Agency Purpose
The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) is an independent statutory authority established by the Australian Government to maintain an impartial and independent electoral system for eligible voters through active electoral roll management, efficient delivery of polling services, and targeted education and public awareness programs.
The AEC’s values and commitments
The AEC values and commitments are an essential component of our operating environment and frame how AEC staff work. The AEC's focus is on electoral integrity through the values of quality, agility and professionalism.
The Team
The Supply Chain Management (SCM) Materials Team provides a nationally coordinated approach to the management of election materials and inventory that supports the delivery of federal elections, by-elections and referendum events. As a critical function within the AEC's supply chain capability, the team is responsible for maintaining the integrity of materials information, supporting operational readiness activities, and ensuring the right materials are available in the right locations at the right time to enable successful electoral event delivery across Australia.
The Inventory and Materials Manager is a key member of the Materials Team, contributing to the ongoing management and continuous improvement of inventory and materials data across a range of departmental systems and digital platforms. Working under limited direction, the role is responsible for maintaining accurate and reliable inventory information, developing reporting and analytical insights, and supporting the effective planning, forecasting and management of election materials.
The position requires strong organisational, analytical and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously and work collaboratively across business areas to support national operational objectives. Through the provision of specialist inventory and materials management expertise, the role contributes directly to election readiness, business continuity and the successful delivery of the AEC's electoral commitments.
The Opportunity
The Inventory and Materials Manager plays a key role in supporting the AEC's operational readiness and business delivery objectives through the effective management of inventory, materials and supply chain information. Working under limited direction, the role is responsible for maintaining the accuracy and integrity of business data across a range of departmental systems and digital platforms, ensuring information is fit for purpose and supports organisational decision-making. The position manages the lifecycle of inventory and material records, develops reporting and analytical products, and provides insights that inform planning, forecasting and operational outcomes.
The role requires the ability to manage multiple priorities across business-as-usual operations, election readiness activities and improvement initiatives within a dynamic environment. Using strong analytical and problem-solving skills, the Inventory and Materials Manager interprets complex data, identifies trends and risks, and delivers practical solutions to improve business performance, data quality and operational processes. The position works closely with internal and external stakeholders to provide specialist advice, support business improvement activities, and contribute to the effective management of inventory, procurement and supply chain functions. The role may also provide leadership and guidance to team members while contributing to the achievement of the AEC's strategic and operational priorities.
To excel you’ll have:
- Experience in inventory, materials management, logistics, supply chain operations or other data-intensive operational environments.
- Ability to manage competing priorities, complex workloads and multiple concurrent workstreams in a fast-paced operational environment, while maintaining high levels of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Strong experience working with business systems, databases and digital platforms, including the ability to quickly learn new technologies and effectively manage and maintain business information.
- Well-developed analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to interpret complex data, identify trends, develop reports and dashboards using tools such as Power BI and Excel, and provide evidence-based recommendations to support business outcomes.
- Strong commitment to data quality, governance and information management practices, ensuring the integrity and reliability of business data across multiple sources.
- Strong stakeholder engagement, communication, and relationship management skills, including the ability to provide specialist advice, influence outcomes and contribute positively to team performance and culture.
- Proven ability to identify and implement process improvements, system enhancements and business efficiencies that improve performance and service delivery.
- Sound understanding of procurement, financial management and Commonwealth governance frameworks, with the ability to apply these principles in an operational environment.
Desirable:
- Experience administering or managing departmental business systems, databases or enterprise applications.
- Experience developing and maintaining Power BI reports, dashboards and performance metrics.
- Strong understanding of SharePoint administration, content management and information governance principles.
- Experience with data governance, master data management or business information management practices.
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.
