Procurement & Sourcing Senior Specialist

• Enjoy flexible work arrangements with a hybrid model, with travel expectations to our Melbourne campuses
• Multiple full-time positions available (1 continuing and 1 fixed term for 2 years)

Benefits for working with us

At Deakin, we offer more than just a job — we offer a lifestyle. Across our campuses in Geelong, Melbourne, and regional Victoria, you'll find everything you need to thrive: on-site childcare, gyms, medical centres, cafes, accessible public transport, and convenient parking. Enjoy flexible working arrangements that support your work-life balance, generous leave entitlements including extended parental leave and the option to purchase additional time off, plus a wide range of staff discounts on travel and more. Our health and wellbeing services, ongoing professional development opportunities, and inclusive, supportive culture make Deakin a place where you can grow — whether you're working remotely or immersed in the vibrant energy of campus life.

Position overview

The Senior Specialist, Procurement & Sourcing is a responsible for leading procurement and sourcing efforts, stakeholder engagement, optimising supplier relationships, ensuring compliance, and driving strategic initiatives to drive value across the University.

As a Senior Specialist, Procurement & Sourcing you will:

• Lead sourcing initiatives, including market analysis, supplier selection, negotiation and contract award.
• Achieve demonstrated competitive, value add strategic sourcing outcomes, measured through financial cost savings, performance improvements, cost avoidance and sustained business benefit.
• Develop high quality, fit for business sourcing strategies services that are aligned with the university's objectives that achieve the maximum contribution from suppliers. Further supported by SLAs, cost, quality and innovation that support business needs.
• Ensure all procurement and sourcing activities comply with university policies, legal requirements, and ethical standards and identify and mitigate risks associated with procurement activities, supplier contracts, and supply chain disruptions.
• Lead improvement activities and adopt new ideas to optimise procurement processes, policies and technologies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. Promote a culture of continuous improvement within the procurement team and the broader university.

To be successful, you'll have:

• Postgraduate qualifications and extensive relevant experience; or
• Extensive experience and management expertise; or
• An equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training
• Extensive experience in procurement and strategic sourcing roles, with a strong focus on supplier negotiations, and contract management.
• Proven track record in managing end-to-end procurement processes, from identifying needs to supplier selection and contract award.
• Experience in leading and implementing procurement strategies that have resulted in cost savings and process efficiencies.
• Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and procurement compliance obligations

Here's how to apply:

Only people with the right to work in Australia may apply for this position.

Please submit your updated resume and a short cover letter outlining your skills and experience by clicking the 'Apply' button.Please also indicate your preference in role.

For a confidential discussion regarding this role, please contact Rasanga Premaratne (Senior Manager, Category Management) on [emailprotected] .

For a copy of the position description, please see below:

Applications for this position close on Sunday, 24 August 2025 at 11:55pm.

Are You Ready?

Deakin is a Victorian university with a global impact. We are an agile, dynamic, and innovative university committed to making a positive impact through our excellence in education, research and innovation and the contributions we make to the wider community.

We understand that our reputation has been built on the dedication and expertise of our staff and we offer a dynamic and diverse working environment with opportunities to grow and develop careers. We believe that a progressive, thriving culture will ensure that people choose to come, and stay at Deakin and contribute to our ongoing success.

We value diversity and aim to build an inclusive environment that champions, embraces and respects differences. We support and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people of all abilities, cultures, sexual orientation, and genders.

Salary match Number of applicants Skills match

Turning 50 is a key milestone for the Deakin community. We're transitioning from a young University to a more established institution that's turning ideas into impact.

Deakin's unique identity – rooted in balanced excellence in education and research – has been driving lasting change for a better future since 1974.

Over our 50+ year history, Deakin has grown to be one of the top universities worldwide. Our passion and commitment to teaching, research and student success is recognised by local and international ranking bodies and our students.

#1 Victorian uni for graduate employment, Course Satisfaction & Student Support

#2 Victorian uni for research quality

Turning 50 is a key milestone for the Deakin community. We're transitioning from a young University to a more established institution that's turning ideas into impact.

Deakin's unique identity – rooted in balanced excellence in education and research – has been driving lasting change for a better future since 1974.

Over our 50+ year history, Deakin has grown to be one of the top universities worldwide. Our passion and commitment to teaching, research and student success is recognised by local and international ranking bodies and our students.

#1 Victorian uni for graduate employment, Course Satisfaction & Student Support

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What can I earn as a Sourcing Specialist