Associate Director Strategic Procurement

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer the Associate Director Strategic Procurement shapes procurement strategy governance and operations across a portfolio valued in excess of $400M. With the major transformation to a centralised procurement model now complete this role focuses on optimisation capability and value creation - ensuring procurement continues to deliver genuine impact across the University.

The Role

As Associate Director Strategic Procurement you will:

• Lead a capable and engaged team delivering efficient transparent and value-driven procurement across the University.
• Oversee major sourcing activities and provide strategic advice on complex high-value procurements.
• Partner with internal stakeholders and suppliers to achieve best-practice procurement planning value-for-money outcomes and effective governance across diverse categories.
• Leverage data systems and insights to strengthen governance planning and performance.
• Foster a culture of collaboration and service helping staff and stakeholders navigate processes confidently and engage meaningfully with procurement.

This 5-year fixed-term senior contract position is based at our Callaghan campus (Awabakal land) with hybrid work flexibility (up to 40% work-from-home).

About You

Youre an experienced and people-centred procurement leader who combines strategic insight with operational excellence. You bring credibility sound judgement and a calm pragmatic approach to complex environments.

Youll also bring:

• Significant experience leading complex high-value procurement functions (typically 10 years).
• A track record of delivering procurement capability systems and planning.
• Strong stakeholder and supplier engagement skills with the ability to influence at executive level.
• A supportive empowering leadership style that builds capability and fosters collaboration.
• Commercial acumen with a focus on value creation governance contract negotiation and continuous improvement.
• Experience in higher education government or large public-sector organisations (highly regarded).

Why Join Us

This is a chance to build on the success of a highly respected function leading a capable and engaged team through its next stage of maturity. You will have the opportunity to influence procurement outcomes across a large diverse organisation - from major infrastructure projects and research procurement to enterprise-wide sourcing and supplier strategy.

• Competitive pay and leave:Circa $170000$220000 (including superannuation)generous leave entitlements and salary packaging options.
• Flexibility and balance:35-hour work week hybrid work options and family-friendly policies to help you balance work and life.
• Campus Lifestyle: On-site parking access to a gym pool medical centre cafes childcare and more.
• Career Development: Advance your career with LinkedIn Learning leadership programs mentoring education support and exclusive resources via our Capability & Development Hub.
• Wellbeing Support: Take advantage of staff wellbeing programs confidential EAP discounted fitness passport and a corporate health plan.
• Explore More: See our benefits at a glance.

How to apply

Click Apply to be redirected to our website where you can review the full Position Description and submit your application.

Please submit:

1. Your CV
2. A cover letter (maximum four pages) that broadly addresses the essential criteria.

You do not need to respond to each criterion focus on describing your approach to procurement and people leadership supported by examples of how you have led complex high-value procurement activities built strong stakeholder and supplier relationships and developed high-performing teams. Your submission should highlight how your skills and experience align with the key priorities and context of this role.

Applications Close: 12pm (AEDT) 18th November 2025

Contact Us

We are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you need adjustments or support at any stage please contact Jenny Newell Talent Acquisition Specialist. All requests will be handled with care and confidence.

For role-specific enquiries please contact Paul McCubbin Chief Financial Officer at

Our University

For 60 years the University of Newcastle has been dedicated to outstanding education and research. Were proud to be ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide and among the top 40 globally for impact. Across our campuses in Newcastle the Central Coast Sydney and Singapore we enrol more than 37000 students and are one of the regions largest employers.

The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas. We extend that respect to the homelands of our students and staff. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present. We are fully committed to building on our strengths in Indigenous higher education and providing a supportive space for our Indigenous students staff and communities.

The University of Newcastle is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. We value the unique backgrounds experiences and perspectives each person brings to our community and strive to create a culture of belonging where everyone can thrive. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples women people with diverse gender identities and sexualities people living with disability and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

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