Principal Consultant Contracts

Department of Education WA; Perth; Hybrid; AUD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Generous leave entitlements

Professional development opportunities

Access to salary packaging

Proximity to public transport

Job summary

Department of Education WA is seeking Principal Consultants for contract management roles in East Perth. These professionals will manage high-risk contracts, ensuring compliance and quality assurance while providing expert procurement advice. Ideal candidates will demonstrate knowledge of public sector contracting, with strong written and verbal communication skills.

The role offers flexible working arrangements and generous leave entitlements, making it an attractive opportunity for skilled consultants looking to contribute to educational services in Western Australia.

Qualifications

• Substantial knowledge of the public sector contracting framework.
• Experience developing and managing complex, high-risk contracts.
• Highly developed written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate, develop and manage contracts for the Department.
• Conduct probity, compliance and quality assessments on contracts.
• Provide expert advice on strategic procurement and contract management.

Skills

Knowledge of public sector contracting framework

Written communication skills

Oral communication skills

Interpersonal communication skills

Analytical skills

Leadership and collaboration

Job description

Department of Education WA – East Perth WA

Infrastructure Operations are seeking to establish a pool of Principal Consultant Contracts for permanent and fixed term, full‑time and part‑time vacancies which may arise during 2026 and up to the end of June, 2027. Appointments may be offered at any time for vacancies that commence during this period.

Education Business Services (EBS) is the key provider of professional business services and support for Western Australian public schools, statutory boards and divisions of the Department. These highly valued services are delivered through the areas of finance, information communication and technologies (ICT), and infrastructure. We continually strive to enhance the capability and responsiveness of our staff, systems and processes across the organisation to deliver high quality education.

The Infrastructure Division has responsibility for the provision of facilities (land, buildings and equipment), which include demographic forecasting and facilities planning, strategic asset management, capital works programmes and the maintenance and minor works programmes.

The Role

Principal Consultants will facilitate, develop and manage complex and/or high‑risk whole of Department and school‑facing contracts including procurement planning, contract formation, contract documentation and evaluation in consultation and negotiation with Departmental stakeholders. They will undertake probity, compliance and quality assessment of contract documents and submissions, complete quality assurance of contract and procurement approval procedures and processes, and provide expert advice on strategic procurement, complex contract planning development and management.

Key Qualifications

Suitable applicants will ideally have substantial knowledge and understanding of the public sector contracting framework and experience in developing and managing complex, high‑risk contracts. Experience using highly developed written communication skills in preparing complex procurement and technical documents is encouraged. Highly developed oral and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to negotiate and consult effectively at senior levels in the private and public sectors will be highly desired.

Professional Benefits

• Flexible working arrangements are genuinely considered to create healthy work life balance including working from home and flexible working hours.
• Generous leave entitlements including annual, personal, long service and parental leave.
• Professional development opportunities and study leave/assistance.
• Access to salary packaging (in accordance with relevant industrial instruments).
• Enjoy easy access to public transport with the Claisebrook train station just a 5‑minute walk away, or, take advantage of the free Yellow Cat bus service that stops outside our building entrance. Additionally, various CPP parking locations are within walking distance.

Equity and Diversity

We are committed to an inclusive and culturally responsive workforce reflecting the diversity in our workplaces and the Western Australian community. We welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, young people, people of diverse sexualities and genders, people with disability, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Eligibility Requirements

• Be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent resident or have a valid visa with relevant work rights for the term of the appointment.

Application Instructions

Apply online in two easy steps:

1. Step 1: Select Apply for Job.
   • Complete the online application form, including details of two (2) work‑related referees, preferably one being your current line manager.
   • Provide a CV of up to four (4) pages outlining your employment history and professional learning summary relevant to this position.
   • Provide a three (3) page statement addressing the following selection criteria as outlined in the attached JDF:
     • Demonstrated substantial knowledge and understanding of the public sector contracting framework and experience in developing and managing complex, high‑risk contracts.
     • Demonstrated highly developed written communication skills with experience in preparing complex procurement and technical documents.
     • Demonstrated highly developed oral and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to negotiate and consult effectively at senior levels in the private and public sectors.
     • Demonstrated highly developed conceptual and analytical skills with the ability to provide innovative solutions to complex problems and issues.
     • Demonstrated highly developed skills in providing leadership and working collaboratively to manage a range of complex projects.
2. Step 2: Ensure all attachments are ready before selecting Apply for Job. Your application must be received before the closing date and time. Late applications will not be accepted.

For technical support submitting your application, you can call the Department of Education’s Recruitment team on (08) 9264 41*** for assistance.

Advertised Vacancy Number: DOE1042289

The Department applies a four (4) day breach period to this selection process.

Applications close: 4.30pm (AWST) on Monday, 6 July 2026

Contact: Katherine Cook, Manager, Strategic Asset Services on (08) 9264 50*** or by emailing [e-mail]