About our University

The University of Newcastle stands as a global leader distinguished by a commitment to equity and excellence. Our vision is to be a world-leading University for our regions and creating a better future for our regions and the globe. Underpinned by this vision are our values of excellence, equity, engagement and sustainability.

About the Unit

The Legal and Compliance team is part of the Resources Division, which provides a range of professional support services to the Academic Senate, the Council, the Vice-Chancellor, senior executives and other officers within the Colleges and Divisions.

Legal and Compliance provides independent and objective advice, and is committed to a policy of timely, cost-effective and professional services. The main functions consist of:

• Legal
• Compliance
• Complaints
• Privacy
• Right to Information (GIPA)
• Strategic Procurement
• Public Interest Disclosures

The Strategic Procurement team provides advice and assistance on a variety of matters, including:

• End to end management of RFx processes for:

1. Information Technology Services
2. Infrastructure and Facilities Services
3. Corporate Services

• Exemption from policy applications
• Strategic purchasing
• Data and reporting

Be challenged and imagine with us

In this role you will:

• Provide expert, evidence-based advice to support informed decision making, policy development and practical solutions
• Lead and support a team of Procurement Managers to ensure they are equipped to provide stakeholders with the appropriate information, ensuring value for money procurement across the University
• Drive and implement the University’s Indigenous Procurement Strategy
• Build relationships with key stakeholders and across service function teams to leverage cross- functional synergies

This 5-year, fixed term position is full time and will be located at the Callaghan Campus (Awabakal and Worimi country).

How will you inspire us?

The successful candidate will hold relevant qualifications and be able to demonstrate significant practical experience in providing professional strategic procurement advice, with the ability to develop creative solutions to problems. As a confident communicator with proven negotiation and advocacy skills, you will be a proven leader, with the ability to build, develop and nurture a high-performing team. Along with relevant experience and a thorough understanding of procurement techniques, you will also possess an outcome focused mindset with a track record of building and maintaining meaningful relationships with key stakeholders and team members.

We provide opportunities for all people regardless of their background and experience, and this philosophy is reflected across all that we do.

The University of Newcastle is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity and social inclusion. Women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.

What we offer

The remuneration for this position is based on a Senior Staff position within the organisation and will align with experience and seniority.

For information on our employee benefits (such as flexible working, discounts in private health insurance and gym memberships and salary packaging) please visit here.

Your next steps

Please visit here for a guide on how to apply for a role.

If viewing this on a job board other than the University's please click ‘Apply’ to reach the University's website, where a copy of the Position Description can be accessed. Please download a copy before commencing your application.

Your application must include:

• Your resume
• A cover letter outlining your motivation to apply for this opportunity
• A statement addressing the Essential Criteria listed below

1. A degree in accounting/business or equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training, including a minimum of 10 years’ experience in a procurement role.
2. Demonstrated understanding of a wide range of procurement techniques including high value and high-risk tendering, benchmarking, resource planning, purchasing, reporting and contract cycle planning.
3. Demonstrated ability to positively motivate and lead a team with a focus on service excellence and partnering.
4. Extensive contractual and commercial negotiation experience.
5. Ability to influence across a range of stakeholder groups up to senior executive level.
6. Ability to build and develop relationships and networks in a consultative and collaboratively manner forming mutually beneficial partnerships.

Please upload your Cover Letter and response to the requested Criteria as one PDF document.

For the full list of the selection criteria and role responsibilities, please download the Position Description (available in the Related Documents section below).

Due to the nature of this role, the University may require the preferred candidate to undertake further pre-employment checks.

For specific position enquiries, please contact Daniel Bell, General Counsel via email Daniel.Bell@newcastle.edu.au

Having Difficulties? Please reach out to us: employment@newcastle.edu.au

Closing date: Extended to Sunday 26 March 2023 at 11.59pm AEDT

We are excited to be Looking Ahead with you