• Employment Type: Full time, continuing role.
• Remuneration: Professional Staff Level 9: From $148,012 + 17% superannuation
• Location: Kensington, NSW (Hybrid working model)

About UNSW

At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work.  We aspire to be Australia’s global university, improving and transforming lives through excellence in research, outstanding education and a commitment to advancing a just society. 

About the Role

The Commercial Partnerships Manager is responsible for advancing UNSW’s Lifelong Learning portfolio through the development and management of strategic relationships with external organisations, both locally and internationally. The role oversees the entire lifecycle of commercial partnerships—from initial engagement and contract negotiation to ongoing supplier performance and service delivery—ensuring all arrangements align with UNSW’s strategic objectives and comply with university policies.

Working closely with UNSW Procurement, the Manager leads the creation of effective engagement frameworks using the University’s seven-step procurement methodology, while designing procedures that support budget control, risk management, and policy adherence.

Reporting to the Head of Strategic Projects – AGSM, this position plays a key role in maintaining high-quality standards and ensuring the commercial success and sustainability of UNSW’s partnerships within the Lifelong Learning space.

The successful applicant will possess and have experience in:

• Oversee sourcing, evaluation and creation of a strategic portfolio of resources, both internal to UNSW and from external third-party suppliers – to support the development, deployment, and ongoing management of new and existing LLL products.
• Lead and execute go-to-market activities, providing strategic recommendations to Faculty Executive Directors regarding direction and resource options.
• Lead contract negotiation with third-party suppliers. Develop negotiation strategies, establish clear performance indicators and conduct quarterly KPI reviews to enhance value and ensure compliance with contractual obligations.
• Identify and implement digital solutions and digital transformation, providing guidance and best practices throughout the project lifecycle.
• Analyse current market opportunities relevant to LLL projects to ensure optimal project outcomes.
• Oversee and finalise effective communications with key stakeholders, both internal and external and provide influential input with stakeholders to achieve project outcomes.
• When appropriate, lead and execute go-to-market activities, providing strategic recommendations to Executive Directors regarding direction and resource options.
• Proactively lead and manage adherence to UNSW governance pathways to ensure projects are managed within a defined, consistent and proven set of rules for project development and implementation.

About You

• Relevant tertiary qualification with subsequent relevant experience or equivalent competence gained through any combination of education, training and experience.
• Extensive experience in developing and managing strategic partnerships, preferably within education, government, or corporate sectors.
• Significant experience and knowledge in post-experience education markets (e.g., executive education, professional development).
• Extensive knowledge of international education partnerships and global supplier networks.
• Experienced in supplier and talent research, including evaluation against strategic and operational criteria.
• Excellent consultation, influencing and negotiation skills and proven ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders to achieve successful outcomes.
• Sound understanding of procurement and HR policies, including legal compliance and risk assessment.
• Proficient in CRM platforms, contract management tools, and digital collaboration technologies.
• Demonstrated strong analytical and problem-solving skills and proven capacity to exercise initiative, flexibility and to be proactive in development of robust solutions to problems.

For further information on the role & responsibilities, please refer to the Position Description

How to Apply: Submit your CV, Cover Letter and 2-question responses in the application form detailing your interest and suitability for the job (as per the skills & experience bullet points in the job description) before Sunday 26 October by 11:55pm.

Please note: Sponsorship is not available for this role, valid Australian working rights are required on application.

UNSW Benefits and Culture: People are at the core of everything we do. We recognise it is the contributions of our staff who make UNSW one of the best universities in Australia and the world. Our benefits include: 

• Flexible Working Options (work from home, flexible hours etc) 
• Additional 3 days leave during December festive period.
• Career development opportunities 
• Up to 50% discount on UNSW courses
• Flexible 17% Superannuation contributions, additional leave-loading payments and salary sacrifice.
• Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness passport)

Job queries contact: Tai James, Talent Acquisition Consultant

E: tai.james@unsw.edu.au  (applications to the address cannot be accepted, please apply online)

UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.