18th May, 2026
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.
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.
Apply with a short cover letter and CV or contact Bec Ramsden on 08 8472 9300 for a confidential conversation. Applications close 5pm Monday 15th June 2026
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