Head of Workforce Planning and HR Data Insights

The Head of Workforce Planning and Data Insights leads the University's strategic workforce planning, HR reporting and workforce intelligence and insights activities. The role is responsible for establishing and providing a contemporary people analytics capability within the University Group that enables evidence-based insights to support the achievement of the people and organisational culture elements of the University's Strategy and Operational Plan.

• Salary $198K - $209K per annum plus 17% superannuation
• Full-time continuing position
• Macquarie University, Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde

Shape the workforce of the future through insight, evidence and analytics that inform decisions at an enterprise scale

Macquarie University is building a contemporary people analytics capability, and this newly shaped role sits at the centre of that work. As Head of Workforce Planning and HR Data Insights, you will create the frameworks, data and insights that help University and entity leaders understand their workforce today and plan for the workforce they will need tomorrow.

Reporting to the Chief People Officer and working as part of the HR Leadership Team, you will guide enterprise workforce planning cycles, scenario modelling and workforce intelligence for the University Group including Macquarie University Hospital. Your work will connect people data to budget planning, operating plans and the people and culture ambitions set out in the University's Strategy and Operational Plan.

This is a genuine opportunity to shape something from the ground up. With a team of two HR Reporting and Insights Analysts, close partnerships across HR, Finance, IT and Business Intelligence, and the chance to apply emerging technologies including AI and advanced analytics, you will help move the conversation from reporting on what happened to anticipating what comes next.

About the Role

In this role you will:

• Guide enterprise workforce planning cycles and scenario modelling that shape the budget, operating plans and strategic initiatives, and embed the University's workforce planning framework.
• Work alongside the Chief People Officer, HR Leadership Team and HR Business Partners to pinpoint workforce risks, capability gaps and future requirements, turning insight into prioritised action.
• Build and oversee an enterprise-wide people analytics and workforce intelligence function, delivering reporting and evidence-based advice that supports decisions across the Executive Group and the University's entities.
• Set shared HR data governance standards, definitions and reporting frameworks, partnering with HR Shared Services on data quality and accuracy.
• Oversee workforce compliance and external reporting obligations — including the Higher Education Statistics Collection, WGEA, remuneration benchmarking and internal governance reporting — so reporting stays accurate and trusted.
• Partner with Information Technology and Business Intelligence teams to improve workforce systems and reporting tools, and apply emerging technologies such as AI and advanced analytics.
• Guide and develop a team of workforce planning and analytics professionals, bringing people together around collaboration, service excellence, continuous improvement and data literacy.

About Us

Macquarie University is a place of inspiration and ideas, where curiosity is encouraged and where people are given the scope to make a real contribution. Our Wallumattagal Campus in North Ryde is one of the largest and greenest university campuses in Australia, with its own metro station, health precinct and a vibrant community of students, researchers and professional staff.

Human Resources provides advice and services to the University and its controlled entities across attraction, selection, performance, development and remuneration, and oversees leadership capability and workforce compliance.

The Workforce Planning and Data Insights team is one of four specialist teams alongside Talent Acquisition, Capability, Culture and Inclusion, and Employee Relations that partner with the Chief People Officer, HR Business Partners and University leaders.

About You

You are an experienced workforce planning or people analytics professional who enjoys turning complex data into clear direction. You are comfortable in the detail of datasets and equally comfortable in the room with executives, and you bring the credibility, curiosity and judgement needed to establish a new capability in a large, multi-entity organisation.

Selection Criteria

• Extensive experience in workforce planning, people analytics and/or HR reporting in a large, complex organisation.
• Proven record of scenario modelling and workforce forecasting that informs budget and operating plans.
• Demonstrated skill in translating workforce data into clear insights and recommendations for executive audiences.
• Experience establishing data governance standards, definitions and reporting frameworks, with a focus on data quality.
• Working knowledge of workforce compliance and reporting obligations (for example WGEA, sector statistical collections, remuneration benchmarking).
• Experience with HRIS, business intelligence and analytics tools, and interest in applying emerging technologies such as AI.
• Experience guiding and developing a team, with a collaborative, service-focused approach to partnering across an organisation.

How to Apply

To be considered, please apply online with your CV and a cover letter outlining how your experience aligns with the selection criteria (above).

Applications Close: 22 November 2026

***We reserve the right to progress or decline an application prior to the application closing date***

***This position is only open to candidates with full working rights in Australia and sponsorship will not be offered***

For enquiries, or a confidential conversation about the role please contact Sarah Bate, Head of Talent Acquisition via [email protected].

Why Join Us?

Macquarie is a university engaged with the real and often complex problems and opportunities that define our lives. Since our foundation over 60 years ago, we have aspired to be a different type of university. Over the years, we have grown to become the centre of a vibrant local and global community. Connect with us today.

We rank amongst the top employers in the Australian Workplace Employers Index. Explore the fantastic benefits available to you when you become part of the team at Macquarie University.

• Flexible, hybrid work arrangements
• 17% Superannuation
• Subsidised onsite parking options
• Extensive training and professional development programs
• Onsite childcare facilities to support working parents
• Onsite vacation care during school holidays
• Discounted health insurance
• Subsidised membership at our Sport & Aquatic Centre
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program for free and confidential support
• Convenient onsite GP, imaging, and physiotherapy clinics

Pre-Employment Checks

Macquarie University cultivates a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity. Prior to completion of an offer of employment, preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for.

Your employment is conditional upon the completion and maintenance of all role-required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University.

If you're already part of the Macquarie Group (MQ University, U@MQ, MQ Health, MGSM), you'll need to apply through your employee Workday account. To apply for this job: Login to Workday and go to the Careers App > Find Jobs.

Applications Close:

22/11/2026 11:59 PM

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A Place Where You Belong
At Macquarie, we believe diversity makes us stronger, inclusion drives our success, and belonging inspires us to do our best work. We are proud to foster a community where different backgrounds, identities, and experiences are valued, and where our people are empowered to thrive through supportive leadership, shared responsibility, and a deep commitment to genuine care and respect for our community. Find out more about our vision for a truly inclusive workplace in our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Framework.