Governance Specialist

ManagerPeople Experience - Governance Specialist 

Parramatta CBD | Newly created full-time permanent role| Team of 16 

Hybrid 3 days' in office (Tues and Thus = Anchor days) 2 days’ work from home  

Applications close -  Friday, September 11th, 2026Specialist

Help shape how good governance works across People Experience 

Uniting is strengthening the way we manage governance, risk, controls and assurance across our People Experience function — and this newly created role will play an important part in making that happen. 

Following the implementation of a new HRIS, we’re establishing stronger and more consistent governance across our People Experience processes and systems. We’re looking for someone who can bring a practical approach to risk and controls, assurance and process governance, and help turn good governance principles into ways of working that make sense for our people and our business. 

This isn’t a role where you’ll simply maintain a framework or write policies and procedures. You’ll get into the detail of how processes work, identify risks, assess and test controls, conduct assurance reviews, document findings and work with stakeholders to address gaps and improve the way we operate. 

What you’ll be doing 

Working as part of our People Systems and Governance team, you’ll work closely with People & Culture, People Services, HRIS, Payroll, Talent Acquisition, HR Business Partners, Risk & Audit and operational leaders. 

Your work will include: 

• Working with process owners to identify risks, map controls and assess whether controls are operating effectively. 

• Conducting assurance activities including process reviews, sample testing, spot checks and observational audits. 

• Documenting findings, identifying opportunities for improvement and following remediation actions through to closure. 

• Contributing to the development and ongoing improvement of the People Experience Process Risk & Controls Framework and assurance frameworks. 

• Developing and maintaining process maps, procedures, standards and supporting governance documentation. 

• Bringing together risks, issues, actions and trends to prepare reporting, dashboards and governance packs for senior leaders. 

• Helping stakeholders understand and apply governance requirements in practical, consistent ways. 

• Supporting capability uplift through guidance, coaching, training and knowledge sharing. 

• Identifying and supporting process and control improvements arising from assurance reviews, audits, incidents, risk assessments and system changes. 

About you 

You’re someone who is naturally curious about how processes work, where things could go wrong and whether the controls designed to prevent those issues are actually working. 

You’ll bring experience in governance, risk, compliance, controls or audit, ideally gained within a People & Culture or HR environment. Just as importantly, you’ll be comfortable working with operational teams and translating governance requirements into practical actions. 

You’ll have: 

• Experience working in governance, risk, compliance, controls or assurance. 

• A practical understanding of operational process risk and controls. 

• Experience documenting processes, mapping risks and controls, and/or supporting assurance activities. 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with excellent attention to detail and accuracy. 

• The confidence and communication skills to work with a broad range of stakeholders. 

• The ability to explain governance and control requirements in clear, practical language. 

Experience with HR operations, HRIS or payroll processes would be highly regarded, as would exposure to Lean, Six Sigma or other continuous improvement approaches. 

Experience in aged care, community services or healthcare is also welcome, but isn't essential. 

How to apply 

Please submit: Your current CV and cover letter addressing the following KEY questions. 

Q1 Describe your experience with governance, risk, controls, compliance or assurance activities?  

Q2 Provide a brief example of how you translated a governance or control requirement into practical guidance for an operational team.  

Q3 What experience do you have with HR operations, HRIS platforms or payroll processes?  

For all enquiries, please contact Louise Massie, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist, at mmassie@uniting.org  

To ensure every application is managed fairly and consistently, all applications must be submitted through our online careers’ portal. Unfortunately, we cannot accept applications sent directly via email. 

Why Uniting? 

We’re an organisation that believes governance should enable people to do their best work, not simply create more process. 

You’ll join a team that is helping shape how People Experience operates, with the opportunity to make a genuine difference to the way processes, systems, risk and controls come together across a large and complex organisation. 

Join more than 12,000+ employees working together to inspire people, enliven communities, and confront injustice. 

 In return, you’ll enjoy: 

• Access to outstanding not-for-profit salary packaging, helping you pay less tax and take home more of your income. Better still, your full annual benefit is available from 1 April 2026, allowing you to maximise your tax savings from the start of the FBT year. 

• Flexible hybrid working. 

• Access to Fitness Passport, providing discounted access to hundreds of gyms, pools, and fitness facilities across Australia to help you live your best life. 

• Additional paid leave options, including the opportunity to purchase extra annual leave. 

• Exclusive employee discounts through our U Rewards program. 

• The chance to do meaningful work every day for an organisation committed to inspiring people, enlivening communities, and confronting injustice. 

About Uniting 

Uniting NSW.ACT contributes to the work and mission of the Uniting Church in NSW and the ACT through social justice advocacy, community services, and spiritual care. We provide care and support for people through all ages and stages of life, with a focus on people experiencing disadvantage and vulnerability. Our purpose is to inspire people, enliven communities, and confront injustice. 

Uniting is a Child Safe Organisation committed to promoting the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of children and young people. 

Empowered by diversity 

At Uniting, inclusion isn’t just something we value, it’s how we work. We welcome people from all backgrounds, experiences, and identities and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, people of all ages, cultural backgrounds, faiths, genders, and sexual orientations.