About usWe create thriving places and connected communities. We bring together transport, planning, land use, precinct and policy functions in a single department to deliver the best outcomes for Victorians.Together with our portfolio agencies, we are responsible for planning, building, operating and +maintaining Victoria''s transport, planning and land services for use by all.We foster a safe, inclusive and constructive place to work.Investment and Technology leads and manages the investment lifecycle; drives commercial advice & negotiations to facilitate reform; and enables core delivery through Finance, Procurement & Technology.About the roleThe Senior Commercial Lead provides expert advice and leadership on complex, high-value, high-risk ICT contracts to ensure the Department secures optimal commercial outcomes and manages supplier relationships strategically. Sitting within the IT Contracts function, this role complements the Manager by acting as the principal subject matter expert on commercial strategy, risk allocation, and negotiation for ICT procurements and contract variations.The role partners closely with senior stakeholders, project sponsors, legal and procurement teams to shape contracts that balance innovation, value-for-money, and compliance. It also provides coaching and uplift to Contract and Vendor Managers, building commercial acumen across the function.Key stakeholders include major ICT vendors, the Department''s executive sponsors, project/program delivery leads, central procurement, legal services, and assurance functions. The role contributes to the Department''s ability to deliver technology-enabled outcomes by ensuring contracts and vendor relationships are strategically managed to support delivery, mitigate risks, and drive performance.Key Selection CriteriaWe are seeking a proactive professional who can influence and persuade at a senior level, building strong buy-in for ideas through strategic engagement, indirect influence, and expert input. You will confidently manage complex and difficult conversations, resolve conflict pragmatically, and foster effective stakeholder partnerships by understanding shared priorities, underlying needs, and organisational contexts to achieve sustainable outcomes.To access the Position Description, please click herePosition accountabilitiesStrategic Commercial Leadership Lead the development and execution of commercial strategies for complex, high-value ICT contracts and vendor engagements. Provide authoritative advice on commercial risk allocation, pricing models, and negotiation positions to ensure long-term value for money. Influence senior executives, program sponsors, and governance forums on commercial options and implications for ICT investments.Complex Contract & Vendor Negotiation Act as lead negotiator on high-risk or sensitive ICT contracts, variations, and disputes, ensuring agreements align with departmental objectives and compliance requirements. Resolve escalated vendor performance or contractual issues, balancing commercial, legal, and operational considerations. Build and maintain strategic relationships with critical ICT vendors, driving outcomes beyond transactional contract management.Capability Uplift & Specialist Guidance Provide coaching, mentoring, and subject matter expertise to Contract and Vendor Managers, enhancing their ability to manage contracts effectively. Develop tools, frameworks, and guidance that strengthen commercial practices across the function. Act as the function''s internal escalation point for complex or novel commercial issues.Cross-Functional Collaboration & Assurance Partner with procurement, legal, finance, engagement and architecture, and project delivery teams to ensure commercial arrangements are robust, risk-aware, and enable successful delivery. Support the Manager, IT Contracts in preparing executive briefings, assurance documentation, and governance papers for senior committees. Contribute to enterprise-wide vendor governance and reporting, ensuring critical contracts are visible, monitored, and performing.Technical capabilities Contract evaluation, negotiation (Accomplished) Leads contract formation activities, applying advanced negotiation techniques, legal expertise, and strategic procurement principles to achieve optimal procurement outcomes. Contract Management (Leading) : Shapes contract management policies, directs procurement contract strategies, and leads high-risk contract negotiations to ensure optimal service delivery and government procurement success. Sourcing and Engagement the Market (Accomplished) Leads sourcing strategies, applying advanced market analysis, supplier engagement, and negotiation techniques to secure optimal procurement outcomes. Ensures sourcing decisions align with long-term organisational and government objectives.Qualifications and experienceExtensive experience (710+ years) in commercial management, procurement, or contract law, with a strong focus on ICT contracts, strategic sourcing, or vendor governance (mandatory).Demonstrated expertise in negotiating complex, high-value ICT contracts and resolving contractual disputes (mandatory).Relevant tertiary qualifications in Law, Commerce, Business, Finance, or related discipline (desirable).Professional certifications in procurement or contract management (desirable).Culture ValueWe welcome applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds representing the community that we serve, including veterans, parents, carers, First Peoples, people with disability, multicultural, multifaith and LGBTIQA+ individuals.As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and high-performance culture. Through shared actions and behaviours aligned with our strategy and direction, we empower our people to thrive and meaningfully contribute to the department''s goals.What we offerWorking at the Department of Transport and Planning provides people with the opportunity to contribute to creating thriving places and connected communities for all Victorians.For further details please refer toCareers at the Department of Transport and Planning.Pre-employment checks and employment conditionsAll new appointments to the department will be subject to a National Criminal Records Check, Misconduct Screening, and a Qualification Check where there is a requirement for a mandatory qualification. Information provided to the Department of Transport and Planning will be treated in the strictest confidence consistent with the requirements of the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014.Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa necessary for the nature of the position.Recipients of Victorian Public Service (VPS) voluntary departure packages should note that re-employment restrictions apply.Non-VPS applicants will be subject to a probation period of six months.How to applyClick the''Apply''button to be redirected to our recruitment platform, where you may need to create an account to submit your application.If have any issues,click herefor Quick Reference Guide on how to apply.Applications close at11.59pm on Wednesday, the 18th of February 2026.Please include both your resume and a cover letter. All applications must be submitted via the online portal, we''re unable to accept email or manual submissions.For further information about the role, please contact Anna Hardie, Director Technology Investment and Commercial Assurance via Important Information:If you require any adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, or need the advert or attachments in an accessible format (e.g., large print), please contact us by phone or email. We''re here to support you.
Job Title
Strategic Commercial Lead