Head of Commercial and FinOps

Shape the future of digital transformation through strategic commercial leadership and financial innovation.

The University of Newcastle is seeking an experienced Head of Commercial and Fin Ops to lead strategic sourcing, vendor management, and financial operations that underpin our digital transformation agenda.

Reporting to the Deputy Chief Digital & Information Officer, you will:

• Develop and implement commercial strategies aligned with the University’s digital goals.
• Lead vendor management and procurement activities to deliver value and mitigate risk.
• Drive Fin Ops practices to optimise cloud and technology spend, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Establish governance frameworks and performance metrics for commercial and financial operations.

This position is based at our Callaghan Campus and will be offered on a five-year fixed-term contract basis.

You’re a senior leader with:

• Postgraduate qualifications in Management, IT, or Business (or equivalent experience).
• Proven ability to lead strategic and operational commercial functions.
• Experience in Fin Ops or cloud financial management, including cost optimisation and forecasting.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills.
• Expertise in sourcing strategies, vendor partnerships, and governance frameworks.
• A demonstrated proactive bias toward delivery outcomes by anticipating potential obstacles, taking initiative to resolve issues early, and prioritising actions that accelerate progress toward agreed objectives.

DTS delivers cutting‑edge, innovative and cost‑effective digital solutions and services to the University’s staff and students, enabling excellence in education, research, and engagement. We are repositioning as a technology integrator, broker, trusted advisor, and innovator—empowering the University to deliver on the next phase of our strategic journey.

At the University of Newcastle, we’re proud to be ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide and our rankings for Climate Action (2nd globally) and for Good Health and Wellbeing (9th globally) put us among the top 40 globally for impact. We offer:

Competitive contract terms
:
Market competitive remuneration package (includes a generous employer superannuation contribution) on a five-year fixed term contract basis.

Flexibility and balance
:
Family‑friendly policies, childcare centres and leave entitlements to support carer responsibilities.

Wellbeing
:
We are a healthy university, with staff wellbeing programs, confidential EAP, discounted fitness passport, corporate health plans and medical centre.

Explore More: see our benefits at a glance.

If viewing this on a job board other than the University’s, please click ‘Apply’ to reach our website where you can access the Position Description. Please download a copy before commencing your application.

Applications for this position will only be accepted from those with Australian citizenship, permanent residency or a valid work permit for the duration of the contract term.

Your application must include:

Current resume/CV including qualifications and relevant training; and

Cover letter outlining your motivation and addressing the essential criteria listed below (using examples):

• Demonstrated ability to lead both operational and strategic commercial functions, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and digital transformation priorities.
• Ability to design and execute strategic sourcing strategies that deliver long‑term value, supplier diversity, and risk mitigation.
• Strong ability to influence stakeholders and lead cross‑functional teams to achieve strategic commercial, IT sourcing, and Fin Ops objectives—driving cost optimisation and value realization.
• Ability to foster collaborative supplier partnerships that support strategic objectives and deliver measurable outcomes.
• Demonstrated experience in Fin Ops or cloud financial management, including cost optimisation, forecasting, and stakeholder engagement

Your Cover Letter should not exceed 4 pages (approximately 2,000 words).

For specific position enquiries, please contact, Sam O’Connor, Senior Manager Change and…