About the Role

The purpose of the Strategic Sourcing and Contract Management specialist role is to provide senior-level leadership in the procurement and contract management of complex, high-value technology solutions supporting the Early Childhood Education sector.

The role sits within the Early Childhood Digital Services group and is accountable for defining and delivering sourcing strategies, leading major ICT procurement activities, and ensuring robust commercial and contractual governance for the delivery of complex technology solutions that support the Early Childhood Education sector. It operates with a high degree of autonomy, exercising sound judgement on matters with significant financial, legal, and reputational risk, and provides authoritative advice to executive stakeholders.

About the Division

The Information Management and Technology Division (IMTD) guides the Departments' digital capability and is leading digital transformation for the Department including Victorian government schools. The division architects manage and support the largest technology network in Victoria, which has a user base of approximately 750,000 staff and students.

IMTD provides innovation and leadership in the transformation and management of the Department's digital capability through the implementation of solutions on the department's cloud environment (IaaS), enterprise cloud platforms (PaaS) and software (SaaS), using agile practices with a focus on user experience, security, and integration.

As a valued member of the diverse IMTD team, you will have the opportunity to be part of influencing the new way of working for the department through your strong technical skills and customer-centric approach.

This role sits with the Early Childhood Education Digital Services portfolio and operates with multiple concurrent program streams and technology products, adhering to defined structured governance processes.  A minimum requirement of 3 days a week in the DE office is required, plus a valid Working with Children Check (E).

About the Department

The department provides a wide range of learning and development support and services.

The department provides policy leadership, plans for the future of education in Victoria and leads key cross-sector collaboration. The department plays an important system steward role by providing support, guidance, oversight and assurance across early childhood and school education systems, as well as directly providing school education and 50 new early learning centres.

Attributes:

 Strategic Procurement Leadership

• Leading the development and execution of complex technology procurement strategies aligned with departmental and whole-of-government frameworks
• Providing authoritative advice on commercial, legal, and risk considerations for major ICT procurements
• Shaping sourcing strategies and market engagement approaches for high-value, high-risk technology initiatives

End-to-End Procurement Delivery

• Leading end-to-end procurement processes for complex ICT services, including planning, tendering, evaluation, negotiation, and contract award
• Overseeing the development of high-quality procurement documentation, including RFTs, evaluation reports, contracts, and approval submissions
• Ensuring probity, compliance, and value-for-money outcomes across all procurement activities
  
  

Contract Management and Commercial Governance

• Providing senior-level contract management oversight for major technology suppliers
• Leading contract governance activities, including performance management, risk mitigation, variation control, and dispute resolution
• Managing complex commercial negotiations and ensuring contractual outcomes align with program objectives
  
  

Stakeholder and Supplier Leadership

• Acting as the senior interface between the Child Link Program, IMTD, the Department's Procurement Division, and external suppliers
• Building strong, strategic relationships with key stakeholders to support effective delivery of contracted services
• Leading strategic supplier management, including performance analysis, service improvement initiatives, and relationship governance

Governance, Reporting, and Assurance

• Preparing high-level papers and recommendations for executive governance bodies, including the Procurement and Probity Committee, IMT Committee, and Project Steering Committee
• Preparing high-level papers and recommendations for executive governance bodies, including the Procurement and Probity Committee, IMT Committee, and Project Steering Committee
• Ensuring procurement and contract management practices meet Victorian Government policies, probity standards, and audit requirements

Senior Executive Support

• Providing expert procurement and contract management advice to the Chief Technology Officer
• Supporting executive decision-making on complex commercial and delivery risks

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

• Extensive experience leading complex ICT procurements in government or large enterprise environments
•  Proven expertise in end-to-end procurement and contract management for high-value, high-risk technology services
• Demonstrated ability to provide authoritative advice to senior executives and governance bodies
• Strong stakeholder and supplier management capability
• Tertiary qualifications in Procurement, Business, Law, ICT, or a related field
• Professional procurement certification (e.g. CIPS, CPP, or equivalent) – desirable
• Sound knowledge of Victorian Government procurement and probity frameworks

How to apply

Applicants are encouraged to include a Curriculum Vitae and a Cover letter addressing the key selection criteria provided in the position description.

Further Information

For more details regarding this position please see attached position description for the capabilities to address in application.

The department values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information about our work, working for the Department, diversity and inclusion, and our employment conditions visit the Department website and our Diversity and Inclusion page

Applicants requiring adjustments can contact the nominated contact person.

This role requires 3 days per week in the DE office and an employee Working with Children Check.

Information about the Department of Education's operations and employment conditions can be located at www.education.vic.gov.au.

For further information pertaining to the role, please contact Alissha Barrois – Director, Kindergarten Attendance via email Alissha.Barrois@education.vic.gov.au

Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and may be subject to other pre-employment checks. Information provided to the Department of Education will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Please let us know via phone or email if you require any adjustments to ensure your full participation in the recruitment process or if you need the ad or any attachments in an accessible format (e.g large print) due to any viewing difficulties or other accessibility requirements.

Applications close 11:59pm on 11/02/2026