Procurement and Contract Manager

FIRST PEOPLE Recruitment Solutions; Canberra; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

First People Recruitment Solutions in Canberra is seeking an experienced procurement and contract management professional to join the Technology Sourcing Branch as an Assistant Director (EL1 equivalent). You will lead a multi-disciplinary team through a high-volume ICT procurement environment, running tender processes, establishing contracts and monitoring supplier performance.

This full-time labour hire contract starts in November 2026 for up to 12 months, with options to extend.

Qualifications

• End-to-end procurement and contract management experience, ideally ICT/technology.
• Leadership experience with coaching and mentoring a team.
• Strong written communication and ability to prepare briefs and reports.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a multi-disciplinary team, setting priorities and coaching staff.
• Manage high-volume ICT procurement and contract management activities with quality and compliance.
• Run tender processes, due diligence on bids and vendors, and establish contracts with clear performance expectations.
• Monitor supplier performance across the contract life cycle to control costs and reduce risk.
• Provide strategic advice to internal and external stakeholders to support procurement decisions.
• Prepare complex correspondence, reports and briefings for senior staff and executives.
• Develop and maintain procurement policies and drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Procurement management

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Written communication

Analytical thinking

Job description

First People Recruitment Solutions – Canberra ACT

Services Australia delivers payments and services to millions of Australians through Centrelink, Medicare and Child Support. Within the agency, the Technology Sourcing Branch (TSB) manages ICT procurement for software, hardware, proofs of concept and complex support services. It does this for Services Australia and for its shared services partners: the Department of Veterans' Affairs, the Department of Social Services and the National Disability Insurance Agency. The branch's work keeps essential technology platforms secure, reliable and fit for purpose for some of the government's largest service delivery agencies.

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced procurement and contract management professional to join TSB as an Assistant Director (EL1 equivalent). You will lead a multi-disciplinary team through a constant flow of ICT procurement activity. This includes running tender processes, establishing and managing contracts, and monitoring supplier performance. You will also be a trusted adviser to stakeholders across the agency. This is a high-volume, fast-paced environment that needs sound judgement, attention to detail and the ability to keep quality high while balancing competing priorities.

Key Duties

• Lead and manage a multi-disciplinary team, setting priorities, managing workflow and building capability through coaching and mentoring.
• Manage a high volume of ICT procurement and contract management activities while maintaining quality, accuracy and compliance.
• Undertake and manage tender processes, including due diligence on bids and vendors, and establish contracts with clear performance expectations.
• Monitor supplier performance across the contract life cycle to control costs, manage risk and achieve value for money.
• Provide strategic advice to internal and external stakeholders to support efficient, effective, economical and ethical procurement decisions.
• Prepare and review complex or sensitive correspondence, reports and briefings, including for senior staff and the Executive.
• Develop and maintain procurement policies, procedures and frameworks, and drive continuous improvement in work practices.

Key Skills and Capabilities

• Proven experience in end-to-end procurement and contract management, ideally in an ICT or technology environment.
• Sound knowledge of the PGPA Act 2013, the Commonwealth Procurement Rules 2025 and Whole of Australian Government contracting arrangements.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, with the ability to coach and mentor a team while managing competing priorities and changing direction.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build productive relationships with internal clients and suppliers.
• Excellent written communication skills, including preparing briefs, reports and correspondence that meet Commonwealth style requirements.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and risk-based decision-making skills, with the ability to work independently under broad direction.
• The ability to perform in a busy, high-volume environment without compromising quality, judgement or attention to detail.

This is a full-time labour hire contract, starting in November 2026 for up to 12 months, with options to extend.

10am, 19th October 2026.

FIRST PEOPLE Recruitment Solutions is a majority Aboriginal owned agency providing contingent contracts, fixed term contracts and permanent recruitment solutions to Government and Corporate Australia.

Our Head Office is based in Canberra with a national reach to all the states and territories, regional and remote areas of Australia.

FIRST PEOPLE Recruitment Solutions acknowledges the traditional owners of country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respect to them and their cultures; and to elders past, present and emerging.