Senior Program Officer

South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid Flexibility

Access to free health programs

Extra Leave

Support for professional development

Job summary

A health services organization in Melbourne seeks a Senior Program Officer to oversee contract management and improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations. This role involves building strong provider relationships, managing service commissioning, and ensuring delivery quality. Candidates should have proven experience in contract management and financial tracking. This position offers hybrid flexibility and support for professional growth.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in commissioning, contract management, and service procurement.
• Strong organisational skills with a proactive approach.
• Financial management skills and experience tracking budgets.

Responsibilities

• Oversee contracts for commissioned services.
• Manage procurement processes in line with policies.
• Develop relationships with service providers.
• Monitor budgets and financial reporting.
• Collaborate with teams to integrate services.
• Provide support to Program Officers.

Skills

Contract management

Negotiation skills

Stakeholder engagement

Financial management

Problem-solving

Collaboration

Job description

Overview

Join a purpose-driven team improving health outcomes for priority populations across our region.

Are you an experienced health sector professional who thrives on managing contracts, building strong provider relationships, and delivering evidence-based health programs? We’re looking for an Interim Senior Program Officer to oversee commissioning activities and lead contract management for services that make a real difference in people’s lives.

Who We Are

At South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (SEMPHN), we connect the health system so people get the right care, in the right place, at the right time. We work with GPs, hospitals, aged care, pharmacies, and community providers to improve health outcomes for more than 1.6 million people across our region. Our focus includes mental health, alcohol and other drugs, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, aged care, and workforce development.

About the Role

As Senior Program Officer – Commissioning, you will:

• Oversee contracts for commissioned services, ensuring they meet agreed deliverables, quality standards, and reporting requirements
• Manage procurement processes in line with SEMPHN policies and commissioning frameworks
• Develop strong relationships with service providers, building their capacity and supporting performance improvement
• Monitor budgets, payment schedules, and financial reporting for assigned portfolios
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate services across the healthcare system
• Provide guidance, coaching, and support to Program Officers within your team
• Contribute to continuous improvement, quality assurance, and clinical risk management initiatives

Your work will directly influence the design, delivery, and sustainability of health services that address the needs of our community’s most vulnerable populations.

About You

You bring:

• Proven experience in commissioning, contract management, and service procurement
• Strong organisational skills with a proactive approach to problem-solving
• Excellent negotiation, influencing, and stakeholder engagement abilities
• Financial management skills and experience tracking program budgets
• A collaborative mindset and a commitment to continuous improvement in healthcare

Why You’ll Love It Here

• Hybrid Flexibility: Work from home and the office
• Wellbeing First: Access to free health and support programs
• Extra Leave: Festive leave, carers’ leave, and leave loading
• Growth Opportunities: Support for professional development and career progre

Applications close at COB on 15 September. Interviews may commence prior to the closing date for suitable candidates.

At SEMPHN, we’re committed to fairness, equity, and inclusion. We know the best teams are built on diverse perspectives and lived experiences. We also know that many from marginalised groups may hesitate to apply unless they meet 100% of requirements. But here’s the thing, even if you are unsure, we’d still love to hear from you - your unique experience might be just what we’re looking for!

Want to know more about us? Check us out at https://www.semphn.org.au/

Job Details

• Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Public Relations
• Industries: Hospitals and Health Care