At the SKAO we are coordinating a global effort to deliver one of the largest science facilities on the planet. The SKAO telescopes will be next-generation instruments that will help to answer key questions in astrophysics, drive technological innovation and support human capital development.
More than a dozen partner countries and over a thousand scientists and engineers around the world are already on board, making the SKA project an international collaboration like no other, and one of the most ambitious science and engineering endeavours of the 21st century.
Headquartered in the UK, with telescope sites in Australia and South Africa, the SKAO will be one observatory operating two telescopes, an endeavour spanning three continents. Multinational by design, in early 2021 the SKAO became an intergovernmental organisation, one of only a select handful of science infrastructures to do so worldwide.
Construction activities for the SKAO's telescopes in Australia and South Africa started in 2021, along with a ramping up of SKAO staff in both countries. It is expected that the transition from the Construction Phase to the Operations Phase will happen around 2028.
SKAO Operations in South Africa will be conducted in partnership with the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO). SKAO Operations in Australia will be conducted in partnership with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). The Observatory will also partner closely with a global network of SKA Regional Centres through which astronomers will access science data products and a suite of tools and resources to further analyse the SKA telescopes' data.
The SKA Observatory offers a competitive salary and a generous pension and benefits package. As an employee of an intergovernmental organisation, an appointee who is not a national of the country in which the role is based may be subject to personal Privileges and Immunities.
In this role, you will work closely with senior internal stakeholders, external research organisations, suppliers and other members of the procurement team to ensure the timely and efficient procurement of various contracts, both high and low value and complexity, in accordance with defined policies and procedures.
You will bring a strong combination of commercial acumen and strategic insight, ensuring that every contract, partnership, and procurement activity aligns with SKAO’s mission, values and Procurement Policy and Manual. You will oversee the end-to-end procurement of various contracts, both high and low value and complexity, ensuring compliance, transparency, and demonstrable value for money.
SKAO has recently implemented Proactis as its sourcing, supplier relationship management and contract management software and as a senior team member you will be required to ensure the continued effective rollout and adoption.
The Senior Procurement Specialist will ensure effective and efficient invitations to tender and request for quotes that develop stakeholder confidence in the SKAO and its procurement processes.
As a senior member of the SKAO procurement function, you will champion continuous improvement, contribute to the development of procurement policies and frameworks, and support the professional growth of team members. You will promote best practice in supplier engagement, tendering, and contract management, supporting SKAO’s commitment to excellence, collaboration, and sustainability.
The role plays a key part in managing SKAO’s external stakeholders, with key contact points being the SKAO Member countries’ Industry Liaison Officers, government departments and major government funded research bodies. SKAO’s procurement practices must take into account the social and economic return to its Member countries.
This is a 2-year fixed term position based at the SKAO Office in Geraldton or Perth, Australia. This role may include occasional national and international travel to suppliers and SKAO sites (typically for one week, a couple of times per year). This role will require a minimum of quarterly travel to Geraldton, if the successful candidate is based in Perth.
This role may be offered on a full-time, part-time or job share basis. Please raise your preference in your application.
SKAO is committed to providing an inclusive and flexible working environment, meeting the requests of our Colleagues whilst also fulfilling the needs and objectives of the Observatory.
There may be occasions where this role requires work across different time zones, and in line with SKAO policy, flexible working hours will be supported in agreement with the line manager.
- Facilitate the development of complex procurement documents, contracts and agreements between the SKAO and its supplier organisations. This often involves using standard SKAO Purchase Order Terms and Conditions templates, as well as NEC4 templates with specific Z clauses as needed.
- Work with internal and external stakeholders (research funding bodies, government agencies and partner research institutions) to develop achievable procurement strategies and plans.
- Undertake the procurement of complex contracts, developing timelines, identifying commercial risks, presenting appropriate mitigations, and running Procurement Procedures as outlined in the SKAO Procurement Manual including evaluation of complex commercial tenders.
- Manage the delivery of procurement actions being undertaken by the procurement team in Australia and mentor other members of the team.
- Develop and present attractive procurement award recommendations to the SKAO's Tender Subcommittee and In-Kind Review Subcommittee.
- Lead and support contract negotiations.
- Represent the SKAO procurement function at international meetings.
- Support the Head of Procurement Services to develop and enhance the SKAO procurement function, such as through the development and maintenance of procurement policies, processes and reporting tools.
- Provide guidance and support to less experienced members of the SKAO procurement team.
- Undertake any other reasonable duties as directed by the line manager and senior management.
- MCIPS Professional Accreditation or working towards the completion of.
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline such as Business Management, Procurement, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience demonstrating a strong background in procurement.
- Extensive experience leading a broad range of low to high-value and low to high complexity tenders and successful completion of commercial and contractual negotiations.
- Strong interpersonal skills, with the credibility and professionalism to engage, collaborate and influence a wide range of internal and external stakeholders to deliver procurement outcomes within challenging timescales and organisational objectives.
- Demonstrated ability to manage, constructively challenge and influence stakeholders in high-pressure and time-critical procurement situations, balancing compliance, risk, and requirements to deliver compliant procurement outcomes within tight timescales whilst maintaining strong stakeholder relationships.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English with the ability to confidently explain and document complex contractual concepts to senior stakeholders.
- Strong business ethics, with an ability to manage and respect confidential data.
- Experience in formulating and championing efficient ways of working and new ideas to demonstrate a commitment to procurement best practice.
- Experience of line management and mentoring team members.
- Be a flexible, efficient and self-motivated team player who is adaptable to change and able to work with minimal supervision.
- Experience promoting procurement best practice, including identifying opportunities to improve processes, implement more efficient ways of working, and support continuous improvement initiatives.
- Knowledge or experience of NEC4 suite of contracts.
- Familiarity with the landscape of major science research infrastructure projects and organisations, their processes, challenges, and the novel solutions that are often applied, such as in-kind contributions and fair work return.
- Familiarity with ERP systems such as Unit4 and working with tools such as Confluence, Microsoft Office suite, Google Drive, and JIRA.
- Experience of reporting to and co-ordinating activities with colleagues who are working remotely, ideally both locally and internationally.
Equality Diversity and Inclusion Statement
SKA Observatory recognises that our diversity is a strength. We aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong, and diverse perspectives and ideas thrive. As such, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion are at the core of SKA Observatory’s agenda.
Our aim is to recruit and retain the most talented individuals, regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, nationality or background.
Women have traditionally been under-represented in the fields of science and engineering; SKA Observatory welcomes and encourages female applicants.
Where applicants with a disability need facilities or adjustments to enable them to participate in the recruitment process, these will be provided.
SKA Observatory welcome all candidates, especially those from member countries.
The “How to Apply” information contained within the SKA Observatory recruitment portal provides more detail regarding our application and selection approach.
