Senior Category Manager ICT

iCare NSW; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work-life balance

Gym subsidies

Career development

Employee benefits

Inclusive culture

Job summary

icare is seeking a senior ICT procurement leader to direct end-to-end sourcing and contracting for critical technology and security services in NSW. You will shape category strategies, negotiate high-value contracts, and guide stakeholders through complex procurement decisions that protect essential services.

You will lead four direct reports, develop capability within a high-performing team, and contribute to governance and risk management across procurement activities in a hybrid Sydney CBD

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading ICT procurement activities including technology and security contracts.
• Proven track record managing high-value, high-risk sourcing with multiple stakeholders.
• Strong commercial acumen and ability to negotiate sustainable outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end ICT sourcing and procurement activities from planning to contract award.
• Develop category strategies delivering value for money and risk management.
• Partner with senior stakeholders to translate complex tech requirements into procurement solutions.
• Lead complex commercial negotiations with technology vendors to secure outcomes.
• Manage high-value contracts and supplier relationships across ICT services including cyber security.
• Provide procurement advisory to support informed decision-making and innovative approaches.
• Develop and mentor a procurement team and build capability.
• Strengthen governance, risk management and compliance to improve performance.

Skills

ICT procurement

High-value contracts

Stakeholder management

Team leadership

Education

Tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline

Tools

Contract negotiations

Job description

Lead and direct ICT procurement planning, category plans, development, sourcing, contract and risk management activities across icare

• Deliver and execute on sourcing strategies, and strategic procurement activities
• 12 Month Fixed Term Contract, Sydney CBD location
• Hybrid working environment, competitive remuneration

About the role

The commercial decisions you support help direct resources responsibly and secure services that contribute to better customer and scheme outcomes.

This is an opportunity to lead some of icare's most complex and strategically important ICT procurement activities. You'll work closely with the Head of Strategic Sourcing ICT and shape sourcing strategies, negotiate high-value technology and security contracts, and guide business stakeholders through critical procurement decisions that protect services relied on across NSW. As a senior leader within Procurement, you'll also play a key role in developing capability within a high-performing team, leading four direct reports and helping create the conditions for long-term success.

What you'll be working on

• Lead end-to-end ICT sourcing and procurement activities, from planning and market engagement through to evaluation, negotiation and contract award.
• Develop category strategies that deliver value for money, manage risk and align with business priorities.
• Partner with senior stakeholders to understand complex technology requirements and turn them into effective procurement solutions.
• Lead complex commercial negotiations with technology vendors and service providers to secure strong outcomes for icare.
• Manage high-value contracts and supplier relationships across critical ICT services, including cyber security and technology operations.
• Provide trusted procurement advice that supports informed decision-making and encourages innovative commercial approaches.
• Develop and mentor a team of procurement professionals, building capability and supporting career growth.
• Strengthen procurement governance, risk management and compliance practices to improve procurement performance and outcomes.

What you'll bring

• Significant experience leading complex ICT procurement activities, ideally involving large-scale technology, cyber security or managed service arrangements.
• A track record of managing high-value, high-risk sourcing projects with multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
• Strong commercial acumen and experience negotiating complex contracts that deliver sustainable outcomes.
• The ability to explain procurement strategies, risks and recommendations clearly to senior leaders and business stakeholders.
• Experience leading and developing teams, creating an environment where people can perform at their best.
• Strong judgement when navigating ambiguity, changing priorities and challenging commercial decisions.
• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline or equivalent knowledge gained through practical experience.
• Ability to satisfy pre-employment screening requirements.

What we offer

• Work-life balance: Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Health and wellbeing: Gym subsidies, health checks, and EAP support
• Career development: Learning opportunities to grow your skills and career
• Employee benefits: Extra leave, health insurance discounts, salary packaging and novated leasing
• Inclusive culture: Recognition programs, mental health initiatives and support for hidden disabilities

About icare

icare provides insurance and care to the people, businesses and communities of NSW. Our work supports recovery, independence and safer workplaces. We protect homes, public assets; and essential services, and help manage schemes that need to remain fair, affordable and sustainable for the future. We believe the better we do, the better for NSW.

We are committed to building a safe and inclusive workplace where people feel respected, supported and able to contribute their best. Inclusion is not a standalone initiative; it is part of how we make better decisions, design better services and reflect the communities we serve. We welcome and support people of all abilities and backgrounds to apply.

Please note

You must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, a New Zealand citizen with a current passport, or hold unrestricted working rights to apply. This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks including criminal history checks. For more information about icare visit our website. Please note, icare operates a direct sourcing model, so no agency introductions will be accepted.