Social Procurement Advisor

ABOUT US

At Hickory, we don't believe in standing still, for over three decades we have continually invested in researching and developing systems and products to improve the way we build. Our philosophy is 'Made for Life' - it's a commitment we honour, each day. Everything we do and everything we build is ‘Made for Life.' Whether it's refining our patented, prefabricated building products, developing more efficient and sustainable construction practices, or bringing expertise inhouse to supply critical components, we always believe there is a better way. As a result, Hickory has become one of the most dynamic construction and property companies in Australia.

POSITION OVERVIEW

At Hickory, we're committed to creating meaningful social value alongside delivering outstanding construction projects. As a Social Procurement Advisor you will support projects from tender through to delivery and closeout, providing guidance on social procurement planning, supplier engagement, workforce participation initiatives, compliance reporting and stakeholder collaboration. This role is critical in helping Hickory achieve positive social outcomes whilst maintaining compliance with frameworks such as the Victorian Social Procurement Framework (SPF), Major Projects Skills Guarantee (MPSG), Local Jobs First (LJF), Building Equality Policy (BEP) and Fair Jobs Code. We're looking for someone with experience in social procurement, construction, infrastructure or a related field who can build strong partnerships, drive positive outcomes and contribute to Hickory's ongoing success.

WHAT HICKORY CAN OFFER

• Novated Leases: Take advantage of novated leasing options to maximise your salary and enjoy tax savings on vehicle expenses.
• Family-Friendly Policies: Receive paid parental leave to support your family needs. 
• H-Perks Employee Rewards: Access exclusive discounts, cashback and everyday savings through our internal benefits platform.
• Employee Wellbeing: Access our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for valuable support and resources.
• Premium Wellness & Fitness Amenities: Enjoy access to wellness and fitness facilities, including a yoga studio and gym, to promote a healthy lifestyle.
• Premium End-of-Trip Facilities: Benefit from premium end-of-trip amenities such as lockers, secure bike storage, towel and dry-cleaning service, and top-notch shower and change facilities.
• Modern Office Environment: Immerse yourself in a unique working environment within a state-of-the-art office building.
• Convenient Location: Our Southbank location offers easy access to public transport and is just a short walk away from Anzac Station, Southern Cross Station, Southbank, South Melbourne Market, Albert Park, and more.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support the development and ongoing improvement of Hickory's social procurement strategy and initiatives.
• Prepare project-specific Social Procurement Plans, identifying targets, suppliers, employment pathways and reporting requirements.
• Assist project teams in implementing social procurement commitments throughout the project lifecycle.
• Support the establishment and monitoring of project and business-wide social procurement objectives and targets.

• Work closely with project delivery teams to integrate social procurement requirements into procurement planning, subcontractor engagement and workforce initiatives.
• Attend project meetings and provide updates on social procurement performance, opportunities and risks.
• Monitor subcontractor compliance with social procurement commitments and collect supporting      evidence.
• Coordinate with employment intermediaries and community partners to support Priority Jobseeker and workforce participation initiatives.

• Identify, engage and onboard social benefit suppliers, including First Nations-owned businesses, social enterprises and disability enterprises.
• Maintain and develop Hickory's network and register of verified social benefit suppliers.
• Facilitate supplier engagement activities and industry briefings to connect suppliers with project opportunities.
• Support project teams in creating opportunities for diverse and social benefit suppliers within procurement packages. 

• Track and report on social procurement outcomes, including workforce participation, supplier spend and contractual KPIs.
• Prepare compliance reports and customer submissions in accordance with project requirements.
• Maintain accurate records, audit trails and supporting documentation to substantiate social procurement outcomes.
• Identify risks of non-compliance and work with project teams to implement corrective actions where required. 

• Lead the development of social procurement content for tender submissions, including commitment proposals, methodologies and delivery plans.
• Support bids and estimating teams with social procurement strategies that align with client and government requirements.
• Assist in the preparation of social procurement commitments for government and institutional project opportunities.

• Build internal awareness of social procurement requirements and best practice across project teams.
• Provide guidance on social procurement obligations, reporting requirements and government frameworks.
• Contribute to the development of policies, procedures, templates and reporting tools.
• Monitor industry developments and government policy changes to ensure Hickory remains compliant and competitive. 

TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THE ROLE

• Demonstrated experience in social procurement, community benefit, sustainability or a related role within construction, infrastructure or property.
• Good understanding of the Victorian Social Procurement Framework (SPF), MPSG, Local Jobs First (LJF), Building Equality Policy (BEP) and Fair Jobs Code.
• Experience developing and delivering social procurement strategies and commitments on construction or infrastructure projects.
• Proven ability to engage with social enterprises, First Nations businesses, disability enterprises, employment intermediaries and community partners.
• Strong stakeholder management and relationship building skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing reports, tender submissions and compliance documentation.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities.
• High attention to detail and experience maintaining accurate reporting and compliance records.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word and PowerPoint. 

If this sounds like your next opportunity, we would love to hear from you as soon as possible! Submit your CV today. Due to the volume of applications, only successful applicants will be contacted.

Please note that we are managing this search internally and are not partnering with recruitment agencies for this position. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding