advice that strengthens performance, capability, and positive workplace culture

Leading complex employee relations and case management matters with fairness, confidence and sound judgement

Coaching and influencing leaders through change, building leadership capability across diverse teams

Contributing to workforce planning, organisational change, and strategic business improvement initiatives

Leading and contributing to HR projects, including policy development, process enhancement and sector driven initiatives

What you will bring

You’re an experienced HR professional with a strong business partnering mindset and a genuine passion for building inclusive, high-performing workplaces. You combine strategic thinking with practical delivery, and you thrive in environments where you can influence, collaborate and make a visible impact.

You’re confident navigating complexity, comfortable having courageous conversations, and motivated by supporting leaders to succeed. Most importantly, you enjoy variety and are energised by working across diverse teams in a dynamic university environment.  

To succeed in this role, you will also need:

A relevant degree in HR or related field, with ideally 4+ years of experience in an HR or Business Partnering role within a complex or multi-stakeholder environment

Strong expertise in employee relations, performance management and organisational change, with the ability to manage sensitive and complex matters independently

Demonstrated ability to influence, coach and build trusted relationships with leaders at all levels

Experience using HR data and insights to inform workforce planning, decision making, and continuous improvement

Sound knowledge of workplace legislation, industrial frameworks, equity, and WHS principles, applied with fairness and integrity

Why Southern Cross University

SCU is proudly a regional university, young, small and vibrant. That means you’ll find more exposure, opportunity and ownership - to grow, achieve and build a career that means more. And you’ll do it alongside passionate people and leaders who go the extra mile to help you succeed. A career with us is about more than just work. It’s about place, community and the life you want to live. With three main campuses at the Gold Coast, Coffs Harbour and the Northern Rivers region of NSW, we’re integral to all these wonderful communities. Find your place and be more in this beautiful part of the world.

Your opportunity is:

Full-time, Continuing (Permanent)

Located at either Gold Coast, QLD 4225, or Lismore, NSW 2480.

HEW Level 8. The base salary ranges from $120,756 - $133,154 per annum, plus 17% employer’s contribution to superannuation. The total remuneration package is up to $155,790.

You will enjoy a range of perks designed to support your wellbeing, growth and work-life balance. For more information on our benefits and what it’s like to work at SCU, visit Why work at Southern Cross University?

Be more with Southern Cross University today

Southern Cross University values potential as much as experience. If you do not meet all the listed requirements but are excited about the role and confident you can contribute, we encourage you to apply or reach out for more information.

Name: Vivian Cormier, Talent Acquisition Business Partner

Email: Vivian.Cormier@scu.edu.au

Applications close 11.30pm AEST 8 March 2026.

We’re ready when you are! This role is available for an immediate start, and we’re moving quickly - as soon as you apply, our team will review your application and reach out to progress next steps.

Eligible applicants must have Australian or New Zealand citizenship, Australian permanent residency or current working rights in Australia for the entire duration of the appointment. Employer visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Applicants must apply online and attach a CV and cover letter responding to the selection criteria within the position description. Information to support you prepare your application is available on our website.  

Southern Cross University celebrates the rich diversity of our regions and international community. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that welcomes and values people of all backgrounds. We encourage applications from people of all genders, ethnicities, ages, languages, sexual orientations, and people with disabilities. We are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process to ensure every candidate can fully participate. For any support through the recruitment process reach out to jobs@scu.edu.au.