Department for Child Protection
Job reference: 845744
Location: 5000 - ADELAIDE
Job status: Long Term Contract
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

Role Status: Executive appointment offered on a full-time, three-year contract
Remuneration: SAES1

• Lead strategic procurement in a high-impact government department.
• Manage a complex, high-value portfolio of multi-million dollar contracts.
• A unique blend of strategic procurement and large-scale project work.

About the Role:

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Procurement Officer provides executive leadership for the strategic direction and management of procurement  across the department. This is a newly structured role, established to ensure dedicated, specialist leadership of the procurement function as DCP embarks on large-scale service redesign, complex market engagement, and forward procurement planning. The Chief Procurement Officer will develop and implement a procurement strategy covering sourcing, contract governance, supplier relationships and risk oversight, in line with Treasurer's Instructions and whole-of-government procurement policy.

Key Accountabilities:

• Lead the strategic direction and delivery of efficient and effective procurement and commissioning services across the department.
• Develop and implement a contemporary procurement strategy supported by innovative sourcing programs, contract management frameworks, and performance governance.
• Provide high-level strategic advice to the Chief Financial Officer and Senior Leadership Committee on procurement risk, market trends, and emerging opportunities.
• Lead large-scale and complex procurement processes from strategic planning through to execution and evaluation.
• Oversee procurement risk management, including commercial, contractual, financial and supply chain risks, and lead the development of business cases and Cabinet submissions.
• Liaise with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) to build DCP's capability to design culturally appropriate, community-led procurement approaches.
• Embed sustainability, social procurement and ethical sourcing into strategies, supporting the State Government's environmental and social objectives.
• Lead, develop and inspire a multidisciplinary procurement team, fostering a culture of accountability, capability and collaboration.

About You:

We are seeking a commercially astute, strategically minded procurement leader who brings credibility, curiosity and a genuine commitment to public purpose. You will bring:

• Extensive leadership experience in procurement with a proven track record in government or highly regulated environments.
• Deep knowledge of government procurement frameworks, including Treasurer's Instructions and whole-of-government procurement policy.
• Strong commercial and legal acumen, including experience in contract negotiations, dispute resolution and risk management.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build trust across government agencies, NGOs, community organisations and executive leadership.
• Proven commitment to improving outcomes for Aboriginal children and young people, with the ability to embed culturally responsive approaches into procurement practice.
• Experience building and leading high-performing teams, with a focus on capability development and succession planning.
• An appropriate tertiary qualification in economics, business, commerce, contract law or a related discipline. MCIPS, CPA, CA or equivalent is highly regarded.

This is a rare opportunity to lead procurement transformation at genuine scale in a department where the work has direct human impact. If you are motivated by complex challenges, meaningful partnerships and the opportunity to influence how government delivers for its most vulnerable community members, we want to hear from you.

About DCP:

The Department for Child Protection (DCP) plays a key role in the protection of children, young people and their families within South Australia. DCP provides support to vulnerable children and young people, working to keep them safe from abuse and harm, and provide alternative care when living at home is no longer an option. Their vision is for all children and young people to grow up safe, healthy, connected and feeling loved so they reach their full potential.

Special Conditions:

• An appropriate tertiary qualification in economics, business, commerce, contract law or related discipline. MCIPS, CPA, CA or equivalent professional qualification.
• You must have a current Working With Children Check.

Enquiries: Bec Ramsden - Director, Ramsden Recruitment on (08) 8472 9300.

Our workplace reflects the diverse communities we serve. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities. This includes women, people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, the LGBTQI+ communities, and people from culturally diverse backgrounds.

To apply for this role, please click the 'apply' button to be re-directed to the Ramsden Recruitment website.

Applications close: 15/06/2026 5:00 PM

Attachments:
- Role Description - Chief Procurement Officer - SAES1.pdf

Flexibility Statement
The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.