The Opportunity

The Faculty of Engineering at UNSW has an exciting opportunity for a Project Manager, Strategic Projects to play a key role in driving strategic initiatives and organisational transformation across one of Australia’s leading engineering faculties. Working closely with Faculty and School leadership, this position will provide oversight of a diverse portfolio of projects and programs, ensuring alignment with Faculty and University priorities while delivering measurable impact across research, innovation and operational excellence.

This role will lead the establishment of a fit-for-purpose Project Management Office (PMO) within the Faculty Research Office, developing governance frameworks, project delivery standards and prioritisation methodologies that support the successful execution of strategic initiatives.

The successful candidate will be a strategic and collaborative project management professional with strong experience in governance, stakeholder engagement and project delivery. You will be adept at navigating complex environments, building effective relationships and driving initiatives that deliver meaningful organisational outcomes. Experience working within a university, research, innovation or technology-focused setting, together with an understanding of project delivery frameworks and organisational transformation, will be highly regarded.

This role reports to the Deputy Dean (Industry Engagement, Innovation and Research) and has no direct report.

• Salary, Level 9 - $148,012 to $157,055 per annum + 17% superannuation
• Full time
• Fixed term – 24 months
• Location: Kensington – Sydney, Australia
• Flexible working options

About UNSW

UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. Yes, we’re a large organisation with a diverse and talented community; a community doing extraordinary things. But what makes us different isn’t only what we do, it’s how we do it. Together, we are driven to be thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all we do. If you want a career where you can thrive, be challenged and do meaningful work, you’re in the right place.

The Faculty of Engineering at UNSW continues to be a national and international leader in engineering research and education, cementing its status as the University’s premier research faculty. As the largest Engineering Faculty in Australia, it graduates the highest number of engineers and maintains the largest research expenditure in the country. Through excellence in both fundamental and applied research, the Faculty strives to sustain and further its global impact, aiming to be ranked among the top engineering faculties worldwide. For more information, visit the Faculty website: https://www.unsw.edu.au/engineering/about-us

Skills & Experience

• Relevant tertiary qualification with subsequent relevant experience or equivalent competence gained through any combination of education, training and experience.
• An understanding of the nature of research and its translation and how it is undertaken in a university environment.
• Proven project management experience with a track record of managing projects through to completion.
• An in-depth understanding of the project life cycle, governance frameworks and strategic development of project plans, objectives, and documentation, in particular in the context of research and new technology development.
• Excellent consultation, influencing and negotiation skills and proven ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders to achieve successful outcomes. 
• Demonstrated strong analytical and problem-solving skills and proven capacity to exercise initiative, flexibility and to be proactive in development of robust solutions to problems.
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills, with a high level of attention to detail for deliverables produced.
•  Demonstrated ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships.
• Demonstrated success working effectively and collaboratively on initiatives with a range of people at different levels within an organisation.
• Knowledge of budgeting and resource allocation procedures.
• Excellent time management skills, with a demonstrated ability to respond to changing priorities, manage multiple tasks and meet competing deadlines by using judgement and initiative.
• 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.

Additional details about the specific responsibilities for this position can be found in the position description. This is available via JOBS@UNSW.

Benefits and Culture: 

UNSW offer a competitive salary and access to a plethora of UNSW-perks including:​ 

• 17% Superannuation and leave loading​ 
• Flexible working/Hybrid working ​ 
• Additional 3 days of leave over the Christmas Period​ 
• Access to lifelong learning and career development ​ 

More information on the great staff benefits and culture can be found here.  

To Apply:

Please click the “Apply Now” button and submit your CV, Cover Letter and Responses to the Skills and Experience. You should systematically address the Skills and Experience listed within the position description in your application.

Applicants must have working rights in Australia and be able to be on site in Kensington on a regular basis. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Please note applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed below.

Contact:

Eugene Aves - Talent Acquisition Partner

E: eugene.aves@unsw.edu.au

Applications close: 11:55 pm (Sydney time) on Monday, 22 June 2026

Pre-Employment Checks
Aligned with UNSW’s focus on cultivating a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for.

These pre-employment checks may include a combination of some of the following checks: - 

• National and International Criminal history checks
• Entitlement to work and ID checks
• Working With Children Checks
• Completion of a Gender-Based Violence Prevention Declaration
• Verification of relevant qualifications
• Verification of relevant professional membership
• Employment history and reference checks
• Financial responsibility assessments/checks.
• Medical Checks and Assessments

Compliance with the necessary combination of these checks is a condition of employment at UNSW.

UNSW is committed to evolving a culture that embraces equity and supports a diverse and inclusive community where everyone can participate fairly, in a safe and respectful environment. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage applications from people of diverse gender, sexual orientation, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, people with disability and those with caring and family responsibilities. 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.