• Based at out Melbourne Burwood or Geelong Waterfront Campus + hybrid work arrangements
• Full-time and fixed-term for 5 years
• Competitive salary and benefits including 17% Superannuation

Why work with us?

Deakin is a Victorian university with a global impact. We are agile and innovative, and committed to making a positive impact through our excellence in education and research and the contributions we make to the wider community. As one of Australia’s largest universities, Deakin has strong global linkages, world-class research and an education portfolio that blends the best of campus and digital delivery into a highly supportive and personalised student experience. We're proud to be a progressive and open-minded university, delivering the highest student satisfaction in Victoria and consistently ranked in the top 1% of the world's universities.

At Deakin, you will enjoy a range of benefits, including various leave options such as generous parental leave and the ability to purchase additional leave; flexible working arrangements to help manage your work-life balance; ongoing learning and development opportunities to advance your career; an inclusive, supportive culture and environment to work in, both online and on campus.

About the role

The Associate Director, Product Management brings extensive and specialist knowledge and expertise in Product Management and Vendor Engagement, and an understanding of the complexities of the higher education environment. The role is recognised as a principal specialist in product management, and vendor management for both digital and physical infrastructure. This role leads and motivates a team of professionals to collaborate and deliver outstanding advice and services to our customers.

As the Associate Director, Product Management, you will:

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of skilled professionals, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment. Provide guidance and support to team members in delivering strategic initiatives, ensuring their growth and development.
• Build and inspire university leaders to develop and implement digital product strategies that align with the university’s overall goals and ensure alignment with university strategic priorities.
• Develop and implement strategic initiatives that align with Deakin’s goals and future needs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify, build and maintain strong relationships with key digital, physical and on campus vendors, facilitate regular meetings and communications with vendors to address issues, share updates, and align expectations. Resolve conflicts or disputes with vendors professionally, working to find mutually beneficial solutions.
• Lead contract negotiations with digital, physical and on campus vendors, ensuring favourable terms, service levels, and pricing that align with the university’s needs and budget and ensure all vendors comply with the terms of their contracts. Manage the lifecycle of vendor contracts, including renewals, extensions, and termination when necessary.
• Partner with strategic procurement and key stakeholder on digital, physical and on campus vendor selection process, including evaluating bids, and selecting the most suitable vendors based on cost, quality, and reliability. Conduct market research to identify potential new vendors and keep abreast of industry trends and innovations.

To be successful, you’ll have:

• Extensive experience conceptualising, developing and implementing contemporary solutions, strategies and services to achieve a large organisation’s objectives.
• A sound knowledge and understanding of contemporary relevant discipline practices.
• Demonstrated capacity to build and maintain strong and productive relationships with internal and external partners and customers.
• Proven ability to exercise judgement, influence others, be flexible and adaptive to environmental changes and priorities, and gain support for new plans, programs or initiatives.
• Demonstrated capacity for analytical and conceptual thought in the diagnosis of problems and in providing innovative, timely, relevant and practical solutions.

For a copy of the position description, please see below:

 PD - Associate Director, Product Management.pdf

To apply: 

Please submit your updated resume and a short cover letter outlining your skills and experience.

For a confidential discussion regarding this role, please contact Jackie Svedas – Senior Director, Engagement & Experience via j.svedas@deakin.edu.au   

Applications for this position close on Wednesday, 28 May 2025

Are You Ready?

Deakin is a Victorian university with a global impact. We are an agile, dynamic, and innovative university committed to making a positive impact through our excellence in education, research and innovation and the contributions we make to the wider community.

We understand that our reputation has been built on the dedication and expertise of our staff and we offer a dynamic and diverse working environment with opportunities to grow and develop careers. We believe that a progressive, thriving culture will ensure that people choose to come, and stay at Deakin and contribute to our ongoing success.

We value diversity and aim to build an inclusive environment that champions, embraces and respects differences. We support and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people of all abilities, cultures, sexual orientation, and genders.