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.

About the Victorian School Building Authority

The Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA) is part of the Department of Education. Established in 2016, it oversees Victoria's largest school building program since the state introduced free public education in the 1870s. 

The VSBA upgrades and expands existing schools and plans, designs, and builds new schools to meet enrolment demand. We also support schools to maintain their buildings and grounds by offering expert advice and coordinating maintenance programs and grants. With Victoria recently introducing two years of funded kindergarten, the VSBA is also working with the early childhood sector on a massive kindergarten construction program. 

About the Division

The Asset Management and Operations Division help government educational facilities maintain and manage their buildings and grounds. The Division delivers programs and systems to ensures educational facilities are routinely maintained and upkept. The Branches included in the Division are Maintenance Delivery, Asset Programs and Asset Operations.

Asset Operations Branch

The Asset Operations Branch is responsible for implementing and delivering programs that support Victorian government schools, kindergarten and early learning centres through Essential Safety Measures, School Cleaning, Kinder Facilities Management and support 24 government schools that are part of the Public-Private Partnership program.

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced procurement professional to join a new unit delivering an important service for Victorian educational facilities. As Senior Procurement Advisor, you will support the centralisation of private drinking water and wastewater management for eligible schools, kindergartens and early learning centres. Your work will help strengthen service delivery and support safe, effective outcomes across the education sector.

You will lead end-to-end procurement processes and provide expert advice on sourcing, category planning, and the procurement of goods and services. Drawing on your commercial judgement, you will provide strategic advice, support contractor relationships and contribute to high-quality service delivery.

The role also involves monitoring performance, preparing reports and working closely with internal teams and stakeholders to deliver strong procurement outcomes. You will prepare accurate and timely briefings and correspondence using program data, reports, and current and historical information. This may include material for Ministers, the Secretary, executives, senior managers and project teams.

To succeed in this role, you will bring strong procurement experience, sound judgement and excellent communication skills. You will be confident working with a range of stakeholders, analysing information and contributing to practical, high-quality outcomes. You will also value collaboration and enjoy working as part of a positive and high-performing team.

This position may require visiting school sites during operating hours, therefore will require a valid Victorian Employee Working with Children Check and a current Victorian Driver's Licence.

This is a full-time 3 year fixed term position not beyond 31/09/2029.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and deliver end-to-end procurement activities across the program, including sourcing, tendering, evaluation, contract award and contract administration.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including service providers and customers.
• Develop and implement category strategies and procurement plans in line with VSBA frameworks, policies and compliance requirements.
• Support the coordination and management of service provider relationships to ensure program deliverables are met in a timely and compliant way.
• Identify, assess and manage procurement and supplier risks, including non-compliance and service gaps.
• Drive continuous improvement in procurement practices, systems and contractor performance across the program.
• Use systems including Oracle and the Asset Information Management System (AIMS) to support program delivery.
• Work closely with other program areas across VSBA and the broader department to support coordination and information sharing.
• Prepare briefings, correspondence and parliamentary materials in response to requests from the Minister's Office and executive teams.
• Contribute to a positive and collaborative team environment.
• Provide support to the unit manager and the broader program as required.

Attributes

• Demonstrated knowledge of government systems, procedures, processes, reporting and writing.
• Strong customer service skills, with the ability to respond promptly and understand customer needs.
• Well-developed critical thinking and problem-solving skills, including the ability to respond effectively to issues and challenges.
• Flexibility to adapt to change and manage competing priorities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to provide clear, concise and accurate advice.
• Strong contract management and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience preparing reports from multiple data sources to deliver timely, high-quality information.
• Sound understanding of dashboard reporting and data analysis.
• Ability to support team members to build skills and knowledge and provide credible advice.
• Commitment to continuous improvement, including the use of modern technologies and best practice approaches.
• Strong collaboration skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships across the department and with service providers.

Qualifications and Experience

• 2 years demonstrated experience in a procurement role within government/or public service (required).
• Working knowledge of construction, facility or asset management industries (highly desirable).
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in government procedures, processes, writing and systems (highly desirable).
• Excellent skills in using Microsoft Office software including Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, PowerPoint, and SharePoint (required)

Flexible Work Expectations

This role has hybrid working arrangements. For full-time employees, the department expects 3 days per week in the office, in line with the VPS Agreement 2024. This role follows those same operational requirements: 3 in-office days, 2 remote (if full-time).  

How to apply

Your application will need to include a Current Resume and a Cover Letter (max 2 pages) which addresses the key selection criteria. This can be found in the Position Description.  

Further Information

For more details regarding this position, please see the attached position description.

All VSBA staff have a shared responsibility to meet the same service standards outlined in the VSBA Customer Service Charter.  Our goal is to make every interaction with the VSBA a positive one for our customers, colleagues and key partners regardless of our individual role or team. 

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.

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 Fiona Missen by phone 03 7022 5643 or email FIona.Missen@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 13/08/2026