Senior Procurement and Contract Management Specialist

Occupation: Accounting, finance and procurement

Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs

Reference: VG/

Shape the establishment of Early Learning Victoria and the design and delivery of the first ever Victorian Government owned and operated Early Learning and Childcare Centres, as part of the Best Start Best Life initiative. Join us in creating the culture of an exciting new division in the Department of Education and contribute to the establishment and operation of innovative, excellence-driven Early Learning and Childcare Centres.

The Victorian Government is establishing 50 government-owned and operated early learning centres by 2032 as part of the Best Start, Best Life reforms. The centres offer childcare, Three and Four-Year-Old Kindergarten and Pre-Prep. The centres provide high-quality, accessible and inclusive early childhood education and care that is child centric, focused on learning through play and in nature, with strong connections to local communities.

Early Learning Victoria (ELV) is part of the Victorian Department of Education. The ELV central team is leading the roll-out of the 50 centres and supports and oversees 4 centres that have recently opened. We are committed to creating a supportive and enriching work environment for our employees, offering a range of benefits and opportunities for professional growth and development.

Early Learning Victoria is committed to the Child Safe Standards and safeguarding of children from harm.

This is an exciting opportunity to work within the Corporate Procurement Branch to lead the goods and services sourcing activities and contract management activities for the new Victorian early learning and childcare centres in Early Learning Victoria. (This excludes all construction related procurement)

You will provide your expertise in the following services:

• Undertake strategy development and provide procurement and contract management support, advice and assistance to internal stakeholders;
• Develop appropriate category management strategies for all goods and services required by the ELV centres;
• Undertake and deliver all sourcing activities (end-to-end procurement) required for the ELV centres in accordance with DE procurement policy and processes by developing appropriate sourcing strategy per category for goods and services ;
• Developing and drafting of tender documentation for each tender ;
• Planning and management of all required tender processes ;
• Management of the evaluation of proposals for each tender ;
• Undertaking negotiation and award for each tender ;
• Developing of contracts with Legal support ;
• Negotiation and execution of all contracts ;
• Provide pro-active contract management services for each panel and/or individual supplier contract for all categories and ensure best value for the centres ;
• Drafting of contract management plan for each supplier contract ;
• Manage all orders and payments for centres in accordance with the ELV model ;
• Manage supplier performance against agreed KPIs ;
• Manage all contract risks ;
• Provide reports and data as needed ;
• Renew or extend contracts as needed ;
• Undertake all aspects of contract management ;
• Apply critical thinking to benchmark, research and assess the market, determine risks, analyse competition, trends and new opportunities, to provide ongoing value for the ELV centres ;
• Undertake duties as required for procurement and contract management related matters.

We offer flexible working arrangements in the office at least 3 days per week with a supportive and collaborative team.

To be successful in the role you will be able to demonstrate strong procurement sourcing and contract management capability and detailed knowledge of Victorian Government Purchasing Board Policies.

• Essential: 5+ years' experience in Procurement/Strategic Sourcing/ Contract Management
• Essential: Tertiary qualification in a related field
• Desirable: Experience in working for Government owned and operated Early Learning Services

Applicants are required to submit a CV and cover letter (max 2 pages for cover letter) summarising their skills, relevant experience and suitability to the role.

For more details on this position, please see attached position description or contact Liberty Fletcher-Seales via .

Please note the department utilises generic position descriptions and this role is aligned to the position description of Senior Procurement Advisor.

The role of the Department of Education is to support Victorians to build prosperous, socially engaged, happy and healthy lives. It does this by supporting lifelong learning and healthy development, strengthening families and helping to equip people with the skills and knowledge for a 21st century economy and society.

The department values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information about our work, working for the Department, diversity and inclusion, and our employment conditions visit the Department website and our Diversity and Inclusion page.

Applicants requiring adjustments can contact the nominated contact person.

Information about the Department of Education's operations and employment conditions can be located at .

Preferred applicants may be required to have a Working with Children Check, a police check and other pre-employment checks. Information provided to the Department of Education will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Please let us know via phone or email if you require any adjustments to ensure your full participation in the recruitment process or if you need the ad or any attachments in an accessible format (eg large print) due to any viewing difficulties or other accessibility requirements.

Applications close 11:59pm on 2 November 2025.