Head of Strategic Procurement

Company Description

Every institution values excellence. What matters most is why. 
Griffith was created to be a different type of university. You’ll find we’re about leading research, academic excellence, and the transformative power of education. But what sets us apart is why those things matter and how you’ll achieve them. 

Why? Griffith brings together exceptional minds like yours from across the globe and from all walks of life. Here, we do incredible work, questioning and challenging, always in the pursuit of excellence. 

Job Description

About the Opportunity 

The Head of Strategic Procurement is a key leadership role within the Finance team, responsible for driving the University's procurement strategy and delivering a high-performing, value-focused procurement function. Leading a team of procurement professionals, the role will enhance procurement governance, streamline processes, and improve the stakeholder experience while ensuring commercially sound, transparent, and compliant procurement outcomes.

Operating within a centre-led, decentralised procurement model, the Head of Strategic Procurement will provide expert advice to senior stakeholders, drive procurement excellence and efficiencies, and foster a strong customer-focused approach. The role also ensures the University meets its regulatory, financial, ethical, sustainability, modern slavery, risk, and responsible procurement obligations, supporting the achievement of the University's broader strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the University’s procurement function, delivering efficient, value-driven procurement services aligned to strategic and operational priorities.
• Drive procurement governance, risk management, compliance, and assurance frameworks to support transparent and accountable decision-making.
• Develop and implement procurement strategies, category management approaches, and contract management practices that maximise value, strengthen supplier performance, and reduce complexity.
• Simplify procurement processes and systems to enhance stakeholder experience, improve efficiency, and provide responsive support.
• Provide expert procurement, commercial, and governance advice to senior leaders and key stakeholders.
• Manage the procurement pipeline, ensuring effective prioritisation, planning, and delivery of strategic procurement activities.
• Build strong stakeholder and supplier relationships to deliver practical solutions and sustainable commercial outcomes.
• Lead, develop, and empower a high-performing procurement team, fostering accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Promote innovation, digital enablement, ethical procurement practices, and compliance with relevant legislation, policies, and governance requirements.
• Represent the University in engagement with government, suppliers, industry networks, and external partners.

About you

• Extensive leadership experience in strategic procurement, sourcing, contract management, and supplier governance within complex organisations.
• Proven ability to lead a centre-led procurement function, delivering strong governance, stakeholder outcomes, and measurable value.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to use data and insights to inform strategy and decision-making.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, influencing, and negotiation skills, with success managing complex commercial matters.
• Sound knowledge of procurement governance, risk, compliance, probity, and contract management.
• Commitment to sustainable, ethical, and responsible procurement practices.
• Demonstrated success leading teams, driving change, and building a high-performance culture.

Candidates must have full unrestricted Australian work rights and may be subject to a National criminal history check. Sponsorship is not available for this role. 

What we can offer
This is a full time, fixed term opportunity for 5 years primarily based Brisbane South (Nathan). As Griffith is a multi-site university, you may be required to work across other locations.

Griffith University’s sites are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples.

Salary

A competitive salary will be negotiated with the preferred candidate.

Additional Information

Why join Griffith? 
 
As a values-led organisation, at Griffith University, we've worked hard to create a dynamic and strong organisational culture. We offer: 

• Wide range of Learning and Development opportunities 

• Mix of on campus and work from home options available and a supportive work environment 

• Salary packaging options and corporate health discounts 

• Generous leave entitlements including paid parental leave and leave loading 

• Support with future learning opportunities through our educational staff assistance scheme 

• Opportunities for internal mobility 

• Health Safety and Wellbeing initiatives – on campus Gym facilities 

At Griffith, we’re committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all - whoever you are and wherever you’re from. If you require any accommodations, we welcome you to let us know so we can work with you to participate fully in our recruitment experience.

Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. For more information please visit our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion page. Our University is committed to fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive community for all. In alignment with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence (2025), Griffith University includes a declaration as part of the recruitment journey to uphold the values and standards of our community. Griffith University also maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against all forms of modern slavery. For more information, please refer to Griffith’s Modern Slavery Policy. 

How to apply 

Please submit your application online and ensure it includes the following: 

• A covering letter outlining your suitability for the role please refer to the qualifications above and the position description.

• Current curriculum vitae/resume including full contact details 

For application and recruitment advice please reach out to Laura Whitworth, Talent Acquisition Partner on [email protected]

Closing date: Thursday 10th September at 11:59pm. All applications must be submitted online.

We kindly ask recruitment agencies not to send unsolicited CVs or approach members of our hiring team regarding this role, as the recruitment process is being managed internally.