• Flexible location + hybrid work arrangements
• Full-time and fixed-term for 5 years
• An attractive salary package on offer + 17% Superannuation

Why work with us?

Deakin is a Victorian university with a global impact. We are agile and innovative, and committed to making a positive impact through our excellence in education and research and the contributions we make to the wider community. As one of Australia’s largest universities, Deakin has strong global linkages, world-class research and an education portfolio that blends the best of campus and digital delivery into a highly supportive and personalised student experience. We're proud to be a progressive and open-minded university, delivering the highest student satisfaction in Victoria and consistently ranked in the top 1% of the world's universities.

At Deakin, you will enjoy a range of benefits, including various leave options such as generous parental leave and the ability to purchase additional leave; flexible working arrangements to help manage your work-life balance; ongoing learning and development opportunities to advance your career; an inclusive, supportive culture and environment to work in, both online and on campus.

About the role

As trusted advisors and collaborative partners, the Finance and Assurance function provides a range of services to all parts of the university to drive financial sustainability and provide expert advice and compliance assurance to support delivery of the University Strategy and operational activities.

Our Finance function is responsible for leading the financial planning and end-to-end finance management, analysis and insight to promote financially sustainable operations including responsible and strategic procurement practices. 

The Associate Director, Strategic Sourcing brings extensive, specialist Procurement knowledge and leadership experience. Reporting to the Executive Director, Procurement, the Associate Director manages a team of eight, with a focus on Infrastructure, Digital and Academic University wide services. The role is recognised as a principal specialist in strategic sourcing and leads and motivates a team of professionals to collaborate and deliver outstanding advice and services to our stakeholders. The role will involve interactions with senior stakeholders, particularly to develop and collaborate, business focused sourcing strategy. The role also leads the enhancement of practices and methodology in strategic sourcing and recommends solutions to more complex university-wide issues.

As Associate Director, Strategic Sourcing, you will:

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of skilled procurement professionals, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment. Provide guidance and support to team members in delivering strategic initiatives, ensuring their growth and development.
• Develop and implement strategic initiatives that align with Deakin’s goals and future needs.
• Provide expert Procurement leadership to support the Senior Director, Procurement, Executive Team and other stakeholders across the University.
• 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 that achieve the maximum contribution from suppliers. Further supported by SLAs, cost, quality and innovation that support business needs.

To be successful, you’ll have:

• Qualifications and procurement leadership experience commensurate with appointment at level.
• A sound knowledge and understanding of Procurement Strategy and cross category strategic sourcing initiatives.
• Demonstrated capacity to build and maintain strong and productive relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers, partners and customers.
• Highly developed consulting, interpersonal, communication (written and oral) and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated capacity for analytical and conceptual thought in the diagnosis of problems and in providing innovative, timely, relevant and practical solutions.

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

 PD - Associate Director, Strategic Sourcing.pdf

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 Lisa Williams – Executive Director, Procurement on lisa.williams@deakin.edu.au  

Applications for this position close on Sunday, 15 June 2025

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.