Position overview

The Assistant Director, Supply Chain (SOGC) is a critical role within our organisation that reports to the Director, Supply Chain under the Senior Director (Infrastructure Manager/Specialist 3), who leads the Procurement and Supply Branch within Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Division.

The role has responsibility for the delivery of supply chain services for CHS including project management, governance, compliance, reporting and analysis.

As part of the Procurement & Supply Branch senior officers’ team, the role will ensure that:

• Supply Chain activities are consistently managed across the organisation.
• Compliance with all relevant legislation is achieved.
• Staff coordination and maintaining a high performing team are achieved whilst always adhering to safe work practices.
• Best practice supply chain processes are implemented.
• Value for money is achieved for CHS.

We are seeking a supply chain specialist with a strong customer centric approach to their practice. You will be familiar with supply chain and ERP principles and enjoy working in partnership with others. You will provide specialist advice and support to stakeholders to facilitate the successful delivery of procurement activities, in accordance with CHS procurement processes. The Assistant Director of Supply Chain will have a high degree of emotional intelligence, being able to adjust communication styles for different audiences.

In addition, we are looking to develop skills across a range of general areas, such as strategic and analytical thinking, leadership and staff development, project management, communication, negotiation, written and representation skills. We are continually updating and improving our systems, knowledge and processes, and want staff who can adapt and lead others in a dynamic environment.

You will be self-motivated, responsive and show initiative, and have sound judgement, professional resilience and personal drive. You can think on your feet and work effectively under pressure and within time deadlines to deliver high-quality advice and outcomes that align with strategic goals.

Key Responsibilities

Under limited direction of the Director, Supply Chain this position provides leadership and direction, and is responsible for the delivery of services and co-ordination of day-to-day activities. You will:

1. Develop a high performing operational team:
   • Foster a positive and supportive work culture.
   • Display and uphold CHS core values.
   • Recognise staff potential.
   • Provide clear operational and behavioural expectations.
   • Establish and maintain effective staff development (SED) plans.
   • Ensure adherence with legislation, policies and practices, whilst providing equal opportunity and a safe work environment.
2. Deliver Operational efficiency, quality assurance and compliance:
   • Authorise and support continuous improvement initiatives utilising best practice principles (e.g. 5S / Standard 3 / Training & Compliance).
   • Promote continuous improvement in Work Health and Safety.
   • Approve work instructions, policies and procedures.
   • Develop recommendations for strategic and workplace changes that support continuous operational improvements.
   • Audit activities within the scope of your accountability.
3. Work collaboratively with peers to achieve the key deliverables to ensure we are meeting the Divisional and Branch operational and strategic objectives.
4. Provide budget input, construct high level reports, policies, procedures, briefs, plans, presentations, and submissions as required including change management plans and strategies for implementation.
5. Represent Supply Chain and Canberra Health Services in appropriate forums, utilising solution focused recommendations, mediation, and negotiation skills.
6. Undertake other duties appropriate to this level of classification which contribute to the operation of the organisation.

Competencies

Specific competencies include but are not limited to the following:

• Build and lead a high‑performing operational team, set clear expectations, coach through SED plans, and uphold CHS values while ensuring a safe, equitable workplace.
• Plan, govern and deliver end‑to‑end supply chain services/projects across hospital and distribution centre contexts, ensuring consistency, best practice and value for money.
• Drive operational excellence and continuous improvement using structured methods (e.g., 5S/Standard 3), strengthen WHS practices, and authorise/maintain policies, procedures and work instructions.
• Analyse data to generate actionable insights for decisions (e.g., rosters, performance, risk) and produce high‑quality reports, dashboards and briefings.
• Engage, influence and negotiate with diverse stakeholders; represent Supply Chain/CHS in internal and external forums with solution‑focused mediation.
• Maintain governance, compliance and risk management aligned to applicable legislations, CHS frameworks (Exceptional Care, Clinical Governance, Partnering with Consumers) and audit requirements.
• Demonstrate proficiency with ERP/supply chain systems and the Digital Health Record; apply advanced Microsoft Office skills (especially Excel) for operational analysis and reporting.
• Formulate strategic recommendations and lead change implementation to meet branch/divisional objectives in a dynamic environment, showing resilience, initiative and personal drive.

Qualifications

Essential

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including strong skills in Word and Excel.
• Current Class C driver’s licence.

Desirable

• Advanced Spreadsheet, Report writing and HR skills.
• Extensive experience with data analysis and ERP systems.

Experience

Essential

• Five years’ experience working professionally in private or public sector leading a high performing team in a demanding client environment.

Desirable

• Supply Chain Management or Procurement experience.
• Have an understanding of how the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) indicators align with this role.

Prior to commencement

Appointment to this position is conditional on being granted and retaining appropriate clearances:

• Undergo a pre-employment National Police Check.

Important information

All employees are required to:

• Adhere to the Canberra Health Services Values and the ACT Public Service Code of Conduct.
• Act in accordance and comply with all relevant Safety and Quality policies and procedures.
• Be available for occasional weekend and after-hours work, with access to flex time.

CHS is leading the drive to digitally transform health service delivery in Australia through the implementation of a territory wide Digital Health Record. Computer literacy skills are required which are relevant to this role as you will be responsible for completing required documentation and becoming a proficient user of the Digital Health Record and/or other Information Technology systems; once proficient, you will need to remain current with changes, updates, and contingencies.

What you Require (Key Selection Criteria)

These are the key selection criteria for how you will be assessed in conjunction with your resumé and experience.

1. Demonstrated high level leadership and supervisory skills to successfully deliver end to end supply chain projects whilst managing staff performance and development.
2. Ability to analyse data from various sources to develop meaningful information that facilitates sound business decisions, including staff roster development and maintenance.
3. Demonstrated high level organisational, oral and written communication skills, with a proven ability to develop and review documentation, prioritise competing demands to meet tight deadlines in a team environment.
4. Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including the ability to handle sensitive issues, influence positive outcomes and consult effectively.
5. Demonstrates understanding of, and adherence to, safety and quality standards, Work Health and Safety and the positive patient experience. Displays behaviour consistent with CHS’s values of reliable, progressive, respectful, and kind.

Work environment description

The following work environment description outlines the inherent requirements of the role and indicates how frequently each of these requirements would need to be performed. Please note that the ACT Public Service is committed to providing reasonable adjustments and ensuring all individuals have equal opportunities in the workplace.