Category Manager

The University of Western Australia; Perth; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 148,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Western Australia is seeking a senior procurement leader to drive category strategies and strategic sourcing on a fixed-term basis. You will lead a high‑performing procurement team, provide expert commercial advice, and partner with stakeholders to maximise value and minimise risk.

Based in Perth, WA, this full-time role offers a challenging environment across diverse spend categories, with a base salary of AUD 139,660–147,783 plus 17% superannuation.

Qualifications

• Postgraduate qualification or MCIPS accreditation or equivalent.
• Extensive experience in category management and strategic sourcing across diverse spend categories.
• Proven leadership experience managing teams, resources and projects in a complex environment.
• Strong commercial, analytical and negotiation skills with a track record delivering value.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and ability to train others in procurement best practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of category management strategies and strategic sourcing initiatives.
• Provide expert commercial advice on procurement, contract negotiation, supplier performance, risk management, and value optimisation.
• Lead and develop a high-performing procurement team and ensure compliance and continuous improvement.

Skills

Category management

Strategic sourcing

Contract management

Supplier relationship management

Procurement

Leadership

Education

Postgraduate qualification

MCIPS accreditation

Job description

About The University of Western Australia

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is one of Australia's leading universities and has an international reputation for excellence in teaching, learning and research.It has almost 24,000 students enrolled across four...

• Lead strategic procurement and category management at one of Australia's leading research-intensive universities.
• Develop and deliver against category strategies that achieve value for money, mitigate supply and commercial risks, and support sustainable procurement outcomes across the University.
• Full-time (1 FTE) appointment on a fixed term basis for 12 months.
• Base salary range: Level 9, $139,660 – $147,783 p.a. plus 17% superannuation.

About the area

Finance supports the University through the delivery of strategic financial advice, governance, procurement, financial performance, compliance, and operational services. The Procurement team partners with stakeholders across the University to deliver value-driven sourcing solutions, optimise expenditure, strengthen supplier relationships, and support the University's strategic objectives.

As part of this function, the Procurement team works with academic and professional areas across the University to ensure best-practice procurement, commercial risk management, sustainable sourcing, and effective contract management.

About the opportunity

• Lead the development and execution of category management strategies, strategic sourcing initiatives, and procurement plans that maximise value, support sustainability objectives, and strengthen supply chain resilience.
• Provide expert commercial advice on procurement, contract negotiation, supplier performance, risk management, contract and supplier management and value optimisation while partnering with stakeholders across the University.
• Lead and develop a high-performing procurement team, driving continuous improvement, capability uplift, compliance, and best-practice procurement outcomes.

About you

• Relevant postgraduate qualification, MCIPS accreditation, or equivalent demonstrated procurement and commercial expertise.
• Extensive experience in category management, strategic sourcing, contract management, supplier relationship management, and procurement across diverse spend categories.
• Proven leadership experience with the ability to manage teams, resources, projects, and organisational priorities in a complex environment.
• Strong commercial and analytical capability, with demonstrated success negotiating complex commercial agreements and delivering measurable value outcomes.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement, communication, presentation, and influencing skills, with the ability to provide trusted advice and procurement training to diverse audiences.

Note: As part of the recruitment process, candidates will be required to complete declarations in accordance with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence. A current National Police Clearance will be required by the successful applicant.

Closing date: 11:55 PM AWST on Monday, 28 September 2026

This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia

About the University

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world and a member of the prestigious Australian Group of Eight research intensive universities. With a strong research track record, vibrant campus and working environments, supported by the freedom to innovate and inspire, there is no better time to join Western Australia’s top university.

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity

UWA is committed to a diverse workforce and an equitable and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering a safe environment for all, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQA+ community, and people living with disability.

If you require any reasonable adjustments, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application. Alternatively, you can contact us for assistance during the recruitment process.