The Queensland Department of Education leads one of the state’s most significant public service systems, responsible for delivering world-class education services for Queenslanders at every stage of their personal and professional development.
The Department regulates quality early childhood services, funds kindergarten programs and supports successful transitions to school, oversees curriculum, assessment and teacher workforce capability, and drives system-wide initiatives that lift student engagement, learning and wellbeing. Its work is underpinned by strategic investment in safe, inclusive infrastructure, capability building and digital innovation to enable teaching and learning excellence and contribute to broader community and economic objectives.
About the Role | Executive Director and Chief Procurement Officer
Reporting to the Assistant Director-General, Finance, Procurement and Facilities and Chief Finance Officer, this role is responsible and accountable for the development and implementation of the Department of Education’s procurement strategy and function, aligned to a whole-of-government approach. The function is designed to achieve outcomes for customers and leverage the scale of the organisation to deliver sustainable and realisable benefits and savings.
The position provides whole-of-organisation leadership across strategic sourcing, procurement and supply chain management, including oversight of key procurement categories such as ICT, general goods and services, and building, construction and maintenance. It carries responsibility for the Department’s procurement and purchasing expenditure of $2 to $3 billion and oversight of budgets within the Procurement and Facilities hierarchy of approximately $260 to $270 million, ensuring a strong control environment and sound financial stewardship.
In addition, the position leads the development and delivery of high-quality, customer-centric and fit-for-purpose facilities management services for corporate and regional clients, excluding school-based services. These services include fleet management, office accommodation, conference services and utilities. The role also leads and coordinates sustainability initiatives within procurement and facilities management, including reporting on responses to government sustainability policies, targets and commitments.
As a senior executive, you will represent the Department in high-level negotiations, foster strategic relationships across Queensland Government and with key suppliers, and contribute to strong governance and ethical practice. Through disciplined execution and collaborative leadership, the position contributes to world-class service delivery and public sector management.
The essential requirements for this role are:
- Extensive executive leadership experience within a large and complex organisation
- Demonstrated expertise in procurement, supply chain, facilities management or related commercial functions at scale
- Proven capability in financial stewardship, governance and risk management involving significant budgets and expenditure
- Strong stakeholder engagement, negotiation and advisory skills within a public sector or comparable environment.
You are an accomplished executive with a record of success in a large and complex organisation. You bring outstanding leadership capability and extensive experience across public, private and or not for profit sectors.
You have a strong background in strategy and policy implementation, service delivery and client service. You demonstrate proven capability as an agent of change in challenging environments and in fostering a confident and capable workforce.
You display sound judgement, high integrity and strong agility in adapting to changing environments. Your communication and negotiation skills are well developed, and you are confident representing an organisation at senior levels across government and with key suppliers.
You lead strategically, make considered and ethical decisions, and build enduring relationships that enable collaborative, customer-focused outcomes. You drive accountability, uphold governance and risk management standards, and promote inclusive, high performing workplaces.
How to apply
Applications, including your resume and a two-page summary outlining how your experience, abilities and knowledge are relevant to this role, should be submitted via the Apply Now button at:
https://www.kingstonhumancapital.com.au/cpo-education
For a confidential discussion, please contact:
Gerard Kerr
General Manager, Executive Search and Selection at Kingston Human Capital
Mobile: 0432 544 444
Email: gerard@kingstonhumancapital.com.au
Closing Date: 24 March 2026
