Strategic Procurement Officer

What’s On Offer

• Optional 9-day fortnight I Career growth opportunities.
• ASX-Listed company I Global shipbuilder
• Salary Sacrificing, Novated Leasing, Retailer discount, EAP, Insurance discounts.

The Opportunity

The Strategic Procurement Officer will manage procurement activities across goods, services, and minor construction contracts, ensuring business needs are met while delivering value for money. This role will oversee the full procurement lifecycle, from sourcing and supplier engagement to contract management and compliance. As a key point of contact for internal stakeholders, the officer will provide expert advice and strategic insights to optimise procurement practices and align with organisational goals.

What’s Involved

• Develop long-term procurement strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Provide strategic advice to optimise procurement practices.
• Analyse market trends and supplier landscapes to identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Collaborate with leadership on procurement planning and performance.
• Oversee procurement processes, from sourcing to supplier engagement.
• Manage day-to-day contract compliance and resolve issues.
• Maintain supplier relationships, manage performance, and negotiate terms.
• Handle minor construction contracts, ensuring they meet organisational requirements.
• Implement procurement strategies and policies at the operational level.
• Manage purchase orders, bids, and contracts.
• Ensure timely, cost-effective delivery of goods, services, and construction projects.
• Support internal stakeholders with procurement needs and related administrative tasks.

You’ll need

Essential

• Diploma in Business, Supply Chain, Procurement, Finance, or related field. Postgraduate qualifications (e.g., MBA, MSc) advantageous.
• 5+ years’ experience in procurement or supply chain management, with expertise in goods, services, and construction contracts.
• Proven experience developing and executing procurement strategies, optimising supplier relationships, and driving cost savings.
• Strong understanding of procurement regulations, contract law, and best practices.
• Experience with construction procurement processes and contract management.
• Skilled in contract negotiation, supplier performance, and procurement systems (ERP, ideally IFS).
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and data analysis tools.
• Ability to collaborate with internal stakeholders and align procurement strategies with business objectives.
• Solid risk management knowledge and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong analytical skills and decision-making based on data.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Detail-oriented, organised, and able to manage multiple priorities.
• Strong leadership and cross-functional team collaboration.
• Ability to work independently and thrive in fast-paced environments.
• High ethical standards, with a focus on transparency and fairness.

Desirable

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Professional certifications (e.g., CIPS, PMP, or construction procurement).
• Familiarity with advanced procurement tools and ERP systems.
• Experience in defence, maritime, or shipbuilding sectors, particularly with industry-specific regulations.
• Experience in procurement-related process improvement and change management.
• Strong project management skills for both small and large-scale procurement initiatives.

Why Austal

• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• A supportive and dynamic work environment.
• Opportunities for career advancement within our growing organisation.

Our global team is guided by a universal set of values that describe the focus of our efforts. Our goal is for all our decisions and actions to reflect these core values. We believe that putting our values into practice creates the greatest benefits for our shareholders, customers, employees, suppliers, and communities in which we serve.

Excellence – Customer Focus – Integrity – Team Work

At Austal we are committed to providing a safe and inclusive work environment for all. We believe that achieving greater diversity will enhance our operations and as such we actively encourage Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders, people of all backgrounds, ages, sexual orientation, and those with Disability to apply.