PRIMARY DETAIL
* Salary: $142,838 to $150,860 (HEW Level 9) plus 17% superannuation and annual leave loading
* Appointment Type: Full-time, 2 Year Fixed Term Contract
* Location: Macquarie University, Wallumattagal Campus. North Ryde
Macquarie University is hiring a Commercial Manager IT Operations to lead commercial management and contract oversight across our substantial IT portfolio. We are seeking a strategic and commercially astute professional to join Macquarie University Information Technology (MQIT) at a pivotal time of digital transformation. This role provides expert commercial guidance, supplier management, and contract governance that enables the delivery of reliable, secure, and scalable technology services supporting education, research, and health domains across the institution.
About the Role
MQIT is undergoing an exciting period of strategy renewal including a new structure, rebrand, and rebuild of technology offerings across the University. This position sits within IT Operations, reporting directly to the Chief Information and Digital Officer. The role is responsible for oversight and management of operational commercial activities across MQIT's substantial IT contracts portfolio, commercial strategy including forecasting and formulation of recommendations for senior management, as well as leading the implementation of contract and supplier management process improvement measures.
This role offers a unique opportunity to shape commercial strategy, drive efficiency in contract renewals and extensions, optimise supplier relationships, and ensure sound commercial management principles are applied to benefit the University. Working alongside IT Senior Leadership Team, Finance and PMO teams, you will lead the function responsible for commercial management of IT licensing and the contracts portfolio. You will:
* Lead and supervise complex negotiations with IT suppliers for contract amendments, variations, extensions, renewals, new services, and any other issues requiring contractual or commercial resolution
* Drive efficiency in contract renewals, extensions, and ongoing supplier engagements, ensuring optimal commercial outcomes and value realisation
* Identify and define strategic and operational requirements for contract and supplier management, collaborating with stakeholders to deliver new or enhanced commercial capabilities
* Lead and manage the implementation of contract and supplier management process improvement measures, methodologies, and reporting to ensure effective risk management and commercial control of IT contracts and suppliers
* Develop and implement policies, processes, and practices that standardise IT contract and supplier management activities, ensuring compliance with applicable risk management controls, policies, and standards
* Provide expert commercial advice and support to the CIDO, IT leadership, and teams to ensure commercial management principles are applied consistently and achieve appropriate commercial outcomes
* Review supplier compliance with contract commercial deliverables and obligations, and monitor supplier investments, innovation, and emerging services
* Partner with IT teams to provide commercial support to IT projects, solving complex contractual and commercial situations in collaboration with PMO colleagues and external suppliers
* Develop and critically evaluate financial planning and modelling for IT contracts, including benefits management and investment appraisal
* Review, identify, and evaluate financial and commercial risks and opportunities, making recommendations for informed decision-making
* Manage and maintain effective relationships at multiple levels within MQIT, Finance, Legal, Procurement, Risk, and with external suppliers to ensure commercial management activity is conducted in a collaborative and strategic manner
* Champion a culture of continuous improvement in commercial management practices across MQIT
About You (Selection Criteria)
You are an experienced Commercial Manager with advanced business and commercial acumen, excellent negotiation skills, and the ability to influence senior stakeholders to achieve optimal outcomes. You have a proven track record in managing complex IT supplier relationships and contracts in demanding professional environments.
* Tertiary qualifications in a related discipline (e.g., Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Commerce, Information Technology) and/or equivalent knowledge, skills, and experience with demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development
* Significant expertise in commercial management matters relevant to IT suppliers and contracts, and demonstrated knowledge of commercial management best practices
* Demonstrated understanding of risk and financial management standards associated with IT commercial management, and experience with their application in a complex enterprise environment
* Proven track record in successfully managing and providing commercial oversight for substantial IT contract portfolios, engaging multiple stakeholders and disciplines
* Demonstrated experience leading complex negotiations with suppliers and managing contract amendments, variations, renewals, and extensions
* Proven ability to analyse and interpret highly complex information from numerous sources, exercise independent judgement in a dynamic environment, and prepare and present analysis and reports
* Demonstrated experience engaging, collaborating with, and influencing senior stakeholders to achieve business outcomes
* Strong analytical skills with a proactive approach to problem-solving, dealing with challenges creatively to achieve business-focused and innovative solutions
* Demonstrated experience in reviewing, improving, and optimising processes to streamline commercial operations and achieve efficiency
* Proven ability to effectively influence and negotiate with a wide range of stakeholders to achieve desired commercial outcomes
* Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver to deadlines
* Experience managing teams or leading functions in a demanding professional environment to meet specified outcomes, quality expectations, and timeframes, while anticipating problems, developing contingencies, and negotiating solutions
Desirable Experience
* Relevant certifications in commercial, financial, or contract management (such as CPA)
* Previous experience working in higher education, research, health, or similar sectors
* Experience working with IT PMO teams and providing commercial support to technology projects
* Knowledge of cloud services, enterprise software licensing models, and contemporary IT procurement approaches
How to Apply
To be considered, please apply online with your CV and a cover letter outlining how your experience aligns with the selection criteria (above).
Applications Close:
Applications will close on 27th February 2026. Kindly please note we reserve the right to progress or decline an application prior to the application closing date.
Why Join Us?
Macquarie is a university engaged with the real and often complex problems and opportunities that define our lives. Since our foundation over 60 years ago, we have aspired to be a different type of university. Over the years, we have grown to become the centre of a vibrant local and global community. Connect with us today.
We rank amongst the top employers in the Australian Workplace Employers Index, having recently earned a five-star rating in the QS World Rankings with the highest rating for employability. Take a look at the fabulous staff benefits on offer when you work at Macquarie University:
* Flexible, hybrid work arrangements
* 17% Superannuation
* Subsidised onsite parking options
* Extensive training and professional development programs
* Onsite childcare facilities to support working parents
* Onsite vacation care during school holidays
* Discounted health insurance
* Subsidised membership at our Sport & Aquatic Centre
* Access to an Employee Assistance Program for free and confidential support
* Convenient onsite GP, imaging, and physiotherapy clinics
Pre-Employment Checks
Macquarie University cultivates a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity. Prior to completion of an offer of employment, preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for.
Your employment is conditional upon the completion and maintenance of all role-required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University.
If you're already part of the Macquarie Group (MQ University,, MQ Health, MGSM), you'll need to apply through your employee Workday account. To apply for this job: Login to Workday and go to the Careers App > Find Jobs.
Applications Close:
27/02/2026 11:59 PM
A Place Where You Belong
At Macquarie, we believe diversity makes us stronger, inclusion drives our success, and belonging inspires us to do our best work. We are proud to foster a community where different backgrounds, identities, and experiences are valued, and where our people are empowered to thrive through supportive leadership, shared responsibility, and a deep commitment to genuine care and respect for our community. Find out more about our vision for a truly inclusive workplace in our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Framework.
Flexible Work
At Macquarie, we believe by providing flexibility in when, where and how work is done, we can support our staff to manage their personal commitments, while optimising their work performance and contributions to the University. See how we lead in flexible work to enable an outcome focused and inclusive workplace. To learn more about our culture and hiring process, visit our Jobs at Macquarie page.