Finance Office
Assistant Director of Finance (Purchasing Section)
(Ref. 260127004)
The Finance Office is looking for a seasoned purchasing professional at the position of Assistant Director of Finance to join its Purchasing Section. The appointee will assist in overseeing the procurement functions for the University and its subsidiaries, covering sourcing, purchasing and tendering, insurance management, inventory management and non-catering facilities management. The appointee will have to supervise a team of about 25 to 30 professional/supporting staff.
More information of the Finance Office is available on the website at http://www.polyu.edu.hk/fo/.
Duties
Reporting to the Head of the Purchasing Section, the appointee will be required to:
(a) oversee daily operations of the Purchasing team, including workload coordination and resource allocation to ensure smooth and efficient functioning;
(b) conduct regular reviews to ensure full compliance with established University’s policies, procurement regulations and relevant legislation; proactively recommend and implement measures to enhance operational efficiency and streamline work processes;
(c) supervise and develop the Purchasing team, resolve day-to-day operational issues and foster a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth;
(d) implement, review and refine purchasing policies, procedures, guidelines and workflows for the procurement of equipment and general purchases for the University, its subsidiaries and affiliates, including but not limited to:
- scientific equipment, machinery and materials for teaching and research purposes;
- IT hardware/software/systems, audio/visual equipment, furniture, stationeries and materials for classrooms, laboratories and offices; and
- insurance policies and other professional services;
(e) serve as deputy secretary and provide key administration support to the Equipment and General Purchases Tender Committee;
(f) generate reports and analyse purchasing data to support decision-making and strategic planning of the management;
(g) lead digital transformation initiatives, including the adoption of new technologies and the delivery of user training to enhance efficiency and service quality;
(h) monitor market trends, supplier developments and updates in relevant legislation to ensure the University’s procurement practices remaining current, competitive, and compliant;
(i) ensure that project milestones and deliverables are met, and report progress and critical issues to the Head of Purchasing Section in a timely manner;
(j) act as a back-up to the Head of Purchasing Section as required; and
(k) perform any other duties as assigned by the Director of Finance or his delegates or the Central Management of the University from time to time.
Qualifications
Applicants should:
(a) have a recognised degree in relevant discipline;
(b) have at least eight years of solid and extensive relevant managerial experience in procurement, preferably in public sector or sizable organisations;
(c) have good understanding of procurement in public sector and related business matters;
(d) have proficiency in computer applications, with experience in the use of the Oracle Financials (purchasing module) and e-tendering system being an advantage.
(e) be self-motivated with vision on effective procurement and high ethical standards;
(f) possess strategic outlook and pursue continuous process improvement through application of innovation and technology;
(g) be able to perform tasks of marked complexity, responsibility and great diversity requiring considerable independent analysis and evaluation;
(h) have good interpersonal and leadership ability to work effectively with user units, suppliers, Senior Management of the University as well as other members of the Finance Office;
(i) have business acumen and demonstrated capability in innovation and in particular digital transformation to meet new challenges;
(j) have strong communication, presentation and problem-solving skills; and
(k) have a good command of both written and spoken English and Chinese, preferably with fluency in Putonghua.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to sit for a written test.
Applicants who have responded to the previous advertisement need not re-apply.
Conditions of Service
A highly competitive remuneration package will be offered. Initial appointment will be on a fixed-term gratuity-bearing contract. Re-engagement thereafter is subject to mutual agreement.
Consideration of applications will commence on 17 March 2026 until the position is filled.
Posting date: 10 March 2026