Category Manager

Downer; Ryde; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Zero Harm culture

Flexible work arrangements

ASX multi-disciplinary organisation

Job summary

Downer Rail is seeking a commercially driven Category Manager to lead strategic sourcing, supplier relationships, contract performance, and category strategy across the Rail & Transit Systems business. The role is based at our North Ryde office in Sydney, Australia.

You will develop and execute category strategies, drive supplier performance, and partner with stakeholders to deliver value and reduce cost, while maintaining governance and safety standards across procurement activities.

Qualifications

• Experience in category management, procurement, commercial, or contract management roles.
• Strong negotiation, stakeholder engagement, and relationship management skills.
• Proven ability to deliver commercial outcomes and manage supplier performance.
• Analytical mindset with experience using spend and market data to develop strategies.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Lead sourcing activities, commercial negotiations, and contract management.
• Build and manage strategic supplier relationships and performance.
• Identify cost reduction, cost avoidance, and value creation opportunities.
• Analyse spend data and market trends to drive informed decisions.
• Partner with stakeholders across Operations, Engineering, Projects, Commercial, and Finance.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies and governance requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across procurement and supply chain activities.

Skills

Category management

Negotiation

Stakeholder engagement

Supplier relationship management

Spend data analysis

Education

Tertiary qualification in Business/Commerce/Engineering/Supply Chain

Job description

Great opportunity to lead strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, contract performance, and category strategy across the Rail & Transit Systems business.

Downer Rail is a leading provider of rollingstock asset management services in Australia; we have a deep history within the rail industry and has world class leading expertise in house that deliver whole-of-life asset management support to our customers. Our capability allows us to offer turnkey solutions for complex projects and spans every project phase, from design and manufacture to through-life-support, condition monitoring and data analytics, to fleet maintenance, operations, and comprehensive overhaul of assets.

We are seeking a commercially driven Category Manager to lead strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, contract performance, and category strategy across the Rail & Transit Systems business. The role is responsible for delivering value, managing risk, driving supplier performance, and supporting operational and project outcomes through effective procurement leadership.

This role will be based at our North Ryde office.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies aligned with business objectives.
  
• Lead sourcing activities, commercial negotiations, and contract management.
  
• Build and manage strategic supplier relationships and performance.
  
• Identify cost reduction, cost avoidance, and value creation opportunities.
  
• Analyse spend data and market trends to drive informed decisions.
  
• Partner with stakeholders across Operations, Engineering, Projects, Commercial, and Finance.
  
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies and governance requirements.
  
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across procurement and supply chain activities.
  

Key Skills & Experience:

• Experience in category management, procurement, commercial, or contract management roles.
  
• Strong negotiation, stakeholder engagement, and relationship management skills.
  
• Proven ability to deliver commercial outcomes and manage supplier performance.
  
• Analytical mindset with experience using spend and market data to develop strategies.
  
• Tertiary qualification in Business, Commerce, Engineering, Supply Chain, or a related discipline preferred.
  

What We Offer:

• A workplace focused on Zero Harm; safety is at the core of everything we do
  
• Flexible working arrangements to encourage work/life balance
  
• Work for a leading ASX multi-disciplinary organisation
  

Employment with Downer is subject to a Pre-Employment Medical, and on-going drug and alcohol screening.

Downer does not accept any unsolicited resume referrals from Recruitment Agencies.

Notwithstanding the location of this position, all qualified Australian citizens and permanent residents from all locations are encouraged to apply.

Downer Group is an employer that acknowledges and embraces the importance of our people's diverse experiences, talents, and cultures. As an inclusive employer, we welcome applications from everyone.