Assistant Manager, Strategic Procurement

Finance, Strategy and Business Intelligence

Continuing, full-time

$110,591 to $128,345 per annum (HEO8)

Plus 17% employer superannuation

Salary packaging options are available

20 days family and domestic violence leave available per annum

20 days gender affirmation leave per annum

10 days Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural and ceremonial leave per annum

5 weeks annual leave plus Christmas week shutdown, per annum

Armidale based role. Flexible or hybrid work arrangements available

Relocation assistance provided

Applicants must have appropriate Australian work rights for the duration of this position (UNE will not provide sponsorship for this position)

UNE position title: Sourcing and Category Assistant Manager

Acknowledgement of Country

The University of New England (UNE) is a regionally based, globally networked university renowned for the quality of its student experience and the excellence of its research specialisations. In addition, UNE pioneered teaching to external students making it the most experienced provider of distance and innovative online education.

UNE emphasises its people, staff and students' growth and development. We aspire to be a leader in innovation and change and a centre for the Armidale and the North-West communities.

Equity, diversity and inclusion are central to the core values of UNE and we are committed to engaging, supporting and growing a richly diverse workforce. From the Oorala Aboriginal Centre at the heart of our campus, to the inclusive organisations such as the UNE Ally Network, the UNE Women’s Society, and the many international cultural groups - all will feel valued and respected at UNE.

You will embody the UNE values and strive to be Open, Enquiring, Exceptional and Making a Difference. Additionally, you will be committed to achieving the goals embedded in the Future Fit Strategic Plan 2021-2030.

About the role

As Assistant Manager, Strategic Procurement, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the University’s supplier relationships and boosting our competitive edge. You’ll lead innovative sourcing projects, manage key spend categories—especially across our Estate, Built Environment, and Technology portfolios—and help deliver value through strategic procurement initiatives. Working alongside business partners and reporting to the Head of Strategic Procurement, you’ll champion category and contract management, ensuring our procurement strategy delivers results across the University. If you’re passionate about making a difference and thrive in a dynamic environment, this is your opportunity to help shape UNE’s future.

About you

To be successful in this role, you will have:

Advanced expertise in procurement, with a strong track record in sourcing, category management, and contract and supplier management

Proven ability to interpret complex data and deliver strategic, value-driven outcomes through robust analytical skills

Exceptional leadership experience, including leading cross-functional teams to deliver innovative procurement solutions in fast-paced environments

Outstanding communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence and build strong relationships at all levels

Proactive, change-ready mindset, with a focus on aligning procurement strategies to broader organisational objectives

Postgraduate qualification in a relevant field (or progress towards one), combined with extensive senior-level procurement experience—or equivalent education and expertise.

About the Group

Finance, Strategy and Business Intelligence (FSBI) consists of three main areas: Financial Services, Procurement and Business Intelligence. The division’s vision is for UNE to have an integrated and effective planning, finance and performance management framework that supports the decentralised management of resources, where UNE has the data and analysis needed to achieve excellence. FSBI is recognised for its financial transparency and consistently meeting its statutory (and contractual obligations) in relation to financial management probity. FSBI contributes to the strong financial performance of the University, ensuring UNE’s finances are sustainable and support the broader vision for UNE to improve the lives of the communities it serves.

Strategic Procurement strives to serve the organisation by ensuring that UNE’s supply requirements are met in the most cost effective, efficient and ethical manner possible, whilst providing value for money.

Further information can be found on the website.

About Armidale

Armidale is an attractive and vibrant city that combines all the features of a bustling regional town centre with the tranquility of rural living. It boasts gourmet restaurants and cafes, boutique shopping, quality schools and sporting facilities. Surrounded by mountain gorges, waterfalls and national parks, Armidale’s natural beauty and distinct seasons make it an ideal place to live and thrive. To find out more, visit https://www.visitarmidale.com.au/experience

Enquiries and additional information

To discuss this role please contact Fiona Harrison – Head of Strategic Procurement, email: [email protected].

Closing Date: Midnight, 29 June 2025

Reference No: 225099

Please visit www.une.edu.au/jobs-at-une for further information about this position and other career opportunities at UNE.

To Apply

Submit your application through www.une.edu.au/jobs-at-une and refer to vacancy ref 225099.

Your application should be comprised of:

Covering letter;

Responses to all selection criteria;

Current CV.

Commitment to Inclusion and Diversity

UNE is committed to building a diverse workforce and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Australians, people with disability, people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, mature age workers and LGBTQIA+ people.

About Our Process

At UNE, we are committed to employing individuals who meet the requirements of this role and align with our values. All applicants will be contacted and advised of an outcome. The successful candidate will be required to undertake pre-employment checks prior to commencing in this role as indicated in the position statement. Please visit our Privacy Statement to understand how your information is collected, stored, accessed and used.

National Police Check

If you are the successful candidate for this role you will be required to provide UNE with a National Police Check prior to your commencement. Please note that people with criminal records are NOT automatically barred from applying for this position (unless there is a particular requirement under law).