Head of Quality Assurance & Compliance

About this role

• Report directly to the COO and influence strategic decision-making
• Executive leadership role within a growing private education provider
• Melbourne CBD office location | 5 days onsite

This is a rare opportunity to step into the most senior compliance and quality leadership positions within the organisation, reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer and playing a key role in shaping organisational strategy, governance, risk management and regulatory compliance during a pivotal period of growth and sector change.

If you are passionate about higher education, thrive in complex regulatory environments and want to influence executive decision-making, this role offers genuine impact, visibility and autonomy.

The Opportunity

Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, you will lead the organisation's quality assurance, compliance and continuous improvement functions while managing a small specialist team.

This is far more than a compliance role. We are seeking a strategic leader who can interpret regulatory requirements, build strong relationships with key stakeholders and regulators, and translate legislation into practical, business-focused outcomes.

You will be the organisation's subject-matter expert across quality, governance, compliance, risk and regulatory affairs while partnering closely with executive leadership to navigate an evolving compliance landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the organisation's quality assurance, governance and compliance frameworks.
• Oversee compliance with higher education regulatory requirements and standards.
• Manage relationships with key regulators and accreditation bodies, including TEQSA and the Department of Education.
• Lead internal and external audits, reviews and accreditation activities.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across academic and operational functions.
• Provide strategic advice to the executive team on legislative and regulatory changes.
• Develop and enhance risk management and governance practices.
• Lead, mentor and develop a small team.

About You

To be successful, you will bring

• Significant experience leading quality assurance, compliance, governance or regulatory functions within the higher education sector.
• Strong understanding of the Higher Education Support Act (HESA) and associated regulatory frameworks.
• Experience engaging with TEQSA, accreditation bodies and government stakeholders.
• Demonstrated success navigating complex compliance and quality environments.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving and influencing capability.
• The ability to challenge constructively, think independently and drive outcomes.
• A resilient, adaptable and solutions-focused approach.
• Experience within a private higher education provider will be highly regarded.

Culture & Benefits

This organisation offers a highly collaborative environment where senior leaders are empowered to contribute ideas, challenge thinking and influence organisational outcomes.

In return, you will receive

• A senior executive-level leadership opportunity.
• Direct access to the COO and executive leadership team.
• The opportunity to shape organisational direction during a critical period of growth and regulatory change.
• Annual professional development funding to support conferences, networking and industry learning.
• A collaborative and agile leadership culture.
• Long-term career stability in an ongoing permanent position.

Why Apply?

Opportunities of this calibre within Melbourne's private higher education sector are rare. This role offers the chance to lead a critical organisational function, work directly with executive leadership and make a lasting impact on quality, compliance and institutional performance.

Apply now or contact Parminder Kaur at Hays for a confidential discussion - parminder.kaur@hays.com.au.

"Not looking yourself? We welcome confidential referrals from within the higher education, quality assurance and compliance sectors."

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