Purchasing Project Officer

Role overview

This role is responsible for providing procurement advice and handling purchasing activity for assigned projects involving a wide mix of goods and services. The successful person will support clients by applying sound procurement practice throughout the full purchasing process.

About the organisation

TAFE Queensland is the State’s largest and most established vocational education and training provider. For more than 140 years, it has delivered practical, industry-aligned training that helps people build meaningful careers. Its training is delivered through campuses, online learning and workplace-based programs, supporting communities, industries and local economies across Queensland.

Working here means joining an experienced team that works closely with industry and focuses on best practice, innovation and quality outcomes.

Position details

The Purchasing Project Officer reports to the Purchasing Team Leader. This is a temporary full-time position available until 30 June 2027, with the potential for extension unless otherwise determined. The main base for the role is Ashmore, though work may also be required at other TAFE Queensland campuses.

Key duties

• Manage procurement activity for specific projects in line with Queensland Purchasing Policy and TAFE Queensland procurement frameworks, keeping cost, timing, quality, fairness, compliance and client satisfaction in focus.
• Prepare request for quote and invitation to offer documents, define evaluation criteria, manage the offer process, and support contract drafting, negotiation and administration.
• Coordinate allocated projects, including building recommendations and strategies that support successful delivery.
• Work with regional executives, managers and internal and external stakeholders to identify project needs and provide updates and feedback on progress.
• Attend project-related meetings, support infrastructure project coordination and help keep project team activity aligned to required timelines.
• Maintain and update project schedules and goods registers in relevant systems and platforms.
• Prepare reports, spreadsheets, planning material and other correspondence using a range of software tools.
• Use purchasing delegation appropriately, within assigned authority, responsibilities and accountability requirements.
• Support the creation of contract management documentation and advise contract owners on supplier performance and contract value management for specific projects.
• Provide strong support to the Purchasing Team Leader and assist the wider Purchasing Team as needed.
• Help drive transformation and culture by modelling the organisation’s values of Safety First, Working Together, Focusing on our Customer, Taking Responsibility and Showing Initiative.

Selection criteria

• Ability to manage Invitations to Offer, Requests for Quotations and purchases from established arrangements across a wide range of industries and products, including preparing sound reports and recommendations.
• Proven teamwork skills, with the ability to organise your own workload, meet deadlines and deliver to client service standards.
• Strong communication, consultation, liaison and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships and provide procurement advice to clients, stakeholders, staff and management.
• Experience using software such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases and financial systems, ideally in a purchasing environment.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-moving, changing and challenging environment, showing initiative and a positive attitude.

Application requirements

Applicants are asked to submit a detailed resume, a cover letter addressing the selection criteria listed above, and the contact details of two referees, including one current supervisor. The cover letter should be no more than two pages in total.

Additional information

Job reference number: TQ2026-572.

Closing date: 11:59pm, Thursday 2 July 2026.

For further information, contact Lee Johnson, Purchasing Team Leader, at Lee.Johnson@tafeqld.edu.au.

Occupational group: Procurement.

The role is a temporary full-time position with a possible extension, unless otherwise determined.

The position is based primarily at Ashmore, with possible work at other campuses.