Company description:
Westernport Water's core functions are to provide drinking water, recycled water and wastewater services to properties and communities throughout our district.
We are one of 18 water corporations operating and reporting to the State Government of Victoria.
We are responsible for servicing 23,688 customers from 27 townships across an area covering 300 square kilometres, encompassing Millowl (Phillip Island) and mainland communities from The Gurdies to Archies Creek.
The region has one of the highest ratios of visitors to residents of any destination in Australia. During peak periods, there can be approximately 120 visitors to every resident.
Job description:
About the Corporation
Westernport Water leads through collaboration and innovation to deliver sustainable drinking water, recycled water, and wastewater services that improve the health and liveability of our community.
We offer our staff:
* Flexible work options, including monthly RDOs and 9-day fortnights for full time employees
* A range of leave provisions to support work/life balance
* Unique opportunities for staff to develop capability and contribute to the strategic objectives of the organisation
* Innovative systems and processes for a safe and welcoming workplace,
* A highly regarded health and wellbeing program, including a health and wellbeing subsidy (eligibility criteria applies)
* Tailored workplace adjustments to help you perform at your best - whether during the recruitment process or in your role
* We foster a positive, culturally safe environment and an engaged workforce, aligned with our values of ‘Care, Courage and Commitment'
* Accessible onsite parking for our employees at all our sites including at our head office in Newhaven, Phillip Island Victoria.
About the role
Senior Procurement Specialist - Ongoing, Full Time
Senior Executive Officer
Westernport Water are seeking a strategic, ethical and resilient procurement leader with strong commercial acumen, proven influence, excellent stakeholder engagement, clear communication skills, and a sharp focus on risk, compliance and continuous improvement.
This role would be suitable for an experienced procurement professional who thrives in a complex, highly regulated environment and is ready to lead strategic, high‑value procurement activities while influencing stakeholders and strengthening governance, compliance and value‑for‑money outcomes across the organisation.
Key Responsibility Areas
* Act as the procurement lead for Westernport Water, developing and managing the Procurement Framework, policies and procedures, and providing expert advice across the business.
* Lead end-to-end procurement activities, including high‑value and complex sourcing and tender processes for goods, services, and public construction.
* Ensure all procurement and contract activities comply with Westernport Water's framework and Victorian Government procurement and public construction requirements.
* Oversee contract establishment and management, including evaluation processes, probity, risk identification, negotiation, and supplier relationship management.
* Build strong stakeholder relationships, drive effective procurement planning and market analysis, support strategic planning, and prepare reports for the Board and Executive.
Qualifications and Experience
* Degree qualification in a relevant field (Commerce, Business, Finance), or an alternative tertiary qualification, or procurement/ contract management certification with extensive specialised experience.
* Significant experience leading end‑to‑end procurement activities within a complex organisation, preferably in the public sector or government‑regulated environment.
* Demonstrated experience developing, implementing and maintaining procurement frameworks, policies and procedures.
* Experience building strong relationships with internal stakeholders and suppliers to influence and embed good procurement practice.
* Proven ability to prepare high‑quality Board and Executive reports and present procurement advice to senior leadership.
For your application to be considered, please respond to the following Key Selection Criteria
* Degree qualification in a relevant field (Commerce, Business, Finance), or an alternative tertiary qualification, or procurement/ contract management certification with extensive specialised experience.
* Proven capability in managing end-to-end procurement activities, including planning, market engagement, preparation of RFQs and tenders, evaluation processes, and negotiation of high‑value or complex contracts.
* Sound knowledge of and experience in applying Victorian Government procurement policies, Ministerial Directions for Public Construction - highly desirable.
* Strong experience in contract establishment and management, including identifying, assessing and monitoring contractual risks and ensuring contracts deliver value for money.
* Demonstrated ability to build effective relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers, influence good procurement practice, and prepare and present high‑quality reports to senior leaders, Executives and Boards.
Applications Close 19 May 2026- Applications will be reviewed, and interviews may be conducted on a rolling basis prior to the closing date. Early submission is encouraged.
Click here to view the full Position Description
How to apply
For your application to be considered please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing how you have achieved the responsibilities of the key selection criteria, qualifications and experience via https:///vacancies/
For further information, contact the People, Culture & Safety team at ***********@ or the Hiring Manager (Tim - Manager Strategy, Performance & Governance) on 1300 720 ***.
Westernport Water is committed to building and maintaining a team of talented, enthusiastic people who foster a culture of inclusion and are as diverse as the community we serve. We celebrate and support differences in the workplace for the benefit of our employees and our community. We share a belief that work is more rewarding when we are accepted and valued for our differences, not judged by them. We all have something to contribute, and it's this contribution that makes for a great organisation and fulfilling career.
We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, members of the LGBTIQA+ community, and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. We offer reasonable adjustments for applicants with disabilities.
Profile description:
Drive strategic, compliant, high‑value procurement in a complex, regulated environment.