"Associate Director, Strategic Procurement"

Job Description:

• Drive Excellence in Procurement and Contracts Management
• UC Level 10, Salary Range $141,713 pa - $150,142 pa plus 17% Super
• Full Time, Continuing Opportunity

About us:

University of Canberra’s vision is that “Together we work to empower, connect and share knowledge with our people, cultures and places.” UC is engrained in the local community, and we aim to challenge the status quo through the pursuit of excellence in teaching, learning and research. The University of Canberra has been ranked in the top 7 universities in the world for reducing inequalities (THE Impact Rankings 2024).

About the role:

Our Finance & Analytics team is seeking for an Associate Director, Strategic Procurement to join the team. Responsible for leading and enhancing the University’s procurement and contracts management function, this role is pivotal to the ensuring compliance, mitigating purchasing risks, and delivering a value-for-money sourcing across the institution. Reporting to the CFO, this role provides University of Canberra with a strategic direction and oversight of procurement operations

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives and tender processes across the University.
• Managing a team of professionals
• Build a results-driven Procurement and Contracts function with a strong customer service ethos.
• Foster strong relationships with stakeholders, clients, and vendors.
• Maximise compliance with procurement policies and influence positive buying behaviours.
• Implement audit recommendations and support contract renewals and improvements.
• Develop category expertise in IT, Professional Services, Facilities Management, and Student & Academic Services
• Provide high-level commercial advice across the University.

About you:

To be considered for this role, you will have:

• Relevant qualifications or equivalent experience
• Proven experience in strategic procurement and contract management.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder engagement skills.
• A commitment to compliance, sustainability, and continuous improvement.
• A strong commercial acumen and the ability to influence and drive change across large and complex organisations.
• An understanding of higher education could be advantageous

Offerings/ Benefits/ Culture:

The University offers excellent conditions and benefits such as:

• Flexible working arrangements and Family-friendly policies
• On campus Gym, Medical services, Cafes, Post office, Supermarket and Childcare facilities.
• Professional Development offerings (study assistance, corporate programs and discounts)
• Innovative work environment with a diverse and inclusive culture
• Access to Employee Assistance Program and a corporate private Health Plan (Bupa)

University of Canberra is a values based organisation and sets a goal to be the national sector leader in equity, diversity, inclusion and access via Connected – A Decadal Strategy 2023-2032. UC encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Eligibility:

• Applicants who wish to apply for this position should have valid working rights at the time of submission.
• The University of Canberra is committed to the safety of vulnerable and young people. As such, successful applicants will be required to have a current ACT working with vulnerable people registration. For further details on how to apply please click https://www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au

How to apply:

Please apply with you CV and a cover letter addressing your suitability and what you can bring to the role. Please ensure you take the time to align your CV with the Position Description requirements. We want to understand how your skills and experience relate to the position you are applying for.

If you are initially shortlisted, you may be asked to complete an online one-way video interview. There will be a list of pre-set questions that will need to be answered within a stipulated time.

For job specific information: Peter Shipp – Chief Financial Officer - Peter.Shipp@canberra.edu.au - 02 62015856, alternatively please contact via the COO office on coo@canberra.edu.au

For recruitment and application questions: please contact the Talent Solutions team on 02 6206 3867 or email uctalent@canberra.edu.au. If you would like to request a reasonable adjustment to the selection process, please feel free to contact us.

Closing date: 11.55pm, Sunday 16 November 2025

Posted:

24/10/2025