Lead Project Manager, UNSW IT

Job Description:

• 6 month day rate contract role as an Lead Project Manager, UNSW IT
• Kensington, Sydney based, Hybrid working environment

UNSW is seeking an experienced Lead Project Manager to support the delivery of complex, enterprise‑wide initiatives. This role sits within a highly integrated delivery environment and will work across Infrastructure, Cyber Security, Identity and Core IT platforms.

The Lead Project Manager will play a critical hands‑on role in coordinating delivery across multiple technical domains, establishing fit‑for‑purpose governance, and ensuring solutions transition smoothly into operational support.

Reporting to the Program Manager, the Lead Project Manager is responsible for delivering outcomes across a portfolio of initiatives rather than a single fixed project. The role requires strong delivery discipline, the ability to work in hybrid Agile environments, and confidence engaging with a wide range of technical and senior stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the full technical delivery across UNSW, Partners and Vendors, ensuring alignment across all program workstreams and across IT teams.
• Run regular stand‑ups to drive alignment, manage dependencies and maintain delivery momentum.
• Prepare and present clear project status updates to senior stakeholders and governance forums.
• Prepare and present Steering Committee reports and actively support decision‑making.
• Actively manage risks, issues, dependencies and vendor engagement across a complex delivery landscape.

Who you are - Essential

• Demonstrated experience delivering complex IT projects in large, regulated or matrixed organisations.
• Strong hands‑on delivery capability across:
  • UNSW Business Teams
  • Partners and Vendors
  • IT Infrastructure, Integration, Cyber Security, Identity and Access Management
• Proven experience establishing operating models and managing transition to operations.
• Strong experience using Jira for delivery tracking, reporting and coordination.
• Business case and change request development experience.
• Experience working in hybrid delivery environments, combining Agile practices with traditional project controls.
• Proven ability to run stand‑ups and coordinate cross‑functional delivery teams.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and presentation skills, including experience presenting to senior leadership and steering committees.
• Ability to operate flexibly across multiple initiatives as priorities evolve.

Who you are - Desirable

• Experience working with offshore delivery partners and teams.
• Experience delivering programs across multiple organisations.
• Experience working within higher education or similarly complex governance environments.
• Experience working with third‑party vendors and managed service providers.
• Familiarity with UNSW or broader NSW Government security and compliance frameworks.

To Apply

If this is of interest to you, please submit your CV, cover letter and responses to criteria.

Contact

Jen MacLachlan, Talent Acquisition, email is j.maclachlan@unsw.edu.au

Applications close: Wednesday 6th of May 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.