Principal Procurement Advisor

LGA South Australia; Adelaide; Hybrid; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Job summary

LGA Procurement, a self-funded subsidiary of the Local Government Association, seeks a Principal Procurement Advisor to lead complex projects and provide senior advice to councils and stakeholders. You will guide supplier panels, commercial approaches and contract management, fostering strong partnerships and governance across South Australia.

The role emphasizes strategic sourcing, policy compliance, and capability development, with a flexible hybrid work environment and opportunities to

Qualifications

• Extensive experience delivering end-to-end procurements, including complex or strategic sourcing in public sector contexts.
• Solid understanding of procurement policies, contract management and data systems.
• Knowledge of Australian Contract Law and related acts and their practical application.
• Proficiency with Unimarket, DocuSign and CRM platforms.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end procurement projects (goods, services, works) from planning to award.
• Prepare acquisition plans, RFx, evaluation plans and contract documents.
• Chair or lead evaluation panels for designated procurements.
• Improve supplier panels and advise on sourcing strategies and risk.
• Deliver training/workshops to uplift procurement capability.
• Produce reports and recommendations for informed decisions.

Skills

End-to-end procurement

Public sector procurement

Contract management

Stakeholder engagement

Risk management

Education

Tertiary qualification in procurement/related field

CIPS accreditation

Tools

Unimarket

DocuSign

CRM platforms

Job description

LGA Procurement is a self-funded subsidiary of the Local Government Association. We partner with South Australian councils to deliver best practice procurement outcomes. We provide strategic advice, tendering and contracting services, procurement resources, professional development, and access to sector-wide contracts that create value, efficiency and compliance across local government. As part of our team, you'll contribute to initiatives that strengthen procurement capability and support better outcomes for councils and communities throughout South Australia.

About the role

As the Principal Procurement Advisor, you will play a key role in the procurement process. You will lead defined and complex procurement projects and provide senior specialist advice to councils and internal stakeholders. The role leads the development and ongoing administration of assigned supplier panels and complex sourcing activities, recommending commercial approaches and award outcomes.

The Principal Procurement Advisor acts as the key contact for procurement enquiries, resolving matters within delegation and escalating contentious or high-risk issues for final decision.

Key responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end procurement projects (goods, services, works), including planning, market engagement, evaluation and recommendation
• Prepare acquisition plans, RFx, evaluation plans, and contract documents
• Chair or act as lead advisor to evaluation panels for designated procurements
• Lead the continuous improvement, administration and optimisation of assigned supplier panels
• Provide expert procurement and commercial advice to councils and stakeholders on sourcing strategies, contract management and risk management
• Design and deliver standard training and targeted workshops to uplift procurement capability
• Deliver reports, presentations and recommendations that support informed decision-making and effective outcomes.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of policies, templates and guidance materials
• Foster effective supplier and customer partnerships and contribute to business development opportunities

About you

• Extensive experience, or relevant tertiary qualification in procurement, contract management, business, finance or a related field. CIPS accreditation is highly regarded
• Substantial experience delivering end-to-end procurements, including complex/strategic sourcing in public sector contexts
• Working knowledge of procurement tools such as Unimarket, contract management and data systems
• Knowledge of Australian Contract Law, Local Government Act, other applicable law and Acts and their application (for example commercial contracting, insurance, warranties, competition and intellectual property) and their practical application in procurement and contracting
• Proficiency with DocuSign, CRM platforms, Unimarket
• Local government or similar industry experience
• Understanding of the role of LGA Procurement and LGA
• Flexible, hybrid work environment
• A supportive and enjoyable team culture
• Ability to contribute real change and ideas
• Work from a modern office in the east end of the CBD
• Active social club
• Employee development and health and well-being programs

Enquiries directly to John Kelly, Manager Procurement Advisory Services, LGA Procurement

Applications close at 5 pm Monday, 12th October 2026.

For a copy of the position description, please visit https://www.lga.sa.gov.au/lgaprocurement/about-us/employment-opportunities/_nocache

LGA embraces diversity and strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people from culturally diverse backgrounds.

Your application will include the following questions:

• Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia?

What can I earn as a Procurement Adviser