Manager, Procurement

Be challenged and imagine with us

As Manager, Procurement, you will use your strong leadership and influencing skills to drive procurement change initiatives that improve business performance. You will be a trusted advisor to College and Divisional leaders, as the function matures towards embedding a total cost solution model aligned with the University’s Looking Ahead strategic plan.

Key areas of focus include:

• Collaborating with internal stakeholders to understand their procurement needs and provide strategic guidance to manage risk and optimise the university’s purchasing decisions.
• Developing and implementing strategic procurement plans and contracting strategies, aligned with the university’s strategic objectives and financial goals.
• Leading procurement initiatives across various categories, including but not limited to infrastructure, technology, corporate services, and research and academic.
• Developing strategies for continuous improvement, with proactive participation in working groups, process improvement, procurement performance metrics, spend analysis and service delivery.
• Integrating responsible procurement practices alongside traditional factors, including but not limited to indigenous participation, modern slavery and environmental sustainability.

This continuing position is full time and will be located at the Callaghan Campus (Awabakal and Worimi land).

How will you inspire us?

You will have:

• Advanced knowledge of higher education sector related procurement principles and practices (or similar).
• Experience managing medium to large spend categories.
• Effective procurement negotiation skills to drive cost savings, optimise value, and mitigate risks.
• Innovation focused, with the ability to improve processes, adopt sustainable and ethical practices, drive efficiency and create value.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills, adept at resolving conflicts, reaching consensus, and driving outcomes.

What we offer

The remuneration for this position is from $112,112 to $130,798 + 17% superannuation and is commensurate with skills and experience. 

We offer a range of benefits and employment conditions that help you balance your commitments, stay healthy, and work effectively. For information on our employee benefits (such as leave, flexible working, discounts in private health insurance and gym memberships, and salary packaging) please visit here.  

About our University

The University of Newcastle stands as a global leader distinguished by a commitment to equity and excellence. Our vision is to be a world-leading University for our regions and creating a better future for our regions and the globe. Underpinned by this vision are our values of excellence, equity, engagement and sustainability.

We provide opportunities for all people regardless of their background and experience, and this philosophy is reflected across all that we do. 

The University of Newcastle is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity, and social inclusion. Women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.  

About the Unit

The Strategic Procurement function forms part of the Legal and Compliance team within the Resources Division, which provides a range of professional support services to the Academic Senate, the Counsel, the Vice-Chancellor, senior executives and other officers within the Colleges and Divisions.

Legal and Compliance provides independent and objective advice, and are committed to a policy of timely, cost-effective, and professional services. The functions in the team consist of:

• Legal
• Compliance
• Complaints
• Privacy
• Right to Information (GIPA)
• Strategic Procurement
• Public Interest Disclosures

Your next steps

Important information before you apply:

• Please visit here for a guide on how to apply for a role.
• If viewing this on a job board other than the University's please click ‘Apply’ (or equivalent) to reach the University's website, where a copy of the Position Description can be accessed. Please download a copy from the Related Documents section before commencing your application.
• Applications for this position will only be accepted from those with Australian residency or a valid work permit.

Your application:

Your application must include:

• Your resume.
• A cover letter outlining your motivation to apply for this opportunity.
• A statement addressing the Essential Criteria listed below (these may differ slightly from the Position Description, please only respond to the below in your application).

1. Undergraduate degree in business/finance (or similar), or an equivalent combination of relevant education/training and/or experience.
2. Proven experience in strategic procurement management, preferably within the university or government sector, managing a diverse range of initiatives across an infrastructure, technology, corporate services or research and academic portfolio (medium to large portfolio of spend >$50m annually).
3. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the demonstrated ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels.
4. Strategic mindset with the ability to think analytically and solve complex procurement scenarios, driving savings via innovation.
5. Extensive knowledge of procurement best practice and the procurement lifecycle.

Please upload your Cover Letter and response to the requested Criteria as one PDF document. This document should not exceed 4 pages (approximately 2,000 words).

Contact Us

For specific position enquiries, please contact Tamarin King, Associate Director, Strategic Procurement on (02) 4055 0961 or via email tamarin.king@newcastle.edu.au

Having technical difficulties? Please reach out to us: employment@newcastle.edu.au Please note, we do not accept email applications.

Closing date: Tuesday 30 April, 2024 at 11.59pm AEST

We are excited to be Looking Ahead with you

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