Senior Manager, Commercial

• Drive Strategic Commercial Initiatives in a dynamic University environment
• Lead a newly established Procurement Hub and shape its future success
• Be at the forefront of commercial operations in a progressive, purpose-driven organisation.

Are you a strategic leader with expertise in property, leasing, procurement, and finance? Do you thrive in a role that offers variety, challenge, and the opportunity to shape commercial operations? Join our Infrastructure and Facilities Services (IFS) team as a Senior Manager, Commercial, where you’ll play a key role in supporting the university’s financial sustainability and commercial strategy.

As a member of the IFS Senior Management Team, you will lead the Property & Leasing, IFS Finance, and Procurement Hub functions, ensuring strong commercial outcomes that align with the university’s strategic direction. With three direct reports and a total team of six, you’ll drive efficiencies, streamline procurement processes, manage commercial agreements, and oversee leasing arrangements to optimise financial performance.

A typical week in this role may involve:

• Negotiating leases and licences to support university growth and industry partnerships
• Leading and mentoring your team to deliver high-quality procurement and financial management
• Advising senior stakeholders on commercial strategies, contract management, and financial sustainability
• Implementing frameworks to optimise purchasing power and ensure value for money
• Collaborating with internal teams and external partners to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions

This role offers exposure to a diverse portfolio, touching on everything from property management to procurement strategy and tracking financial performance across the department making it an exciting and unique opportunity.

To succeed in this role you will bring:

• Strong leadership experience with the ability to manage and develop a high-performing team
• Expertise in property contracts, leasing, procurement, and financial oversight
• The ability to negotiate and manage commercial agreements that align with strategic goals
• Knowledge of enterprise resource planning, contract management, and financial sustainability
• A problem-solving mindset and a passion for driving continuous improvement

This continuing position is full time at a HEW 9 Higher Education Level located at Callaghan Campus.

About our University

The University of Newcastle stands as a global leader distinguished by a commitment to equity and excellence. Our vision is to be a world-leading University for our regions and creating a better future for our regions and the globe. Underpinned by this vision and our values of excellence, equity, engagement and sustainability, the University of Newcastle’s Looking Ahead Strategic Plan 2020-2025 outlines the University’s commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience and serving our communities. 

For more information click here – Our Uni. 

About the Unit  

Infrastructure and Facilities Services (IFS) is responsible for the planning, development and operation of the University’s physical infrastructure, estate and campus services to support the strategic objectives of the University and meet the needs of students, staff and the University community. The Procurement Hub will cover all areas relevant to the business of IFS including Strategic Planning, Program Delivery Office, as well as Asset Management and Operations, which include areas such as major services, process and maintenance services, logistics and utilities. Property Management including Commercial Leasing and Licensing for the University, as tenant and landlord, and in support of infrastructure development on campus.

What we offer

In addition to working for a university that is breaking boundaries, discovering new ways of thinking and cementing a place as a global leader, we offer a range of benefits to our employees to ensure you balance your commitments, stay healthy and work effectively. 

These include: 

• The remuneration for this position is pro-rated from $136,030- $145,745 p.a. + superannuation and is commensurate with skills and experience
• Flexible working arrangements (in line with the University’s Flexible Work Policy
• 17% super and salary packaging
• Additional University Holiday days, generous personal leave and parental leave, annual leave loading and additional purchased leave scheme
• Discounts in private health insurance, gym memberships, software, travel and more
• Wellbeing programs

Your next steps 

Please visit here for a guide on how to apply for a role. 

If viewing this on a job board other than the University's please click ‘Apply’ to reach the University's website, where a copy of the Position Description can be accessed. Please download a copy before commencing your application. 

Your application must include: 

• Your resume
• A cover letter outlining your motivation to apply for this opportunity
•  A statement addressing the Essential Criteria listed below demonstrating your qualifications and experience with examples.

1.  Post graduate qualifications and extensive experience in relevant areas such as property management, procurement, contract and financial management, or other relevant qualification; or extensive management experience and proven management expertise; or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.
2. Demonstrated leadership capability including the ability to lead/inspire a team of professional staff to deliver exceptional performance/outcomes.  
3. Proven capability in managing a commercial portfolio including Leases, Licences, and various property related activities including disposals, acquisitions and easements. 
4. Strong commercial acumen and experience in negotiating commercial arrangements. Demonstrated ability to apply strategic direction and use sound judgement to make critical decisions.
5. Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships and networks in a consultative and collaboratively manner with a wide range of stakeholders.
6. Excellent communication, interpersonal and negotiation skills and demonstrated ability to manage challenging relationships, gain consensus and influence outcomes.
7. Highly developed management skills and the ability to build effective high-performance teams and engage in difficult conversations
8. Demonstrated knowledge of workplace obligations, and experience in leading and cultivating workplace practices and behaviours that promote, support and maintain a safe, healthy, equitable, diverse and respectful workplace, including responding appropriately to adverse accidents, incidents, behaviours, issues, reports and the like. 

To ensure that your application receives full consideration, it's important to structure and address the selection criteria outlined in the application process. This helps us better understand your experience and suitability for the role. We appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to reviewing your application.

Please upload your Cover Letter and response to the requested Criteria as one PDF document.

Your Cover Letter and Response to the Essential Criteria should not exceed 4 pages (approximately 2,000 words).

For specific position enquiries, please contact Beth McDonald, Associate Director, Engagement, Commercial and Business Quality on (02) 4921 6733 or via email Beth.Mcdonald@newcastle.edu.au

Having Difficulties? Please reach out to us: employment@newcastle.edu.au

Closing date: Monday 10^th March 2025 at 11.59pm AEST

We are excited to be Looking Ahead with you

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