Senior Supplier Relationship Specialist

The Role

As the Senior Supplier Relationship Specialist you play a key role within Digital Technology Solutions (DTS) and are responsible for developing and maintaining strategic partnerships with our suppliers.

In this role you will:

• Build and nurture strong, strategic relationships with key managed service partners to ensure high‑quality, reliable and cost‑effective digital services.
• Partner closely with cross‑functional teams across DTS and the University to align service delivery with evolving business needs and strategic digital priorities.
• Identify opportunities for service optimisation, innovation, and continuous improvement across managed service arrangements.
• Lead governance frameworks, performance reporting, and escalation processes that support service excellence and supplier accountability.

This full-time position is a permanent role at a HEW 9 located at Callaghan Campus (Awabakal Land).

How will you inspire us?

You will have:

• Demonstrated extensive experience leading strategic supplier and vendor relationships within complex IT and digital service environments, including the end‑to‑end management of high‑value and high‑risk contracts, ensuring alignment with organisational strategy, performance expectations and long‑term commercial objectives.
• Extensive experience establishing and leading supplier governance frameworks, including executive‑level forums, performance assurance, risk management, escalation and issue resolution processes, ensuring supplier accountability, contract compliance, service quality, and proactive risk mitigation.
• A demonstrated track record of delivering tangible commercial outcomes, including cost efficiencies, service improvements, contract optimisation and innovation outcomes, using performance analytics, benchmarking, and structured performance management to maximise return on investment and supplier contribution.
• Proven expertise in IT procurement and commercial negotiation.
• Proven expertise in stakeholder engagement evidenced by an ability to influence at all levels of an organisation and to work collaboratively with cross functional teams and external partners to deliver on agreed and desired results and outcomes.

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.

What we offer

In addition to working for a university that is breaking boundaries, discovering new ways of thinking and cementing a place as a global leader, we offer a range of benefits to our employees to ensure you balance your commitments, stay healthy and work effectively. 

These include: 

• The remuneration for this position is from $136,030 - $ 145,745 p.a. + superannuation and is commensurate with skills and experience
• Flexible working arrangements (in line with the University’s Flexible Work Policy
• 17% super and salary packaging
• Additional University Holiday days, generous personal leave and parental leave, annual leave loading and additional purchased leave scheme
• Discounts in private health insurance, gym memberships, software, travel and more
• A range of support and wellbeing programs.

Your next steps 

Important information before you apply: 

• 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 must include: 

• Current resume/CV including qualifications and relevant training; and
• Cover letter outlining your motivation and addressing each of the criteria listed below the ‘how will you inspire us – you will have:’ heading in this advert using an example for each to demonstrate

Please upload your Cover Letter and response to the requested points as one PDF document. This document should not exceed 3 pages. 

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

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.

The completion and return of the University’s Gender-based Violence Declaration Form will form part of the pre-employment checks for this position and any offer of employment will be conditional upon review by the University.

Our adherence to the Code 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.

Reasonable Adjustments 

If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process to support your application, please let us know. This information will help us understand how best to support you and ensure an equitable and inclusive recruitment process. 

Please be assured that anything you share will be treated respectfully and appropriately. Our goal is to provide the best environment for every candidate to demonstrate their suitable skills and experience.

Please reach out to employment@newcastle.edu.au if you are experiencing any difficulties or would like to discuss reasonable adjustments. 

Applications for this position will only be accepted from those with Australian residency or a valid work permit. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. 

Closing date: Tuesday, 10^th February 11:59pm AEDT

We are excited to be Looking Ahead with you

The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Birpai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.