"Principal People Partner (Human Resources)"

Fixed Term, Full Time Appointment starting in June 2026 |

12-month contract till June 2027

Professional Employee Level 10 – annual salary up to $147,782 pa + 17% superannuation and 6 weeks annual leave

Casuarina Campus | Larrakia Country 

Join an ambitious, thriving team at Charles Darwin University leading the People Partner team and provide high level people and culture advice to senior leaders across our vibrant community.

Enjoy a fixed term, full-time appointment at the Professional Employee Level 10, with a competitive annual salary up to $147,782, 17% superannuation, and an outstanding six weeks' annual leave – all while living the enviable lifestyle of tropical Darwin in the magnificent Northern Territory.

What You'll Do

• Act as the primary senior people and culture adviser for Senior Executives, shaping people strategy that aligns with organisational plans, EA provisions and workforce needs.
• Influence organisational design, workforce planning, change initiatives and culture programs, ensuring integration with broader People & Culture strategies.
• Ensure People Partner team effectively partner with senior leaders to find solutions to complex HR problems and measure the effectiveness of HR strategies in driving outcomes.
• Provide expert human resources advice and management of cases in relation to underperformance, misconduct and serious misconduct, grievances, worker compensation, organisational change, redundancy and redeployment. This may include end to end performance management processes of interviewing and evidence collating, drafting of formal correspondence to participants and internal reports for consideration.
• Provide input to the interpretation of University policy, workplace legislation and industrial relations initiatives.
• Actively promote cultural change and support new ways of working and continuous improvement within HR to provide a high quality, professional, consistent, and cohesive HR service.

About You

We are looking for a motivated professional who:

• Has proven expertise in the management of a HR Function delivering support for Case Management, Workforce Planning, Organisational Change and HR Compliance functions. 
• Has extensive experience in providing strategic human resource management advice at a senior level, along with a well-developed capacity to plan, lead, negotiate and manage organisational change.
• Exhibits leadership capability, experience and demonstrated capacity to coach others, especially senior executives through times of change while at the same time providing clarity and HR support.
• Is a creative thinker and proactive problem solver.
• Previous experience in University or education environment is advantageous, but not essential

Remuneration

Appointment to this role will be at Professional Employee Level 10. The base salary will be in the range of $133,156 - $147,782 per annum. The total remuneration package will be in the range of $122,497 - $172,904 per annum inclusive of 17% superannuation. 

First Nations Priority Recruitment Measures

While this vacancy is open to all applicants. First Nations applicants are strongly encouraged to apply & will be granted priority consideration for this vacancy, in accordance with s57 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 199 (NT) 1992. More information on First Nations Priority Recruitment at CDU and how to apply, available here.

Access Full Position Description

To view the full position description, please click the Apply link which will direct you to our CDU job site, then select Job Attachments.

What’s in it for you?

• Free on-campus parking in designated areas
• Up to six weeks of paid annual leave and an enviable lifestyle in the spectacular Northern Territory
• Ability to negotiate transfer of leave entitlements for NT Government Employees under the Public Employment (Mobility) Act 1989
• 17% superannuation + other generous benefits
• Be part of a university that values your contribution, drives positive change through education, and supports your ongoing professional growth
• Employee Assistance Program
• Salary Packaging opportunities
• Access to over 5,000 courses via LinkedIn learning corporate membership

How to Apply

All applications must be received online via the ‘apply’ button and should include your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest in the role and relevant skills and experience. 

For a confidential discussion about the position, please contact Nicki Inkley on 08 8946 6989 or email nicki.farris@cdu.edu.au

Diversity and Inclusion

At CDU, we actively celebrate our diversity and believe that our differences will make CDU the most connected University in Australia. We are committed to maintaining a culture where every member of our University community feels respected, safe, encouraged to speak up and supported in achieving their professional goals, and that they truly belong. 

Applications from First Nations people, women at all levels, culturally and racially marginalised people, people with disability, neurotypical and neurodiverse people, LGBTQIA+ people, people with family and caring responsibilities and people at all stages of their careers are welcomed.

Work Health and Safety

CDU is committed to providing a physical and psychological safe working environment. Confidential support can also be provided to employees who may be experiencing domestic, family, or sexual violence outside the workplace. 

Charles Darwin University is guided by our core values of Courage, Kindness, Openness, Innovation, and Leadership, which shape our daily actions and decisions. CDU is committed to being a safe and inclusive organisation for everyone. 

As part of the Charles Darwin University’s commitment to providing a safe, respectful and rewarding workplace, and to meeting our legal obligations, we ask candidates to declare whether they have ever been investigated for an allegation of Gender Based Violence or found to have engaged in conduct that constitutes Gender Based Violence, in any previous employment or through any legal process.  

This information assists us to comply with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender Based Violence and will be considered when assessing a candidate’s suitability for employment, to help ensure the safety of our University community.  

You make CDU. And we want you to be exactly who you are. 

Applications Close: Sunday 12th April 2026