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 Category Manager to lead the development and execution of category strategies, strategic sourcing initiatives and procurement plans that maximise value and support sustainability. You will provide expert commercial advice on procurement, contract negotiation, supplier performance and risk management while partnering with stakeholders across the University.

You will also lead a high-performing procurement team to drive continuous improvement and

Qualifications

• Postgraduate qualification or MCIPS accreditation or equivalent procurement/ commercial expertise.
• Experience in category management, strategic sourcing, contract management and supplier relationship management across diverse spend areas.
• Proven leadership to manage teams, resources and projects in a complex environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of category management strategies and procurement plans to maximise value and resilience.
• Provide expert commercial advice on procurement, contract negotiation, supplier performance, risk management and value optimisation.
• Lead and develop a high-performing procurement team, driving continuous improvement and compliance.

Skills

Category management

Strategic sourcing

Contract management

Supplier relationship management

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical capability

Education

MCIPS accreditation

Job description

• 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.

Position description: Category Manager - 524295.pdf

Closing date

Closing date: 11:55 PM AWST on Wednesday, 04 November 2026. The University reserves the right to interview and appoint a suitably qualified candidate prior to the closing date.

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.