Job Title:  National Payroll Manager

Location: Canberra or Melbourne

QinetiQ is a global technology and engineering company that exists to protect lives and secure the future. With more than 8,000 employees worldwide - including 800+ here in Australia - we deliver mission-critical services and systems to Defence, national security, and essential industry.

Following a strategic redesign, we’ve sharpened our focus and are investing in the future - starting with the people who will help shape it.

If you're driven by purpose, passionate about solving complex problems, and ready to make a real impact - there’s never been a better time to join us.

With a presence in the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, Canada and Germany, we bring global expertise to local challenges, helping build Australia’s sovereign industrial capability for the future.

With change comes opportunity!  We have an opportunity for an experienced Payroll Manager join us and lead our national payroll operations. Based in either Canberra or Melbourne, this newly created role will see you managing end-to-end payroll operations to ensure accurate, timely and compliant processing of employee remuneration for QinetiQ’s Australian operation.

You’ll be responsible for maintaining payroll systems, overseeing payroll reconciliations, and ensuring adherence to relevant legislation, industrial awards, and internal policies. The role also supports month-end payroll reporting and audit activities, drives continuous improvement of payroll processes and controls, and partners with the People Function and Finance to deliver seamless payroll services aligned with broader business objectives.

As our ideal applicant, you’ll bring:

• Extensive experience in a similar role, managing payroll across multiple entities.
• Proven payroll management experience, with demonstrated experience managing end-to-end payroll functions in a medium to large organisation.
• Demonstrated knowledge of payroll legislation and compliance with a strong understanding of Australian payroll laws, industrial awards, tax regulations, and superannuation requirements.
• A proven ability to lead, develop, and motivate a small team of Payroll professionals
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills with an ability to liaise effectively with internal teams (such as People Function and Finance) and external parties (such as tax authorities, auditors, etc).
• Attention to detail and a high level of accuracy with a commitment to maintaining accurate payroll records and ensuring compliance with internal controls.

An operational yet strategic approach to payroll operations, continuous improvement and transformation is key to success in this role.

Experience in payroll system(s) implementation is preferred.

Due to the nature of this role, applicants must hold Australian citizenship and be eligible for Australian Defence security clearance.

Whilst applications must be made online, confidential enquiries are welcome and may be directed to Cathy Riach, People Lead - Talent Acquisition (clriach@qinetiq.com.au).

Applications close Friday 14th November, 2025.

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Looking for an Employer with Benefits?

At QinetiQ, our competitive remuneration and benefits package supports your evolving needs throughout your career.   You’ll share in the company’s success, and be rewarded for your own. We’ll invest in your professional development and provide an inclusive environment for you to succeed.

Some of our benefits include:

• Access to LinkedIn Learning
• Flexible work
• Purchased leave program & loyalty leave

• Up to 18 weeks paid parental leave

• Annual incentive scheme
• Complimentary salary continuance insurance
• Annual volunteering leave with Operation Give Back
• Relaxed dress code

As the defence industry in Australia grows, it is an exciting time to join QinetiQ. What the company looks like today will be different to that of tomorrow as we navigate an ever changing world. To innovate for our customers' advantage we value the need for diversity of thought in everything we do. We provide a flexible and inclusive environment where our people can bring their whole selves to work, meaningfully contribute and have equal opportunity to succeed. We actively seek applications from people who come from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Aligned with our Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Reconciliation Action Plan, we also encourage applications from women, veterans and First Nations people. 

QinetiQ conducts pre-employment screening, including but not limited to identity verification and police checks, for all preferred candidates.