Category Manager

Lactalis-Mainland Dairy; City of Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration

Global organisation

Strategic procurement exposure

Collaborative team environment

Hybrid work model

On-site parking

Quality and sustainability

Job summary

Lactalis Australia, part of the global Lactalis Group, is seeking a Category Manager - Co-Manufacturing to lead the development and execution of the co-manufacturing strategy across Lactalis Australia and Lactalis-Mainland Dairy Australia.

You will manage key supplier relationships, drive cost savings, and lead commercial negotiations while partnering with R&D, Sales, Operations and Finance to optimise supply partnerships and deliver commercial outcomes.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in Business, Commerce, Procurement, Supply Chain or related discipline.
• Demonstrated 5+ years in procurement or category management.
• Experience managing external suppliers, co-manufacturers or strategic partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver the co-manufacturing category strategy.
• Manage supplier relationships, performance and governance.
• Lead commercial negotiations and contract management activities.
• Drive cost savings and value creation initiatives.
• Identify insourcing and supply optimisation opportunities.
• Support new product introductions and strategic business projects.
• Partner with stakeholders to ensure supply continuity and business performance.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Stakeholder management

Supplier relationships

Commercial mindset

FMCG experience

Education

Tertiary qualifications in Business/Commerce/Procurement/Supply Chain

Job description

Lactalis is a French family-owned business founded in Laval in 1933. Today, it is the world’s leading dairy group, present in 50 countries employing around 85,500 people. It is home to some of the world’s best known global and international dairy brands, including Président, Galbani and Parmalat, and local brands including Pauls, OAK, and Cracker Barrel in Australia.

Lactalis-Mainland Dairy Australia operate 8 manufacturing sites producing well-loved brands including Perfect Italiano, Mainland, and Western Star.

Our passionate and talented team is committed to nurturing the future, unlocking new opportunities, and fostering innovation in nutrition and food.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Regional Procurement Manager, the Category Manager - Co-Manufacturing is responsible for developing and executing the co-manufacturing category strategy across Lactalis Australia and Lactalis-Mainland Dairy Australia. You will manage key supplier relationships, drive cost and value initiatives, lead commercial negotiations, and ensure strong supplier performance and governance.

Working closely with stakeholders across the R&D, Sales, Marketing, Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, Finance and Commercial teams, you'll play a key role in supporting business growth, optimising supply partnerships and delivering commercial outcomes.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and delivering the co-manufacturing category strategy
• Managing supplier relationships, performance and governance
• Leading commercial negotiations and contract management activities
• Driving cost savings and value creation initiativesIdentifying insourcing and supply optimisation opportunities
• Supporting new product introductions and strategic business projects
• Partnering with stakeholders to ensure supply continuity and business performance

This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially astute procurement professional who enjoys balancing strategic thinking with hands-on delivery and stakeholder engagement!

About You

You are a commercially minded procurement professional with strong negotiation skills and experience managing supplier partnerships within a complex FMCG or manufacturing environment. You build trusted relationships, influence stakeholders effectively and are passionate about delivering business value.

To be successful in this role, you'll bring:

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Business, Commerce, Procurement, Supply Chain or a related discipline
• 5+ years' procurement or category management experience
• Experience managing external suppliers, co-manufacturers or strategic partnerships
• Strong commercial, negotiation and contract management skills
• Proven ability to deliver cost savings and category strategies
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication capabilities
• FMCG, food, dairy or manufacturing experience highly regarded

What We Offer

• Competitive remuneration and benefits
• Career development and internal opportunities across a global organisation
• Exposure to strategic procurement initiatives and senior business stakeholders
• A collaborative and supportive team environment where your contributions make a genuine impact
• Opportunities to influence supplier strategy and drive business value across a leading FMCG organisation
• Flexible work arrangements and hybrid working opportunities
• A strong commitment to quality, innovation and sustainability

Based at our Richmond head office, this role offers free on-site parking, a hybrid working model and work-from-home flexibility, providing a balance of in-office collaboration and remote working.

Please note that applicants must have full working rights for Australia to be considered.