Head of Commercial and FinOps

Shape the future of digital transformation through strategic commercial leadership and financial innovation.

The University of Newcastle is seeking an experienced Head of Commercial and FinOps to lead strategic sourcing, vendor management, and financial operations that underpin our digital transformation agenda.

 The Role

Reporting to the Deputy Chief Digital & Information Officer, you will:

• Develop and implement commercial strategies aligned with the University’s digital goals.
• Lead vendor management and procurement activities to deliver value and mitigate risk.
• Drive FinOps practices to optimise cloud and technology spend, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Establish governance frameworks and performance metrics for commercial and financial operations.

This position is based at our Callaghan Campus and will be offered on a five-year fixed-term contract basis.

 About You

You’re a senior leader with:

• Postgraduate qualifications in Management, IT, or Business (or equivalent experience).
• Proven ability to lead strategic and operational commercial functions.
• Experience in FinOps or cloud financial management, including cost optimisation and forecasting.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills.
• Expertise in sourcing strategies, vendor partnerships, and governance frameworks.
• A demonstrated proactive bias toward delivery outcomes by anticipating potential obstacles, taking initiative to resolve issues early, and prioritising actions that accelerate progress toward agreed objectives.

 About Digital Technology Solutions (DTS)

DTS delivers cutting-edge, innovative and cost-effective digital solutions and services to the University’s staff and students, enabling excellence in education, research, and engagement. We are repositioning as a technology integrator, broker, trusted advisor, and innovator—empowering the University to deliver on the next phase of our strategic journey.

 Why Join Us?

At the University of Newcastle, we’re proud to be ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide and our rankings for Climate Action (2^nd globally) and for Good Health and Wellbeing (9^th globally) put us among the top 40 globally for impact. We offer:

Competitive contract terms: Market competitive remuneration package (includes a generous employer superannuation contribution) on a five-year fixed term contract basis. 

Flexibility and balance: Family-friendly policies, childcare centres and leave entitlements to support carer responsibilities.

Wellbeing: We are a healthy university, with staff wellbeing programs, confidential EAP, discounted fitness passport, corporate health plans and medical centre.

Explore More: See our benefits at a glance.

 Your Next Steps

If viewing this on a job board other than the University’s, please click ‘Apply’ to reach our website where you can access the Position Description. Please download a copy before commencing your application.

Applications for this position will only be accepted from those with Australian citizenship, permanent residency or a valid work permit for the duration of the contract term.

Your application must include:

Current resume/CV including qualifications and relevant training; and

Cover letter outlining your motivation and addressing the essential criteria listed below (using examples): 

• Demonstrated ability to lead both operational and strategic commercial functions, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and digital transformation priorities.
• Ability to design and execute strategic sourcing strategies that deliver long-term value, supplier diversity, and risk mitigation.
• Strong ability to influence stakeholders and lead cross-functional teams to achieve strategic commercial, IT sourcing, and FinOps objectives—driving cost optimization and value realization.
• Ability to foster collaborative supplier partnerships that support strategic objectives and deliver measurable outcomes.
• Demonstrated experience in FinOps or cloud financial management, including cost optimisation, forecasting, and stakeholder engagement

Your Cover Letter should not exceed 4 pages (approximately 2,000 words).

For specific position enquiries, please contact, Sam O’Connor, Senior Manager Change and Projects, Digital Technology Solutions via email sgb160@newcastle.edu.au

Having difficulties with your application? Please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team via employment@newcastle.edu.au, quoting reference DTSWPC106

Closing date: Wednesday 28^th January 2026 at 11:59pm AEDT

Our assessment process

Typically candidates that progress beyond the shortlist stage can expect to undertake the following (minimum) assessment activities as part of the recruitment process:

• Interview (an ‘in person’ interview will be conducted as part of the process)
• Referee checks
• Pre-employment checks as appropriate to the role

Our University is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for every member of our community. This commitment is central to our values and our efforts to build a diverse workforce where everyone can thrive.

As part of this, and in alignment with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence 2025, from 1 January 2026, the University will also consider gender-based violence risk factors as part of our recruitment processes.

This change is about more than compliance—it’s about living our values. Together, we can ensure our University remains a place where respect, safety, and inclusion are non-negotiable.

The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas. We extend that respect to the homelands of our students and staff. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present. We are fully committed to building on our strengths in Indigenous higher education and providing a supportive space for our Indigenous students, staff and communities.

The University of Newcastle is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. We value the unique backgrounds, experiences and perspectives each person brings to our community and strive to create a culture of belonging where everyone can thrive. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, people with diverse gender identities and sexualities, people living with disability, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

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