About the Role
The Senior Procurement Advisor supports the delivery of the Essential Safety Measures (ESM) program, reporting to the Manager of the Facilities Management Unit. The unit has managed the ESM inspection and testing program and annual auditing and reporting (AESMR) for government schools since 2024.
You will provide expert advice on procuring goods and services, category planning and sourcing activities, and lead end-to-end procurement processes. You will use your commercial and procurement expertise to provide strategic advice, support contractor relationships and contribute to effective service delivery. You will also monitor performance, prepare reports and work with internal teams and stakeholders to achieve strong procurement outcomes.
To succeed in this role, you will bring strong procurement, communication, stakeholder engagement and analytical skills, along with a focus on outcomes. You will also contribute to a positive, collaborative and high-performing team environment. When needed, you will prepare accurate and timely briefings and correspondence using program data, contractor reports, and current and past service request information. This may include material for Ministers, the Secretary, executives, senior managers and project teams.
This position may require visiting school sites during operating hours, therefore will require a valid Victorian Employee Working with Children Check and a current Victorian Driver's Licence.
This is a full-time 3 year fixed term position not beyond 31/12/2029.
Key responsibilities of this role include:
- Build, promote and maintain strong relationships with all internal and external customers and stakeholders.
- Lead end-to-end procurement activities across Essential Safety Measures (ESM) program, including sourcing, tendering, evaluation, contract award, and contract administration
- Develop and implement category strategies and procurement plans aligned with VSBA frameworks, policies, and compliance requirements.
- Support the Contract Manager in coordinating and managing service provider relationships to ensure the timely and compliant delivery of program deliverables.
- Identify and manage procurement and supplier risks, including non-compliance, service gaps.
- Drive continuous improvement in procurement practices, systems, and contractor performance within the ESM program.
- Respond to and resolve ESM ServiceNow requests in a timely and efficient manner.
- Use software systems including Oracle, Asset Information Management System (AIMS) and Uptick to undertake functions required for the program.
- Coordination and information sharing with other program areas in VSBA and broader department.
- Respond to requests for information from the Minister's Office and Executive teams, including the development of briefings, correspondence and parliamentary collateral.
- Work constructively as part of a highly collaborative team, fostering a healthy working environment.
- Provide support to the unit manager and the program as required.
Attributes
- Knowledge and experience in government systems, procedures, processes, reporting and writing
- Exceptional customer service skills, with a keen ability to respond swiftly, actively seeking to meet customer needs.
- Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills especially when roadblocks are presented
- Flexibility to adapt to change and effectively manage competing priorities.
- The ability to provide clear and concise advice, with keen attention to detail.
- Effective communication for strong contract and stakeholder management.
- Report generation from multiple data sources delivering timely, high-quality information.
- A solid understanding of dashboard reporting and data analysis.
- Supporting team members in developing skills and knowledge to provide credible advice.
- A future-oriented mindset, proactively embracing modern technologies and best practices.
- Strong collaborative skills to build relationships with stakeholders, service providers and working colleagues across all areas of the department.
Qualifications and Experience
- 2 years demonstrated experience in similar role within government/or public service (required).
- Working knowledge and experience in construction, building surveying, facility or asset management industries (highly desirable).
- Excellent skills in using Microsoft Office software including Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, PowerPoint, and SharePoint (required)
Flexible Work Expectations
This role has hybrid working arrangements. For full-time employees, the department expects 3 days per week in the office, in line with the VPS Agreement 2024. This role follows those same operational requirements: 3 in-office days, 2 remote (if full-time).
How to apply
Your application will need to include a Current Resume and a Cover Letter (max 2 pages) which addresses the key selection criteria. This can be found in the Position Description.
About the Department
The department provides a wide range of learning and development support and services. The department provides policy leadership, plans for the future of education in Victoria and leads key cross-sector collaboration. The department plays an important system steward role by providing support, guidance, oversight and assurance across early childhood and school education systems, as well as directly providing school education and 50 new early learning centres.
About the Victorian School Building Authority
The Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA) is part of the Department of Education. Established in 2016, it oversees Victoria's largest school building program since the state introduced free public education in the 1870s.
The VSBA upgrades and expands existing schools and plans, designs, and builds new schools to meet enrolment demand. We also support schools to maintain their buildings and grounds by offering expert advice and coordinating maintenance programs and grants. With Victoria recently introducing two years of funded kindergarten, the VSBA is also working with the early childhood sector on a massive kindergarten construction program.
About the Division
The Asset Management and Operations Division help government educational facilities maintain and manage their buildings and grounds. The Division delivers programs and systems to ensures educational facilities are routinely maintained and upkept. The Branches included in the Division are Maintenance Delivery, Asset Programs and Asset Operations.
Asset Operations Branch
The Asset Operations Branch is responsible for implementing and delivering programs that support Victorian government schools, kindergarten and early learning centres through Essential Safety Measures, School Cleaning, Kinder Facilities Management and support 24 government schools that are part of the Public-Private Partnership program.
Further Information
For more details regarding this position, please see the attached position description.
All VSBA staff have a shared responsibility to meet the same service standards outlined in the VSBA Customer Service Charter. Our goal is to make every interaction with the VSBA a positive one for our customers, colleagues and key partners regardless of our individual role or team.
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 www.education.vic.gov.au.
For further information pertaining to the role, please contact Fiona Missen by phone 03 7022 5643 or email [email protected].
Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and may be subject to 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 (e.g. large print) due to any viewing difficulties or other accessibility requirements.
Applications close 11:59pm on 26th August 2026
