Business Manager

About The Team

Established in 2021, the Graduate Research Office (GRO) provides leadership in HDR candidacy management, finance, recruitment and engagement, and education and training. Its vision is to enhance the quality of Higher Degree by Research (HDR) experience while strengthening the profile and recognition of research candidates and graduate research training at Murdoch University. GRO works in partnership with HDR candidates, Academic and Professional staff to promote excellence in graduate research.

Your New Role!  

The Business Manager provides strategic and operational leadership for the Graduate Research Office’s business, financial, and systems function. Working closely with the Dean, the role leads business improvement initiatives, supports strategic planning and organisational change, and oversees financial management across HDR activities. The position also manages a team of support staff and collaborates closely with academic researchers, and professional staff.

Your key responsibilities will include –

• Provide strategic leadership across HDR business operations, financial management, policy development, and continuous improvement initiatives to support the University’s research objectives
• Lead and develop teams and partnerships, fostering collaboration with the Dean, academic and professional staff, and key stakeholders to deliver high-quality HDR services, candidate support and organisational change
• Drive operational excellence and innovation through business analysis, process improvement, financial oversight, system development, compliance, and the delivery of strategic projects and University priorities

Please refer to the Position Description for further details.

What We Offer You!

This Continuous| Full Time (37.5 hours per week) attracts a remuneration of $134,491 (pro rata) plus 17% employer superannuation contributions. The position is also eligible for salary step progression within the classification level in accordance with Murdoch University's Enterprise Agreement. 

You’ll join a dynamic and talented team where diversity and innovation thrive. Our Silver-tier status in the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI), awarded in 2025, reflects our commitment to LGBTIQA+ inclusion, equity, and creating a safe, welcoming environment for all. We strive to be the university of choice for First Nations peoples, honouring Indigenous knowledge. Sustainability is central to our community and guided by clear, confident leadership, we are working toward an ambitious future with goals of net zero emissions and zero waste by 2030.

As well as the flexibility to maintain a work life balance, our staff enjoy a vibrant, natural campus with world-class facilities, along with a variety of benefits, including:

• Flexible work arrangements
• Cultural Load and allowance - providing up to $8,944 per year to First Nations employees who are contributing cultural knowledge and perspectives beyond the scope of their role
• Indigenous Language Allowance
• Salary packaging options – such as purchasing leave, gym membership, car parking permit
• Employee Assistance Program
• On-campus services and facilities, such as a Childcare Centre, Gym, Vet Hospital, and Chiropractic Clinic

For further information, check out our benefits and services page!

Join us!

Please apply online via the Apply Now button, along with submitting the following documents to support your application -

• A cover letter including a statement addressing the selection criteria (with reference to the Position Description)
• Your most recent resume (CV)

What you’ll bring to the role:

• Postgraduate qualifications and extensive relevant experience; or extensive and proven management experience and expertise
• Experience providing financial input into leadership decision making, including using software applications and systems to build, maintain, and utilise a financial model of HDR candidacy (e.g. Callista, IRMA, Finance One)
• Demonstrated effective team leadership experience within a University setting through the prioritisation of tasks within a team setting, with an understanding of University Governance structures, reporting lines and processes
• Experience and demonstrated competence in conflict resolution, with highly effective communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to interact constructively and collaboratively with staff at all levels of the organisation to achieve successful outcomes
• Demonstrated high level of technical skills and computer literacy, with excellent organisational, time and workload management skills
   

Applicants should refer to the Position Description for further details on the work requirements, duties, skills and experience required for this role. Applications sent by post or email will not be accepted.

Please note visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Applicants are expected to have current and valid work rights in Australia.

Please see the Applicant Guide for more information. Applicants who have support or access requirements, are encouraged to advise this at the time of their application, to ensure appropriate assistance is provided throughout the recruitment process.

Contact Us

For enquiries about the opportunity on offer please reach out to Belinda Brown, Dean Graduate Research, [email protected] and quote JR105736 as the reference.

Applications Close on 08 September 2026 (11:59pm AWST)

The University reserves the right to withdraw this advertisement at any time.

Murdoch University acknowledges the different perspectives, skills and experience that people from different backgrounds bring to strengthen its workforce. Murdoch University is committed to enhancing diversity in all its forms and strongly encourages suitably qualified candidates from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, people with disability, people of CaLD background and people of diverse genders to apply for this important position.

Murdoch University values workplace diversity, promotes inclusion, and strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, women, and individuals with disability. Applicants who have support or access requirements, are encouraged to advise this at the time of their application, to ensure appropriate assistance is provided throughout the recruitment process.