Category Specialist

Austal-7; Cockburn; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Austal Defence Australia (ADA) is seeking a Category Specialist to lead supply chain activities across designated procurement categories, delivering value for money and compliant supplier engagement. You will be the category SME, driving supplier strategies, market monitoring, and fit-for-purpose contracts while working with key internal stakeholders.

With 10+ years in procurement and strong negotiation and ERP capabilities, you’ll influence outcomes, build durable supplier relationships, and

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in Procurement, Supply Chain, Contract Law or a related field.
• Strong ability to analyse procurement data and build effective supplier strategies.
• Excellent influencing, negotiation and stakeholder relationship skills.
• Confident working within an ERP environment and using procurement system functions.
• 10+ years’ experience in Supply Chain or Procurement (desirable).
• CIPS qualifications in category management (desirable).
• Experience in Defence, Maritime or Shipbuilding environments (desirable).
• Eligibility for a Defence Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Build strong supplier relationships and stay across market conditions impacting your categories.
• Continuously review suppliers and identify new opportunities to strengthen the supply base.
• Work with internal stakeholders to understand business needs and improve procurement practices.
• Act as the key commercial contact, managing supplier engagement and contract discussions.
• Develop Category Management Plans that ensure continuity of supply and deliver value for money.
• Establish fit for purpose commercial contracts based on business needs and supply chain risk.
• Monitor supplier performance and maintain robust supplier registers to support future demand.

Skills

Supplier relationships

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

ERP procurement

Data analysis

Education

Procurement, Supply Chain, Contract Law (tertiary)

CIPS category mgmt (desirable)

Job description

As the Category Specialist for Austal Defence Australia (ADA), you’ll be responsible for managing supply chain activities across designated categories to ensure service requirements are met and value for money is delivered. You’ll act as the category subject matter expert, building strong supplier relationships, monitoring market conditions, leading commercial discussions, developing category plans, negotiating fit for purpose contracts, and supporting compliance with procurement frameworks to strengthen supplier performance and business outcomes.

About Austal

Austal isAustralia’s global shipbuilder, Defence prime contractor; and maritime technology partner of choice. We design, construct, and support defence and commercial vessels for the world’s leading operators with operations spanning Australia, the USA, Philippines, and Vietnam.

Under the Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement, Austal is leading a new era of continuous naval shipbuilding in Western Australia. We’re driving innovation, supporting sovereign capability, and creating long term opportunities for Australian industry and workers.

This is your opportunity to contribute to projects of national significance. The maritime is now.

What’s Involved

• Build strong supplier relationships and stay across market conditions impacting your categories.
• Continuously review suppliers and identify new opportunities to strengthen the supply base.
• Work with internal stakeholders to understand business needs and improve procurement practices.
• Act as the key commercial contact, managing supplier engagement and contract discussions.
• Develop Category Management Plans that ensure continuity of supply and deliver value for money.
• Establish fit for purpose commercial contracts based on business needs and supply chain risk.
• Monitor supplier performance and maintain robust supplier registers to support future demand.

You’ll Need

• Tertiary qualifications in Procurement, Supply Chain, Contract Law or a related field.
• Strong ability to analyse procurement data and build effective supplier strategies.
• Excellent influencing, negotiation and stakeholder relationship skills.
• Confident working within an ERP environment and using procurement system functions.
• 10+ years’ experience in Supply Chain or Procurement (desirable).
• CIPS qualifications in category management (desirable).
• Experience in Defence, Maritime or Shipbuilding environments (desirable).
• Eligibility for a Defence Security Clearance

Why Join Us?

• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• A supportive and dynamic work environment.
• Opportunities for career advancement within our growing organisation.

At Austal we are committed to providing a safe and inclusive work environment for all. We believe that achieving greater diversity will enhance our operations and as such we actively encourage Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders, people of all backgrounds, ages, sexual orientation, and those with Disability to apply. Veterans are also encouraged to apply.