Senior Specialist, Procurement & Sourcing

Deakin University; Geelong; Hybrid; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

On-site facilities and parking

Professional development opportunities

Staff discounts

Job summary

Deakin University in Geelong is seeking a Senior Specialist, Procurement & Sourcing to lead strategic sourcing initiatives and develop innovative procurement strategies that deliver cost savings and long-term value across the University.

You will collaborate with stakeholders and suppliers to drive supplier performance, manage risk and compliance, and champion continuous improvement in procurement outcomes and processes.

Qualifications

• Strategic sourcing with focus on supplier negotiations and contract management.
• Managing end-to-end procurement processes with data analysis to supplier selection.
• Stakeholder management to lead sourcing plans delivering cost savings and efficiency.
• Ability to build relationships and drive continuous improvement in procurement processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic sourcing and procurement activities, including market analysis, supplier evaluation, contract negotiations, and supplier selection to deliver value-driven outcomes.
• Develop and implement procurement strategies aligned with University objectives, maximizing supplier performance, innovation, quality, service levels, and cost effectiveness.
• Drive commercial and operational results through cost savings, cost avoidance, performance improvements, data analysis, and continuous evaluation of procurement outcomes.
• Ensure governance, compliance, and risk management, maintaining adherence to policies, legal and ethical requirements while mitigating supplier, contract, and supply chain risks.
• Build strong stakeholder relationships and lead continuous improvement, acting as a trusted advisor, managing change, coaching others, improving procurement processes and systems, and fostering a high‑performance, inclusive culture.

Job description

Senior Specialist, Procurement & Sourcing

At Deakin, we offer more than just a job - we offer a lifestyle. Across our campuses in Geelong, Melbourne, and regional Victoria, you’ll find everything you need to thrive: on-site childcare, gyms, medical centres, cafes, accessible public transport, and convenient parking. Enjoy flexible working arrangements that support your work-life balance, generous leave entitlements including extended parental leave and the option to purchase additional time off, plus a wide range of staff discounts on travel and more. Our health and wellbeing services, ongoing professional development opportunities, and inclusive, supportive culture make Deakin a place where you can grow - whether you're working remotely or immersed in the vibrant energy of campus life.

Position overview

As the Senior Specialist, Procurement & Sourcing, you will lead strategic sourcing initiatives and develop innovative procurement strategies that deliver cost savings, operational efficiencies, and long‑term value across the University. Working closely with stakeholders and suppliers, you will drive supplier performance, manage risk and compliance, champion continuous improvement, and act as a trusted advisor to support informed decision‑making and achieve outstanding business outcomes.

As a Senior Specialist, Procurement & Sourcing you will:

• Lead strategic sourcing and procurement activities, including market analysis, supplier evaluation, contract negotiations, and supplier selection to deliver value‑driven outcomes.
• Develop and implement procurement strategies aligned with University objectives, maximising supplier performance, innovation, quality, service levels, and cost effectiveness.
• Drive commercial and operational results through cost savings, cost avoidance, performance improvements, data analysis, and continuous evaluation of procurement outcomes.
• Ensure governance, compliance, and risk management, maintaining adherence to policies, legal and ethical requirements while mitigating supplier, contract, and supply chain risks.
• Build strong stakeholder relationships and lead continuous improvement, acting as a trusted advisor, managing change, coaching others, improving procurement processes and systems, and fostering a high‑performance, inclusive culture.

To be successful, you’ll have experience in:

• Strategic sourcing with a strong focus on strategy development, supplier negotiations, and contract management.
• Property, Construction, Property Technology, Digital & ICT
• Managing end-to-end procurement processes, from data analysis, identifying needs to supplier selection and contract award.
• Stakeholder management with the ability to lead, influence and implement sourcing plans that result in cost savings and process efficiencies.

Pre-employment safety and suitability checks: In accordance with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender‑based Violence, appointment to this role is subject to successful completion of relevant pre‑employment checks, including Working With Children Checks and candidate gender‑based violence declarations.

Candidates may be asked to declare whether they have been investigated for an allegation of Gender‑based Violence, or determined to have engaged in conduct that constitutes Gender‑based Violence during the course of their previous employment, or otherwise in a legal process. A declaration is not required from individuals who have experienced gender‑based violence. A ‘Yes’ response does not automatically exclude a candidate from employment, and any information provided will be treated confidentially and considered only for relevance to the role and the University’s safety obligations.

Are You Ready? Deakin is a Victorian university with a global impact. We are an agile, dynamic, and innovative university committed to making a positive impact through our excellence in education, research and innovation and the contributions we make to the wider community.

We understand that our reputation has been built on the dedication and expertise of our staff and we offer a dynamic and diverse working environment with opportunities to grow and develop careers. We believe that a progressive, thriving culture will ensure that people choose to come, and stay at Deakin and contribute to our ongoing success.

We value diversity and aim to build an inclusive environment that champions, embraces and respects differences. We support and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people of all abilities, cultures, sexual orientation, and genders.