EL1 Assistant Director - Procurements & Contracts
Location
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
Category
Accounting & Finance
Salary
Posted
07-Oct-2025
Work type
Full Time
Contact
Neville Smith
Reference
177065
We are seeking an experienced EL1 Assistant Director in Strategic Sourcing four out client within their procurement team. This is a 6 month non ongoing position with potential extension and offers the opportunity to lead a small, dedicated team responsible for high-value procurement and contract management, supporting key organisational needs. This role is vital in ensuring compliance, efficiency, and value for money while maintaining organisational integrity and impartiality.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead end-to-end procurement processes for goods, services, and ICT, including planning, market research, tender and RFQ/RFP preparation, evaluation, negotiations, and contract oversight.
- Ensure all procurement activities comply with Commonwealth legislation, PGPA Act, CPRs, and organisational policies, upholding probity and political neutrality.
- Provide expert procurement advice to senior stakeholders on options, risks, and contractual terms.
- Manage supplier relationships, oversee contract performance, variations, dispute resolution, and close-out processes.
- Develop and maintain procurement plans aligned with organisational priorities and upcoming activities.
- Build and sustain relationships with suppliers, industry networks, and panel vendors across various sectors like ICT, logistics, and event services.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including process enhancements and sustainable procurement practices.
- Prepare reports, briefings, dashboards, and procurement outcomes for senior leadership, audit, and parliamentary oversight.
- Mentor and supervise procurement staff, fostering professional development and ensuring consistency with policies and procedures.
- Maintain accurate procurement documentation and records in accordance with audit and transparency standards.
- Tertiary qualifications in Commerce, Business, Supply Chain/Procurement, Law, or a related field. Strong knowledge of CPRs, PGPA Act, and legislative requirements.
- Proven experience managing complex or high-value procurements, including ICT and logistical projects, preferably within government or public sector environments.
- Demonstrated capability in commercial analysis, risk management, and delivering results under tight timeframes.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with the ability to influence and negotiate with diverse internal and external partners.
- Strong leadership qualities, capable of managing and developing a small team while prioritising multiple projects.
- Exceptional organisational skills, with the ability to oversee multiple procurement activities and anticipate organisational needs.
- Personal integrity, professionalism, and a strong commitment to electoral integrity, organisational values, and impartiality.
- Experience in contract negotiation, supplier performance management, and working under high-pressure conditions, especially during electoral or operational events.
At Chandler Macleod, we are committed to fostering a diverse workforce where everyone is welcome. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, neurodiverse, people living with a disability and the LGBTIQA+ community.
You can read more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion at https://www.chandlermacleod.com/diversity-and-inclusion.