Assistant Director - Procurement

The Finance and Procurement Branch is responsible for operational and strategic advice on Finance and Procurement services across the department. Our team are also responsible for the DVA Contract Management Policy Framework.

The Procurement Directorate is the central procurement function, responsible for ensuring a high-quality procurement environment for the department through robust governance and compliance processes, and by providing accurate and timely guidance on all procurement operational activities and compliance across the department. 

• Procurement Strategy and Planning:
  • Develop, implement, and review procurement strategies to meet the operational needs of the department.
  • Conduct market analysis to identify potential suppliers and assess market trends.
  • Lead procurement planning activities to ensure timely and cost-effective procurement processes.
• Procurement Process Management:
  • Manage end-to-end procurement processes, including tendering, evaluation, negotiation, and contract award.
  • Ensure compliance with the Commonwealth Procurement Rules (CPRs) and departmental policies.
  • Provide expert advice on procurement policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Contract Management:
  • Oversee the administration of contracts, including monitoring performance, managing variations, and ensuring contract compliance.
  • Resolve contract disputes and manage relationships with suppliers to ensure positive outcomes.
  • Conduct regular contract reviews to ensure value for money and continuous improvement.
• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving:
  • Apply advanced critical thinking skills to analyse complex procurement issues and develop innovative solutions.
  • Lead the identification and mitigation of procurement risks, including legal, financial, and operational risks.
  • Make informed decisions based on thorough analysis and evaluation of procurement data and market information.
• Leadership and Stakeholder Engagement:
  • Lead and mentor a team of procurement professionals, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
  • Engage with internal and external stakeholders to understand their needs and provide tailored procurement solutions.
  • Represent the department in negotiations with suppliers and other external parties.
• Reporting and Compliance:
  • Prepare detailed procurement reports for senior leaders, ensuring accurate and timely reporting.
  • Monitor compliance with procurement policies and procedures, identifying areas for improvement.
  • Ensure procurement documentation is accurate, complete, and maintained in accordance with departmental standards.

• Under section 22(8) of the Public Service Act 1999, employees must be Australian citizens to be employed in the Australian Public Service (APS). 
• Any successful candidate external to DVA offered employment will be required to undergo a pre-engagement screening check, even if they have a security clearance. The screening check is conducted in accordance with the Australian Government Protective Security Policy Framework requirements.
• Any successful candidate will also be required to obtain and/or maintain, a baseline Vetting (AGSVA) security clearance as a minimum. 

This recruitment process may be used to fill ongoing and/or non-ongoing position/s. For more information about the role, please see the Candidate Information Pack.

A merit pool of suitable applicants may be created which may be used to fill future ongoing and non-ongoing vacancies should they become available over the next 18 months.

Successful applicants engaged into the APS will be subject to a probation period.

We welcome people with diverse skills, experiences and perspectives. DVA is committed to building a workforce that reflects the community we serve and encourages applications from:

• Veterans and former Australian Defence Force members, whose skills and experience are highly valued across the APS 
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
• People with disability
• People who identify as LGBTQIA+
• People from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds

We are a Veteran Employer of Choice! This means you benefit from a workplace actively supporting veterans and families of veterans – one that understands and values military experience. You’re joining an organisation publicly recognised for its commitment to fostering veteran-friendly employment pathways and long-term career success.

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) exists to fulfil the nation’s duty to support our serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members and their families. We do this through programs of care, compensation, commemoration, income and Defence support services. Our aim is to enhance self-sufficiency, quality of life, financial wellbeing and community recognition for those we support. DVA is both a policy and service delivery agency. We have strong relationships with Australian ex-service organisations, Federal and State Government agencies and the veteran community. DVA’s vision is to honour veterans, and empower them and their families to continue life after service, within a society that understands and values their military service and their ongoing contribution to the community.