The Team
The Finance and Strategic Sourcing Branch is responsible for supporting the AEC to meet its obligations under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act) for the efficient and effective use of public resources.
The Branch consists of four sections: Financial Accounting and Services, Management Accounting, Budgets and Capital Investments and Strategic Sourcing and Systems. It is a fast-paced environment, but we have a great team who work well together, sharing knowledge and supporting each other in our day-to-day activities.
The Strategic Sourcing and Systems Section is seeking a keen and capable Assistant Director to join and lead a small dynamic team, which provides specialist in-house advice on a range of procurement, and contract management matters.
The Strategic Sourcing and Systems Section takes a strategic approach to procurement to ensure that all AEC business areas receive fit-for-purpose support and advice. In addition to advising on procurement and contract management matters, the team also manages the AEC's procurement to pay management system and seeks to increase procurement capabilities across the AEC.
The Opportunity
As the Assistant Director in the Strategic Sourcing and Systems Section, you will lead the Strategic Sourcing team. In addition, you will manage and provide support on the day-to-day management of matters relating to procurement and contract management.
The role is part of the AEC's Central Procurement Team responsible for providing policy advice and is responsible for maintaining and setting procurement and contract management policies, procedures and templates. The role also assists to administer the agency's Comcover insurance policy and manages associated claims.
The positions undertake work that is complex and possibly sensitive in nature, under limited direction, utilising expertise across the above areas, including liaising with both internal and external stakeholders. Participating in section planning for short term tasks and contributing to strategic planning for longer term initiatives is also required.
To excel you'll have:
Deep understanding and knowledge of the Commonwealth Procurement Rules and associated procurement connected policies.
Proven ability to successfully manage and provide advice on procurement activities and multiple contractual arrangements of high value and/or risk in one or more business areas.
Expert knowledge and experience in successfully managing risk and delivering results within time restraints and with competing priorities.
Proven ability to communicate with influence, negotiate outcomes and manage complex stakeholder relationships, including across a geographically dispersed network.
Proven conceptual and analytical abilities with sound knowledge of change management practices and techniques to enable innovation.
Demonstrated ability to lead and manage staff while developing capabilities, encouraging career development, and embedding professionalism.
Demonstrated personal drive and integrity whilst achieving results within legislative and budget parameters.
Experience in performing quality assurance reviews and reporting on procurements and contract variations.
Desirable
Certificate IV in Procurement and Contract Management
Experience using a Procure to Pay system, preferably TechnologyOne
Eligibility
AEC employees must be Australian citizens.
Any person who is, and seen to be active in political affairs, and intends to publicly carry on this activity, may compromise the strict neutrality of the AEC and cannot be considered.
Applicants are required to consent to, undergo, obtain and maintain a character clearance.
Applicants are required to consent to, undergo, obtain and maintain the security clearance required for this role.
Contact: Tim Gordon,
Due Date: Sunday, 22 February 2026, 11:59pm AEDT