Specialist, Procurement

Job no: 575785

Work type: Full-time

Location: Flexible

Categories: Finance

• Enjoy flexible work arrangements with a hybrid model, with travel expectations to our Melbourne campuses
• Full-time and continuing position available
• $118,801 - $136,018 (HEW % Superannuation

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 Specialist, Procurement & Sourcing is responsible for analysis and advice on aspects of the University's strategic procurement operations and is responsible for delivering end-to-end complex sourcing of University goods and services that deliver value-for-money to client business areas and works closely with other teams to support delivery of the University's strategic objectives through provision of strategic sourcing expertise and advice.

As a Specialist, Procurement & Sourcing you will:

• Leading and managing complex procurement projects and initiatives, including sourcing, bidding, and contract negotiations. Ensure that procurement activities are conducted in a fair, transparent, and compliant manner.
• Manage the sourcing process, including issuing requests for proposals (RFPs), evaluating bids, and selecting suppliers. Ensure competitive pricing and optimal contract terms.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with key suppliers and stakeholders. Negotiate contracts, manage supplier performance, and resolve issues to ensure high-quality service delivery and value for money
• Establish effective stakeholder management and communications, using informal and formal channels of communication, including the preparation of sourcing plans, complex evaluation and negotiation reports, briefings and presentations to influence senior stakeholders and achieve sourcing objectives.
• Identify and implementing improvements to procurement processes and practices to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and compliance. Develop and promote best practices in strategic procurement.

To be successful, you'll have:

• Postgraduate qualifications or progress towards 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 and management expertise in a Procurement environment
• Demonstrated experience in drafting high level position papers, reports, briefings and other documents.

Here's how to apply:

Please submit your updated resume and a short cover letter outlining your skills and experience.

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

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.

Advertised: 11 Aug 2025 AUS Eastern Standard Time

Applications close: 24 Aug 2025 AUS Eastern Standard Time