Strategic Procurement Specialist

Job Title

Strategic Procurement Specialist

Job Description

An excellent opportunity is available for a Strategic Procurement Specialist to join the Services and Infrastructure department at Australia’s pre-eminent biomedical research institute.

About the Position

The Strategic Procurement Specialist leads the delivery of high-value and strategically significant procurement activities, ensuring that procurement outcomes support the Institute’s research, operational and infrastructure objectives.

Using contemporary procurement and commercial practices, the role develops and implements sourcing strategies, market engagement approaches and procurement plans that deliver value, manage risk and support informed decision-making across the Institute. The role provides specialist expertise in the procurement of scientific equipment, research infrastructure, technology platforms, facilities-related services and other complex goods and services.

The role leads complex procurement activities, including major tenders, market engagement processes, procurement evaluations and commercial negotiations, ensuring that procurement activities are delivered professionally and in accordance with Institute policies, governance requirements and best-practice standards. In addition, the Strategic Procurement Specialist develops and manages commercial agreements and contract management arrangements to maximise value, support effective supplier performance and mitigate commercial risk. The role works closely with the Procurement and Asset Management team and other Services and Infrastructure and broader internal stakeholder groups to ensure procurement and contracting solutions meet stated business requirements and support successful project delivery.

The role manages relationships with key suppliers and strategic partners, promoting collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement while ensuring supplier performance, risk and compliance requirements are effectively managed.

Selection Criteria
Essential Knowledge and Skills:

• Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or professional procurement certification.
• Demonstrated significant experience in strategic procurement, sourcing and market engagement.
• Experience managing high-value and complex procurement activities, including capital projects, scientific equipment or infrastructure procurements.
• Strong commercial acumen and contract negotiation skills.
• Experience in contract management, supplier relationship management and supplier performance monitoring.
• Sound knowledge of procurement governance, compliance and risk management principles.
• Well-developed analytical skills, including the ability to provide insights and recommendations to support decision-making.
• Experience within research, healthcare, university or scientific environments would be highly regarded.

Personal Qualities:

• Ability to work autonomously and exercise sound judgement when managing complex procurement, commercial and supplier-related matters.
• Well-developed analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to interpret information, assess risk and develop practical solutions.
• Ability to build effective working relationships and work collaboratively with researchers, professional staff, suppliers and external stakeholders.
• Strong communication, negotiation and influencing skills, with the ability to engage and work effectively with people at all levels of the organisation.
• Demonstrated commercial acumen and the ability to balance stakeholder requirements, organisational objectives and governance obligations.
• Demonstrated integrity, professionalism and accountability in the management of procurement, commercial and contractual activities.

​​​​​​​Terms of Appointment
This position is an ongoing role in a full time capacity. Salary is Professional Services Employee Level 7 ($108,119 - $117,039). Very attractive salary packaging options are available for general living expenses, meal entertainment, novated leasing and more. 12% superannuation payable, plus up to a further 5% after the first 6 months of service via our matching superannuation scheme.  

General enquiries and be directed to recruitment@wehi.edu.au.

A position description is available here.

How to Apply
Please apply by uploading your CV, cover letter and a document addressing the key selection criteria in pdf format.

Application Closing Date: 22 November 2026.