Strategic Procurement Specialist

The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 108,000 - 117,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging options

12% superannuation

Job summary

The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research is seeking a Strategic Procurement Specialist to lead high-value procurement activities across research, operational and infrastructure priorities.

You will develop sourcing strategies, run major tenders, manage market engagement, conduct evaluations, negotiate contracts and oversee supplier performance within governance and compliance frameworks. This full-time role offers generous salary packaging and a strong team environment.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in strategic procurement, sourcing and market engagement.
• Experience managing high-value and complex procurement activities, including capital projects and infrastructure procurements.
• Strong commercial acumen and contract negotiation skills.
• Experience in contract management, supplier relationship management and supplier performance monitoring.
• Sound knowledge of procurement governance, compliance and risk management principles.
• Experience in research, healthcare, university or scientific environments would be highly regarded.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex procurement activities, including major tenders, market engagement processes, procurement evaluations and commercial negotiations.
• Develop and manage commercial agreements and contract management arrangements to maximise value and mitigate risk.
• Collaborate with Procurement and Asset Management and other internal stakeholders to meet business requirements and support project delivery.
• Manage relationships with key suppliers and strategic partners, promoting collaboration and continuous improvement while ensuring supplier performance and risk management.

Skills

Strategic procurement

Sourcing & market engagement

Contract negotiation

Contract management

Supplier relationship management

Risk management

Analytical skills

Stakeholder engagement

Governance & compliance

Communication & negotiation

Education

Tertiary qualifications and/or procurement certification

Job description

Job TitleStrategic Procurement SpecialistJob DescriptionAn excellent opportunity is available for a Strategic Procurement Specialist to join the Services and Infrastructure department at Australia’s pre-eminent biomedical research institute.About the PositionThe Strategic Procurement Specialist leads the delivery of high-value and strategically significant procurement activities, ensuring that procurement outcomes support the Institute’s research, operational and infrastructure objectives.Using contemporary procurement and commercial practices, the role develops and implements sourcing strategies, market engagement approaches and procurement plans that deliver value, manage risk and support informed decision-making across the Institute. The role provides specialist expertise in the procurement of scientific equipment, research infrastructure, technology platforms, facilities-related services and other complex goods and services.The role leads complex procurement activities, including major tenders, market engagement processes, procurement evaluations and commercial negotiations, ensuring that procurement activities are delivered professionally and in accordance with Institute policies, governance requirements and best-practice standards. In addition, the Strategic Procurement Specialist develops and manages commercial agreements and contract management arrangements to maximise value, support effective supplier performance and mitigate commercial risk. The role works closely with the Procurement and Asset Management team and other Services and Infrastructure and broader internal stakeholder groups to ensure procurement and contracting solutions meet stated business requirements and support successful project delivery.The role manages relationships with key suppliers and strategic partners, promoting collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement while ensuring supplier performance, risk and compliance requirements are effectively managed.Selection CriteriaEssential Knowledge and Skills:Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or professional procurement certification.Demonstrated significant experience in strategic procurement, sourcing and market engagement.Experience managing high-value and complex procurement activities, including capital projects, scientific equipment or infrastructure procurements.Strong commercial acumen and contract negotiation skills.Experience in contract management, supplier relationship management and supplier performance monitoring.Sound knowledge of procurement governance, compliance and risk management principles.Well-developed analytical skills, including the ability to provide insights and recommendations to support decision-making.Experience within research, healthcare, university or scientific environments would be highly regarded.Personal Qualities:Ability to work autonomously and exercise sound judgement when managing complex procurement, commercial and supplier-related matters.Well-developed analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to interpret information, assess risk and develop practical solutions.Ability to build effective working relationships and work collaboratively with researchers, professional staff, suppliers and external stakeholders.Strong communication, negotiation and influencing skills, with the ability to engage and work effectively with people at all levels of the organisation.Demonstrated commercial acumen and the ability to balance stakeholder requirements, organisational objectives and governance obligations.Demonstrated integrity, professionalism and accountability in the management of procurement, commercial and contractual activities.Terms of AppointmentThis position is an ongoing role in a full time capacity. Salary is Professional Services Employee Level 7 ($108,119 - $117,039). Very attractive salary packaging options are available for general living expenses, meal entertainment, novated leasing and more. 12% superannuation payable, plus up to a further 5% after the first 6 months of service via our matching superannuation scheme.General enquiries and be directed to [e-mail].A position description is available here.How to ApplyPlease apply by uploading your CV, cover letter and a document addressing the key selection criteria in pdf format.Application Closing Date: Sunday 29 November 2026.