Head of Commercial and FinOps
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Job Location:
Monthly Salary:
Posted on:
2 days ago
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
Shape the future of digital transformation through strategic commercial leadership and financial innovation.
The University of Newcastle is seeking an experienced Head of Commercial and FinOps to lead strategic sourcing vendor management and financial operations that underpin our digital transformation agenda.
The Role
Reporting to the Deputy Chief Digital & Information Officer you will:
- Develop and implement commercial strategies aligned with the Universitys digital goals.
- Lead vendor management and procurement activities to deliver value and mitigate risk.
- Drive FinOps practices to optimise cloud and technology spend ensuring transparency and accountability.
- Establish governance frameworks and performance metrics for commercial and financial operations.
This position is based at our Callaghan Campus and will be offered on a five-year fixed-term contract basis.
About You
Youre a senior leader with:
- Postgraduate qualifications in Management IT or Business (or equivalent experience).
- Proven ability to lead strategic and operational commercial functions.
- Experience in FinOps or cloud financial management including cost optimisation and forecasting.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills.
- Expertise in sourcing strategies vendor partnerships and governance frameworks.
- A demonstrated proactive bias toward delivery outcomes by anticipating potential obstacles taking initiative to resolve issues early and prioritising actions that accelerate progress toward agreed objectives.
About Digital Technology Solutions (DTS)
DTS delivers cutting-edge innovative and cost-effective digital solutions and services to the Universitys staff and students enabling excellence in education research and engagement. We are repositioning as a technology integrator broker trusted advisor and innovatorempowering the University to deliver on the next phase of our strategic journey.
Why Join Us
At the University of Newcastle were proud to be ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide and our rankings for Climate Action (2nd globally) and for Good Health and Wellbeing (9th globally) put us among the top 40 globally for impact. We offer:
Competitive contract terms:Market competitive remuneration package (includes a generous employer superannuation contribution) on a five-year fixed term contract basis.
Flexibility and balance: Family-friendly policies childcare centres and leave entitlements to support carer responsibilities.
Wellbeing: We are a healthy university with staff wellbeing programs confidential EAP discounted fitness passport corporate health plans and medical centre.
Explore More: See ourbenefits at a glance.
Your Next Steps
If viewing this on a job board other than the Universitys please click Apply to reach our website where you can access the Position Description. Please download a copy before commencing your application.
Applications for this position will only be accepted from those with Australian citizenshippermanent residency or a valid work permit for the duration of the contract term.
Your application must include:
Current resume/CV including qualifications and relevant training; and
Cover letter outlining your motivation and addressing the essential criteria listed below (using examples):
- Demonstrated ability to lead both operational and strategic commercial functions ensuring alignment with organisational goals and digital transformation priorities.
- Ability to design and execute strategic sourcing strategies that deliver long-term value supplier diversity and risk mitigation.
- Strong ability to influence stakeholders and lead cross-functional teams to achieve strategic commercial IT sourcing and FinOps objectivesdriving cost optimization and value realization.
- Ability to foster collaborative supplier partnerships that support strategic objectives and deliver measurable outcomes.
- Demonstrated experience in FinOps or cloud financial management including cost optimisation forecasting and stakeholder engagement
Your Cover Letter should not exceed 4 pages (approximately 2000 words).
For specific position enquiries please contact Sam OConnor Senior Manager Change and Projects Digital Technology Solutions via email
Having difficulties with your application Please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team via quoting reference DTSWPC106
Closing date: Wednesday 28th January 2026 at 11:59pm AEDT
Our assessment process
Typically candidates that progress beyond the shortlist stage can expect to undertake the following (minimum) assessment activities as part of the recruitment process:
- Interview (an in person interview will be conducted as part of the process)
- Referee checks
- Pre-employment checks as appropriate to the role
Our University is committed to creating a safe respectful and inclusive environment for every member of our community. This commitment is central to our values and our efforts to build a diverse workforce where everyone can thrive.
As part of this and in alignment with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence 2025 from 1 January 2026 the University will also consider gender-based violence risk factors as part of our recruitment processes.
This change is about more than complianceits about living our values. Together we can ensure our University remains a place where respect safety and inclusion are non-negotiable.
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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Required Experience:
Director
Key Skills
- Business Development
- Compliance
- Revenue Growth
- Customer Services
- Account Management
- Staff Meetings
- Communication
- CRM
- Client Relationships
- Market Research
- Project Management
- Contract Management
- Business Units
- daily operation
- Logistics
