Purchasing Officer

• $83,000 - $88,000 Base Salary + Super + Generous Salary Packaging Options

• Full time position

• 1 Year Fixed Term Contract

• Melbourne based

About the Baker Institute

Imagine being part of a healthcare transformation where each breakthrough brings us closer to cures and life-changing discoveries. At the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, we are not just conducting research, we are changing lives.

By working towards cures for heart disease and diabetes, we are tackling Australia’s biggest killers head on. Our relentless pursuit to reverse the life-threatening impacts of associated conditions reflects our commitment to combat these fast-growing diseases.

We are at the heart of some of the world’s greatest scientific breakthroughs. Through our research, we are empowering individuals with the knowledge and tools to adopt healthier lifestyles, ensuring they live longer and more fulfilling lives.

Join us at the Baker Heart & Diabetes Institute. Every step we take brings us closer to a healthier future. By working together, we can make a real difference in the lives of those affected by heart cardiovascular disease and diabetes. 

The Opportunity

This is a fantastic opportunity to join the Institute in a broad, functional procurement support role, providing end-to-end purchasing support across research and operational teams. 

This role supports an Institute-wide purchasing optimisation project, improving how procurement is managed, controlled, and optimised.  You’ll move beyond transactional purchasing, helping ensure procurement processes are efficient, compliant, and fit for purpose.

How this role makes a difference

In this role, you’ll directly support researchers and stakeholders in accessing the supplies, equipment, and services they need to deliver critical scientific outcomes.

Your work will enable smoother procurement processes, stronger supplier relationships, and better decision-making — ultimately helping accelerate research that improves lives.

How you’ll make an impact

• Support the full procurement lifecycle including sourcing, purchasing, and delivery of goods and services 

• Track purchase orders through to delivery, resolving issues and ensuring timely fulfilment

• Review purchase orders for compliance with policies and financial delegations

• Source research-related consumables, equipment, and operational supplies

• Provide advice and guidance to staff on procurement processes and best practice

• Deliver procurement training to build capability and improve consistency

• Prepare supplier comparisons, cost analysis, and procurement insights to support decision-making

• Maintain accurate supplier and procurement records within systems

• Support supplier onboarding, engagement, and performance evaluation

• Contribute to process improvements, system enhancements, and automation initiatives

• Assist with procurement reporting, budgeting support, and expenditure monitoring

What will you bring?

• Experience in procurement, purchasing, or a related operational support role

• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities

• Experience working with procurement or finance systems (e.g. TechnologyOne or similar)

• Analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and support decision-making

• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills

• Ability to provide guidance and training to non-procurement staff

• A proactive mindset with a focus on continuous improvement

So, why join us?

You can enjoy a challenging career in the exciting international research sector where you can explore your potential and make a real difference.

The Baker Institute offers flexibility for work-life balance, generous salary packaging, an employee assistance program, social activities, learning and development opportunities. We also offer modern offices and laboratories in the Alfred Research Alliance precinct with an on-site gym and café, located opposite beautiful Fawkner Park; and walking distance to Chapel Street and St Kilda Road.

Remuneration will be commensurate with the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience. 

We’d love to hear from you

If you have previous experience in Purchasing or Procurement with a proactive and  solutions-focussed approach, and the ability to contribute positively in an team environment we’d love to hear from you.

We’re reviewing applications as they are received, so if this sounds like the position for you, you have the skills and knowledge we’re looking for, an appetite to learn, and want to join an organisation where you can make a positive difference please apply without delay. For a position description or further information, please visit baker.edu.au/career

To be eligible to apply for this position, you must have appropriate Australian working rights.

Please note offers of employment are subject to satisfactory background checks and the successful candidate will be required to undertake a police check and Working with Children Check prior to commencement in the position.

The Baker Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse, gender equitable workforce, where everyone is welcome, and all applications are evaluated on merit and potential. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, people living with disabilities, culturally diverse people, those at any stage in life, and people within LGBTQ+ communities, including trans and gender diverse. We promote family friendly practices. We’re a proud recipient of an inaugural Athena SWAN Bronze Award from Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE).

Should you have any questions or need more information, please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly People Experience team.

Contact Details

People Experience Team
Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute
***********@baker.edu.au