Supply Chain Strategic Procurement Lead

Austal Ships; Fremantle; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Professional development

Career advancement

Inclusive work environment

Job summary

Austal Ships is seeking a Strategic Procurement Lead to manage a broad portfolio of procurement activities across goods, services, and minor construction contracts. You will oversee sourcing, tenders, supplier engagement, and contract management to ensure value for money and adherence to compliance.

Two direct reports will report to you: an Operational Procurement Lead and a Category Specialist. You will provide expert advice to internal stakeholders, drive continuous improvements in procurement

Qualifications

• Tertiary-level qualifications in procurement, supply chain, contractual law, or a similar field.
• Excellent influencing and negotiation skills.
• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Experience working in a computerised ERP environment, preferably IFS.
• 10+ years of supply chain/procurement experience.
• Experience in an engineering/manufacturing or equivalent business.
• CIPS qualifications in supply chain management.

Responsibilities

• Develop long-term procurement strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Provide expert advice and strategic insights to optimise procurement practices.
• Analyse market trends, supplier landscapes, and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Collaborate with senior leadership on procurement planning and performance.
• Oversee the procurement process from sourcing to supplier engagement.
• Manage day-to-day contract management, ensure compliance and resolve issues.
• Manage end-to-end tender processes and maintain supplier relationships.

Skills

Influencing skills

Negotiation skills

Stakeholder management

ERP experience (IFS)

Procurement leadership

Education

Procurement / Supply Chain degree

CIPS qualifications

Tools

IFS ERP

Job description

About the Opportunity

Based in Cairns, QLD (or WA). The Strategic Procurement Lead will manage a diverse range of procurement activities across goods, services, and low-value minor construction contracts to ensure business requirements are met while delivering value for money. This role oversees the entire procurement lifecycle, from sourcing,tender and supplier engagement to contract management and compliance.

As the key point of contact for internal stakeholders, the Strategic Procurement Lead will provide expert advice and operational insights to optimize procurement practices across all categories. This includes ensuring alignment with organizational goals and promoting continuous improvement in procurement processes.

Role has two direct reports:

• Operational Procurement Lead
• Category Specialist

About Austal

Austal is Australia's global shipbuilder, Defence prime contractor; and maritime technology partner of choice. We design, construct, and support defence and commercial vessels for the world's leading operators with operations spanning Australia, the USA, Philippines, and Vietnam.

Our In-Service Support division provides routine servicing and preventative maintenance through to complex system overhauls. Our maintenance solutions cover the full lifecycle of a vessel. We integrate original design knowledge with operational insights to ensure every intervention is cost-effective and aligned with customer requirements.

Backed by our extensive shipbuilding heritage and international supply chain, our global network ensures fleets remain mission-ready and performing at their highest capability throughout their operational life.

Learn more at austal.com

This is your opportunity to contribute to projects of national significance. The maritime is now.

What's Involved

• Developing long-term procurement strategies to align with business objectives


• Providing expert advice and strategic insights to optimise procurement practices


• Analysing market trends, supplier landscapes, and identifying opportunities for cost savings or process improvements


• Collaborating with senior leadership on procurement planning and performance


• Overseeing the procurement process from sourcing to supplier engagement


• Managing day-to-day contract management, ensuring compliance, and resolving issues


• Managing the end-to-end tender process


• Maintaining supplier relationships, managing supplier performance, and negotiating terms


• Handling minor construction contracts and ensuring their execution aligns with organisational requirements


• Implementing procurement strategies and policies at the operational level


• Managing purchase orders, overseeing bids, and executing contracts


• Ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery of goods, services, and construction projects


• Supporting internal stakeholders with procurement needs and managing related administrative tasks

You'll Need

Essential

• Tertiary-level qualifications in procurement, supply chain, contractual law, or a similar field


• Excellent influencing and negotiation skills


• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management capabilities


• Experience working in a computerised ERP environment, preferably IFS


• 10+ years of supply chain/procurement experience


• Experience in an engineering/manufacturing or equivalent business


• CIPS qualifications in supply chain management

Why Join Us

• Competitive compensation and benefits package


• Professional development and training opportunities


• A supportive and dynamic work environment


• Opportunities for career advancement within our growing organisation

At Austal we are committed to providing a safe and inclusive work environment for all. We believe that achieving greater diversity will enhance our operations and as such we actively encourage Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders, people of all backgrounds, ages, sexual orientation, and those with Disability to apply. Veterans are also encouraged to apply.

Learn more at Careers at Austal Australia | Austal: Australia