Head of Quality Assurance & Compliance

Hays is proud to be partnering exclusively with a leading growing private higher education provider.

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 OpportunityReporting 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 YouTo 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."#3012226