Catergory Manager - Strategic

Torra Staffing And Recruitment; City of Lake Macquarie; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Torra Staffing and Recruitment is seeking a Category Manager to own sourcing across underground mining operations in Lake Macquarie. You will develop category strategies, manage end-to-end sourcing events and negotiate with suppliers to deliver whole-of-life value.

The role reports to commercial leadership and partners with site teams and stakeholders to meet operational needs. A competitive salary package with bonus potential is on offer.

Qualifications

• Experience owning categories and delivering sourcing outcomes in complex operations.
• Underground mining experience preferred; heavy industry also acceptable.
• Strong commercial, numerical and analytical capability.
• Ability to influence operational stakeholders and suppliers.
• Excellent written communication and record management skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop category strategies and sourcing plans.
• Review spend, contracts, renewals, supplier markets, and demand.
• Lead end-to-end sourcing events, including market approach and evaluation.
• Coordinate input from commercial, operations, technical, legal, finance and HSEC.
• Lead supplier engagement and negotiations.
• Assess pricing, supplier capability, contract terms, and risks.
• Prepare business cases with value, options and risk analysis.
• Track savings, cost avoidance and implementation outcomes.
• Support supplier performance reviews and issue resolution.

Skills

Category management

Strategic sourcing

Procurement

Commercial negotiations

Stakeholder engagement

Data-driven decision making

Education

Tertiary qualification

Job description

Torra Staffing and Recruitment – Fassifern NSW

Category Manager | Underground Mining

Lake Macquarie | Strategic sourcing across underground operations

We’re partnering with an established mining business to appoint a Category Manager with strong category ownership and strategic sourcing experience. The role supports underground operations and offers the opportunity to influence commercial outcomes across an allocated portfolio.

Reporting to the General Manager Commercial, you’ll develop category strategies and lead sourcing activity from planning and market engagement through to negotiation, recommendation and implementation. You’ll work closely with the Strategic Sourcing Manager, site teams and functional stakeholders to ensure sourcing decisions meet operational needs and deliver whole-of-life value.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Developing and delivering category strategies and sourcing plans
• Reviewing spend, contracts, renewals, supplier markets and operational demand
• Leading end-to-end sourcing events, including market approach, evaluation and recommendations
• Coordinating commercial, operational, technical, legal, finance and HSEC input
• Leading supplier engagement and negotiations
• Assessing pricing, supplier capability, contract terms, continuity risks and operational impacts
• Preparing business cases and approval documents, with clear analysis of value, options and risks
• Tracking savings, cost avoidance, risk mitigation and implementation outcomes
• Supporting supplier performance reviews and resolving issues with internal teams and suppliers

What We’re Looking For

You’ll bring recent experience owning categories and delivering sourcing or commercial outcomes in a complex operational environment. Underground mining experience would be useful, though experience in heavy industry, energy, manufacturing or a similar asset‑intensive sector could also translate well.

• Experience in category management, strategic sourcing, procurement or commercial roles
• A track record leading sourcing activity and negotiating commercial agreements
• Strong commercial, numerical and analytical capability
• Confidence working with suppliers and influencing operational stakeholders
• Clear written communication and sound record‑management skills
• The ability to manage competing priorities, work independently and escalation when needed
• A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent experience

What’s In It For You

• Own an allocated category portfolio with a direct connection to operational needs
• Influence sourcing strategy and commercial outcomes across underground operations
• Work closely with senior commercial and site stakeholders
• Attractive salary package with potential bonus structure

About the Business

Our client is an established mining business with underground operations in the Lake Macquarie region. Its commercial and strategic sourcing teams work closely with sites and suppliers to support operational requirements and deliver value across the business.

About Torra:

Torra is a recruitment and professional services agency serving clients across heavy industry, logistics, energy, and more. We deliver flexible labour hire, permanent recruitment, and HR consulting solutions.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to creating inclusive workplaces.