Strategic Procurement Specialist

Job Title
Strategic Procurement Specialist
Job Description
Join WEHI (Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research), one of Australia’s leading medical research institutes, where procurement and strategic asset management enable world-class science in cancer, immunity and infectious disease.

About the Position
Join us as a Strategic Procurement Specialist, where you'll lead significant procurement initiatives that enable cutting-edge research and organisational success. You'll drive strategic sourcing, manage complex commercial negotiations, build strong supplier partnerships and deliver procurement outcomes that create lasting value across the Institute .
You’ll be the commercial lead on major procurements of scientific equipment, research infrastructure and technology platforms, partnering with researchers and project teams from business case through to contract and supplier performance.

Who are you
You bring strong expertise in strategic sourcing, tender management, contract negotiation and supplier relationship management, with the ability to navigate complex commercial environments and influence decision-making at all levels. Your analytical mindset, commercial acumen and problem-solving skills enable you to develop innovative procurement strategies and deliver effective solutions for complex business needs.

Selection Criteria
Essential Knowledge and Skills:

- Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or professional procurement certification.

- Demonstrated significant experience in strategic procurement, sourcing and market engagement.

- Experience managing high-value and complex procurement activities, including capital projects, scientific equipment or infrastructure procurements.

- Strong commercial acumen and contract negotiation skills.

- Experience in contract management, supplier relationship management and supplier performance monitoring.

- Sound knowledge of procurement governance, compliance and risk management principles.

- Experience within research, healthcare, university or scientific environments would be highly regarded.

Personal Qualities:

- Ability to work autonomously and exercise sound judgement when managing complex procurement, commercial and supplier-related matters.

- Well-developed analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to interpret information, assess risk and develop practical solutions.

- Ability to build effective working relationships and work collaboratively with researchers, professional staff, suppliers and external stakeholders.

- Strong communication, negotiation and influencing skills, with the ability to engage and work effectively with people at all levels of the organisation.

Refer to the position description below for full key selection criteria.

​​​​​​​ Terms of Appointment
This position is  ongoing  in a  full-time capacity .  Salary Professional Services Employee Level 7 ($108,119 - $117,039) . Salary packaging options are available for general living expenses, meal entertainment, novated leasing and more. 12% superannuation payable, plus up to a further 5% after the first 6 months of service via our matching superannuation scheme.
General enquiries can be directed to recruitment@wehi.edu.au .
A position description is available here .

How to Apply
Please apply by uploading your CV, cover letter and a document addressing the key selection criteria in pdf format.

Application Closing Date:   The closing date for applications is 29 November 2026, however, we will be reviewing applications as they are received, and WEHI reserves the right to appoint a suitable candidate prior to the closing date. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to avoid missing this opportunity.