Job Description

We are seeking a qualified candidate to lead and manage end-to-end procurement for complex IT application projects, including Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) solutions with customization, Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), cloud-based applications, application implementation, and integration services.

This role offers procurement and commercial advice to IT and business stakeholders, ensuring that procurement is conducted fairly, competitively, and in accordance with the University’s procurement policies, while achieving value for money.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead and manage IT procurement projects from end to end, from requirements review and tender preparation through evaluation, negotiation, approval and award
• Advise IT and business stakeholders on the appropriate procurement approach, process and commercial consideration
• Review technical requirements prepared by IT and business users to ensure that they are clear, fair, objective and do not unnecessarily favour a particular supplier or solution
• Review tender specifications, evaluation criteria and pricing schedules to ensure they are appropriate, clear and support a fair and competitive procurement exercise
• Lead tender exercises, including bid evaluation, commercial assessment, clarification and negotiation with suppliers
• Review supplier proposals and pricing, identify key commercial and contractual risks, and negotiate for better commercial outcomes and value for money
• Work with IT, business users, Legal, Finance and other stakeholders to address procurement, commercial and contractual matters
• Prepare and Review procurement recommendations and approval papers and ensure proper governance and documentation throughout the procurement process
• Manage and execute procurement activities in the e-procurement system, including tender publication, bid download and handling, routing for approvals, award processing and Purchase Order creation, ensuring accuracy, compliance and timely completion
• Manage procurement matters relating to contract award, contract variations, extensions, renewals and other post-award requirements where required.
• Manage multiple procurement projects and ensure they are delivered within the required timelines
• Provide guidance and mentoring to junior procurement staff and review procurement work where required
• Identify opportunities to improve procurement processes and practices
• Undertake other procurement-related duties and assignments as reasonably required by the Department or University

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in any discipline. Professional qualifications in procurement, supply chain, business, finance, information technology or related fields would be an advantage
• At least 6 years of relevant procurement and sourcing experience, with demonstrated experience in managing IT procurement projects from start to finish
• Relevant experience in IT application procurement, including COTS with customisation, SaaS, cloud applications, system implementation and/or related services
• Experience managing procurement exercises from start to finish, including tendering, evaluation, negotiation and award
• Good understanding of IT application projects and common implementation approaches such as Agile and Waterfall
• Strong commercial and negotiation skills, with the ability to assess supplier proposals, pricing and contractual terms
• Strong communication, stakeholder management, analytical and project management skills
• Able to manage multiple projects and work under tight timelines
• Strong judgement, attention to detail and commitment to fairness, transparency and value for money
• Experience in a government, public sector, university or similarly regulated environment would be an advantage
• Familiar with e-procurement systems such as SAP Ariba, iValua or GEP would be an advantage