Assistant Director Procurement and Contracts

Job Details

Job Title: Assistant Director Procurement and Contracts

Employment Type: Ongoing

Classification: Parliamentary Executive Level 1

Closing Date: 11:30pm AEST, [RECRUITMENT INSERT CLOSING DATE] 

Contact: Alexander Goodall, 02 6277 9765, alexander.goodall@aph.gov.au

The Opportunity

The Department of Parliamentary Services (DPS) is recruiting for a Parliamentary Executive Level 1 Assistant Director Procurement and Contracts within Procurement. 

The role sits within the Procurement, Contracting, Legal and Enterprise Project Management Office Branch, delivering critical enabling functions for the Department.

You will lead the team responsible for procurement reporting, governance and oversight across DPS. Working closely with the Branch’s Procurement Business Partners, you will help business areas plan and undertake procurements effectively, manage risks and meet Australian Government procurement requirements. You will drive the continued uplift of procurement and contract management practice at DPS.

DPS procures and manages a wide range of goods and services to support the operation of Parliament House. These range from everyday corporate supplies and professional services to complex technology, construction, maintenance and specialist services that help keep Parliament House secure, functional and accessible.

Who we are looking for

We are seeking an experienced procurement and contracting professional with a strong background in leading complex procurement activities, strengthening governance and improving contract management practices. You will be a collaborative leader who can provide clear, practical advice, build productive stakeholder relationships and support teams to achieve compliant and value-for-money outcomes.

Job Specific Requirements: 

• Certificate IV in Procurement and Contracting or higher is essential. 
• The position is based in Canberra.
• The successful applicant will be required to obtain and maintain a Baseline Vetting (Protected/Restricted) security clearance.

At DPS, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that ensures all our people can contribute to our shared purpose. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, people with caring responsibilities, people who identify as LGBTQIA+, people from cultural and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people who identify as neurodivergent, and mature aged people.

Duty Statement

Classification: Parliamentary Executive Level 1 

Branch: Procurement 

Section: Procurement Advice 

Immediate supervisor:  Director, Procurement 

Duty Statement

Under limited/general direction undertake duties in accordance with the agreed standards for the specified classification. The duties will include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Lead and manage a team providing procurement and contract management advice and delivery services, setting priorities, allocating resources and ensuring timely, consistent and high-quality outcomes. Establish fit-for-purpose quality-assurance, escalation and review arrangements and monitor compliance, probity, commercial and delivery risks across the team’s work.
2. Provide strategic and authoritative advice to senior executives, delegates and business areas on complex, sensitive, high-risk or contested procurement and contract management matters.
3. Ensure advice and procurement activities support DPS strategic priorities, operational requirements, stewardship obligations and agreed risk settings.
4. Resolve complex stakeholder issues and negotiate outcomes with senior internal stakeholders, suppliers, parliamentary departments and Commonwealth entities.
5. Lead the development and implementation of procurement policies, guidance, templates, systems, training and capability initiatives.
6. Develop staff capability through clear expectations, coaching, performance management, feedback and development planning, and foster a respectful and inclusive team culture.
7. Contribute to branch and departmental planning, governance, assurance and continuous improvement and represent the section in senior forums.
8. Model and promote the Parliamentary Service Values, Code of Conduct and DPS leadership behaviours.
9. Undertake other duties appropriate to the classification.  

Selection Criteria 

1. Demonstrated ability to lead a procurement or professional advisory function and deliver high-quality outcomes through people, priorities and resources.
2. Strong strategic and analytical judgement, backed by Extensive procurement and contract management expertise. The ability to provide authoritative advice on high-risk matters within the Commonwealth resource-management framework and integrate operational, commercial, probity, compliance and organisational considerations.
3. Demonstrated ability to communicate with influence, negotiate outcomes and maintain trusted relationships with senior stakeholders.
4. Demonstrated ability to manage performance, build capability, foster inclusion and create an accountable and service-focused team culture, with behaviours consistent with the Parliamentary Service Values and Code of Conduct.

Employees of DPS are required to be able, and to be seen to be able, to provide professional advice and services to all Senators and Members without favour or prejudice.

How to apply

Please upload your response to the selection criteria, noting that each criteria has a word limit of 250 words.

For additional guidance when crafting you application, please refer to the DPS Recruitment - Candidate Information Pack, which provides helpful tips on how to structure your pitch and highlight your most relevant skills and experience effectively.

Our purpose and values

We proudly provide innovative, unified, and client-focused services to the Australian Parliament and parliamentarians. We are a values driven department, placing our values at the heart of everything we do; from our service offerings and decision making to our interactions with stakeholders and each other.  

Our people are employed in a broad and unique range of professional, customer service and trade-based roles, all joined by a shared purpose: to make an enduring contribution to Australia’s parliamentary democracy. We have an inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of the community we serve. While we come from all walks of life, we share a commitment to care for and protect our iconic workplace. 

Every year, almost one million people visit Australian Parliament House to experience the parliamentary process, the building’s architecture, nationally significant art collections, events, tours, and food and dining experiences – all made possible by our people, who are active participants in an environment where no two days are the same.

What we can offer

Join our community based on innovative, unified, and client-focused services, where your skills and development will be nurtured. You will also enjoy:  

• flexible working arrangements can be negotiated in accordance with our Enterprise Agreement and the operational needs of the roles
• ongoing opportunities to learn and develop new capabilities 
• a competitive remuneration package
• free on-site parking
• free gym membership and access to recreational facilities available a APH
• childcare (pending availability), banking services, post office, value-for-money dining options and more available at APH.

Salary

An attractive salary, which could be negotiated with the successful candidate, is on offer.

Conditions of Employment

Employment opportunities at the department are subject to a range of conditions prescribed in the Parliamentary Service Act 1999 which include:

• Australian citizenship: Section 22 of the Parliamentary Service Act 1999 requires that employees of the Parliamentary Service are generally required to be Australian citizens. However, if you are not an Australian citizen you may be considered for engagement on the condition that you are able to gain Australian Citizenship within a specified time. Failure to obtain citizenship within the timeframe could lead to termination of employment.
  
  
• Loss and resumption of Australian citizenship: Under historical provisions of the Australian Citizenship Act 1948 (section 17), some Australian citizens automatically lost their citizenship if they voluntarily acquired the citizenship of another country between 26 January 1949 and 3 April 2002. This loss occurred by operation of law and may not have been known to the individual at the time. Although these provisions were repealed in 2002 to allow dual citizenship, the repeal did not restore citizenship that was previously lost. Individuals who believe they may be affected are recommended to seek advice about resuming their Australian citizenship. Further information, is available on the Department of Home Affairs website.
• Applicants who progress to the offer stage with our department who have been affected by the loss of citizenship as outlined above will be required to demonstrate within a reasonable time that they have resumed, or are actively undertaking the process to resume, Australian citizenship.
  
  
• Security clearance and character clearance: the preferred applicant will be required to obtain and maintain a security clearance at the level specified, as well as complete and be deemed suitable through a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.
  
  
• Health assessment: a pre-employment health assessment will be required where there are physical or medical requirements for the role.
  
  
• External Work Approval: Employees must seek approval for any paid employment outside the department and declare voluntary activities that could impact their role.