Procurement Lead

Port of Townsville; Townsville City; On-site; AUD 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Australian port authority is seeking a Lead Procurement professional to manage procurement activities and drive cost efficiency. This role requires strong negotiation skills and experience in supplier engagement. You will lead the procurement team and champion best practices while ensuring alignment with business objectives in a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusivity.

Benefits

Flexibility

Professional development opportunities

Work-life balance

Qualifications

• Proven experience in managing procurement processes from strategy to contract execution.
• Strong negotiation skills and ability to drive cost and risk reductions.
• Ability to build effective partnerships with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end procurement activities for various categories.
• Develop procurement strategies that deliver measurable value.
• Mentor and oversee the procurement team to enhance performance.

Skills

End-to-end procurement management

Cost savings

Negotiation

Supplier engagement

Team mentoring

Job description

Join our dynamic and rapidly expanding team as we embark on an exciting journey of organisational growth and innovation, working towards our vision of becoming Australia’s Port for the Future.

• Work on meaningful initiatives that will help create prosperity for the North Queensland’s communities.
• Enjoy an environment that provides attractive benefits including flexibility, true work-life balance and generous opportunities for professional development.

About the Port

The Port of Townsville Limited (the Port) has been actively shaping the future of Townsville and North Queensland for 160 years.

Today, we are Australia’s largest port for zinc, lead, copper, sugar and fertiliser. Additionally, we handle more motor vehicles and containerised goods than any other port in Northern Australia. The goods that flow through our ports are grown, mined, manufactured and used to better the lives of more than 800,000 people across a vast catchment area, spanning from Hinchinbrook to the Burdekin and west to Mount Isa.

On average, more than 8 million tonnes of goods, worth more than $10 billion, cross our wharves each year. Thanks to our customers, we are one of the country’s most diverse ports, linking more than 30 different commodities to 130 ports in 44 countries.

The Townsville port is also an increasingly strategic forward mounting location in Australia’s Defence capabilities, as well as an important tourism enabler due to its modern dedicated cruise ship terminal.

Working with us

The Port of Townsville is expanding its team of passionate and innovative professionals as we undergo a period of significant and sustainable growth.

We are currently undertaking the biggest port expansion in our history, trade volumes are expected to triple by 2050 as new projects in rare earth, critical minerals and renewable energy come to realisation and demand for Defence and cruise shipping capacity is rapidly increasing.

In the coming years we will be challenged to continue to deliver highly competitive day to day port operations, drive improvements in sustainability across all areas of the business and deliver major capital works projects that will ensure our capacity to facilitate the trade demands of the future.

We are currently looking for exceptional talent to join our team as we embark on this journey. Are you a proactive and ambitious individual with a passion for making a real impact? This is your chance to be part of a collaborative and forward-thinking environment where your ideas and contributions will be valued.

The Port provides a supportive workplace culture that is committed to improving diversity and fostering inclusivity. With a strong focus on nurturing growth and continuous learning, you'll have the resources and guidance to excel in your role and beyond.

About the role and you

As the Lead Procurement, you will take ownership of a portfolio of spend categories and procurement initiatives that support both capital and operational goals. You will be responsible for leading end-to-end procurement processes, driving cost and risk reduction through negotiations, and building strong, collaborative partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.

Experience you’ll need

• Manage end-to-end procurement activities, including strategy development, tenders, negotiations, contract execution, and contract management. This includes taking the lead responsibility for preparing and finalising all tender and contract documentation and processes
• Developing and implementing procurement strategies that deliver measurable value through cost savings, risk mitigation, and supplier consolidation
• Manage select high-value and complex goods and services contracts (inc. capital projects) using best practice contract management principles to ensure sourcing outcomes are achieved, while monitoring and reporting on performance and compliance
• Partnering with internal stakeholders to influence decisions and ensure procurement supports business objectives
• Championing best practice procurement processes, governance, and supplier engagement, embedding a culture of continuous improvement
• Oversee, mentor, and develop the procurement team—assign tasks, monitor performance, and facilitate continuous learning and cross-functional training.

For a more comprehensive understanding of the position's requirements, please refer to the Position Description available on our website.

Application process

• Click apply and follow the prompts
• Attach your current resume and a cover letter to your application
• Applications close 11pm Sunday, 19 October 2025

At the Port of Townsville, we value and celebrate the diversity of our community and recognise that it enriches our workplace. We strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds to come forward, confident that you will be met with respect and consideration. We are committed to ensuring our working environment is safe and welcoming.

If you are an applicant who faces challenges due to cultural barriers or disabilities, please know that we are here to support you throughout the application process. We strive to create a welcoming and accessible recruitment experience for all candidates, and we encourage you to approach us if you require any assistance or accommodations.

Together, let's build a workforce that thrives on inclusivity and embraces the strengths that everyone brings to our team.

Port of Townsville Limited is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.