Associate Director - Strategic Procurement

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Associate Director, Strategic Procurement shapes procurement strategy, governance and operations across a portfolio valued in excess of $400M. With the major transformation to a centralised procurement model now complete, this role focuses on optimisation, capability, and value creation - ensuring procurement continues to deliver genuine impact across the University.

The Role

As Associate Director, Strategic Procurement, you will:

• Lead a capable and engaged team delivering efficient, transparent and value-driven procurement across the University.
• Oversee major sourcing activities and provide strategic advice on complex, high-value procurements.
• Partner with internal stakeholders and suppliers to achieve best-practice procurement planning, value-for-money outcomes, and effective governance across diverse categories.
• Leverage data, systems and insights to strengthen governance, planning, and performance.
• Foster a culture of collaboration and service, helping staff and stakeholders navigate processes confidently and engage meaningfully with procurement.

This 5-year fixed-term senior contract position is based at our Callaghan campus (Awabakal land), with hybrid work flexibility (up to 40% work-from-home).

About You

You’re an experienced and people-centred procurement leader who combines strategic insight with operational excellence. You bring credibility, sound judgement, and a calm, pragmatic approach to complex environments.

You’ll also bring:

• Significant experience leading complex, high-value procurement functions (typically 10+ years).
• A track record of delivering procurement capability, systems, and planning.
• Strong stakeholder and supplier engagement skills, with the ability to influence at executive level.
• A supportive, empowering leadership style that builds capability and fosters collaboration.
• Commercial acumen with a focus on value creation, governance, contract negotiation and continuous improvement.
• Experience in higher education, government, or large public-sector organisations (highly regarded).

Why Join Us?

This is a chance to build on the success of a highly respected function, leading a capable and engaged team through its next stage of maturity. You will have the opportunity to influence procurement outcomes across a large, diverse organisation - from major infrastructure projects and research procurement to enterprise-wide sourcing and supplier strategy.

• Competitive pay and leave: Circa $170,000–$220,000 (including superannuation), generous leave entitlements and salary packaging options. 
• Flexibility and balance: 35-hour work week, hybrid work options and family-friendly policies to help you balance work and life.
• Campus Lifestyle: On-site parking, access to a gym, pool, medical centre, cafes, childcare, and more.
• Career Development: Advance your career with LinkedIn Learning, leadership programs, mentoring, education support, and exclusive resources via our Capability & Development Hub.
• Wellbeing Support: Take advantage of staff wellbeing programs, confidential EAP, discounted fitness passport and a corporate health plan.
• Explore More: See our benefits at a glance.

How to apply

Click ‘Apply’ to be redirected to our website, where you can review the full Position Description and submit your application.

Please submit:

1. Your CV
2. A cover letter (maximum four pages) that broadly addresses the essential criteria.

You do not need to respond to each criterion individually. Instead, focus on describing your approach to procurement and people leadership, supported by examples of how you have led complex, high-value procurement activities, built strong stakeholder and supplier relationships, and developed high-performing teams. Your submission should highlight how your skills and experience align with the key priorities and context of this role.

Contact Us

We are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you need adjustments or support at any stage, please contact Jenny Newell, Talent Acquisition Specialist, jenny.newell1@newcastle.edu.au, +612 4055 0612. All requests will be handled with care and confidence.

For role-specific enquiries, please contact Paul McCubbin, Chief Financial Officer at paul.mccubbin@newcastle.edu.au.

Our University

For 60 years, the University of Newcastle has been dedicated to outstanding education and research. We’re proud to be ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide and among the top 40 globally for impact. Across our campuses in Newcastle, the Central Coast, Sydney, and Singapore, we enrol more than 37,000 students and are one of the region's largest employers.

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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