• Based at either our 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?

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.

Who are we?

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. We aim to be a catalyst for positive change for the individuals and the communities we serve. We aspire to be recognised as Australia’s most progressive university.

The Infrastructure and Digital Division drives digital innovation at Deakin to deliver intelligent, future-focused solutions that anticipate and respond to digital needs. We collaborate with managers and members of the University Executive, as well as teachers and students, researchers, support and professional staff, and other members of the University community to harness our digital potential.

About the role

The Associate Director, Vendor Engagement brings extensive and specialist knowledge of their area of expertise vendor engagement and an understanding of the complexities of the higher education environment. The role is recognised as a principal specialist in digital, physical and on campus vendor relationship management and leads and motivates a team of professionals to collaborate and deliver outstanding advice and services to our customers.

The role reports to the Director, Engagement & Experience and provides advice, generally limited to their area of expertise, on issues of a strategic nature relating to vendor relationship management, negotiating contracts and ensuring high-quality service delivery.

As the Associate Director, Vendor Engagement, 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.
• 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

• Qualifications and experience commensurate with appointment at level.
• Extensive experience conceptualising, developing and implementing contemporary solutions, strategies and services to achieve a large organisation’s objectives.
• Experience leading the strategic direction for vendor engagement, relationship management and business relationship management.
• Demonstrated capacity to build and maintain strong and productive relationships with internal and external partners and customers.

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

 PD - Associate Director, Vendor Engagement.pdf

Here's how 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 Peter Auhl, Chief Information and Infrastructure Officer on ocido@deakin.edu.au 

Applications for this position close on Sunday, 2 February 2025

Make an Impact with Us

Together we aim to take Deakin forward, strengthening our progressive University through the digital work we do. Whether it's empowering students, enabling teaching staff, or supporting researchers, the work you do here matters. Your achievements contribute to making a positive difference in the lives of the people and communities we serve.

So that you can focus on making a positive impact, Deakin Infrastructure and Digital lays the foundations for you to be your best self, grow and evolve and join forces with exceptional people.

Be Your Best Self

As a unique individual we understand that showing up as the best version of yourself takes commitment to your personal wellbeing. That’s why we foster a supportive environment where you can manage your work to balance your productivity, engagement and wellbeing. Our approach to flexible working empowers you to achieve your best.

Grow & Evolve

Being in the higher education sector, ours is an environment of knowledge sharing and seeking. With us you can grow your capability through formal and informal learning and continuously improve, deepen and broaden your expertise. With many digital roles and teams under the one umbrella, there’s opportunity to expand your skillset, embrace new challenges and evolve your career. When YOU thrive, WE thrive.

Join Forces

As a member of our dynamic team, you’ll tackle challenges and deliver digital services and solutions alongside supportive, inclusive and talented humans from within the team, and more broadly across the University. We are a powerful collective of diverse skillsets, strengths and experience and our practices promote an environment of collaboration where your unique contribution is welcomed and valued. When you join forces with Infrastructure and Digital you join forces with Deakin. Visit Why Work at Deakin to view the overarching benefits of working with Deakin.

Are you ready to make an impact with us?

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.