Senior Category Specialist - Technology

Fortescue Metals Group; Western Australia; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Fortescue Metals Group is seeking a Senior Category Specialist to lead technology and AI sourcing from market analysis through contract award. You will partner with technology leaders, legal, cyber security and risk to shape value-driven procurement aligned with Fortescue’s operations.

You’ll develop category strategies, manage complex negotiations and drive cost efficiency while ensuring compliance and supplier performance in a dynamic mining-tech environment. Perth-based, Monday–Friday roster.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in strategic sourcing or contract management for technology products or services.
• Experience with software licensing, SaaS, cloud or technology services models; AI procurement is a plus.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, analytical and communication skills.
• Qualification in supply chain, procurement, business, commerce or IT desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain category strategies and sourcing pipelines for technology and AI spend.
• Lead end-to-end sourcing activities: market engagement, RFx design, evaluation and negotiation.
• Shape commercial arrangements for software, cloud, data, AI platforms and related services.
• Assess total cost of ownership, licensing terms and renewal exposure; optimize value.
• Negotiate terms covering price, SLAs, IP, data use, and exit rights; manage supplier performance.
• Collaborate with cyber security, legal, risk and responsible AI stakeholders on appropriate controls.
• Define requirements with technical teams and select solutions meeting service needs.
• Track milestones, savings and risks; maintain procurement records and templates.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Negotiation

Analytical thinking

Supply chain fundamentals

Education

Degree in supply chain/procurement/business/IT

Tools

Excel

Power BI

Job description

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Work location: Fortescue’s Perth office is located on the traditional lands of the Whadjuk people.

Roster: Monday to Friday

Join Fortescue’s Contracts & Procurement team and help shape how Fortescue sources technology and artificial intelligence (AI). As a Senior Category Specialist within Technology & AI, you will develop and deliver category strategies and sourcing initiatives across technology products and services, supporting secure, commercially sound and fit-for-purpose outcomes for the business.

Working with Technology leaders, business stakeholders, legal, cyber security, risk and suppliers, you will lead complex sourcing activity from market analysis and requirements development through evaluation, negotiation, contract award and ongoing supplier performance. You will bring strong commercial judgement and a practical understanding of technology and AI markets, including software, cloud, data, digital platforms and technology services.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain category strategies, market plans and sourcing pipelines for technology and AI spend, aligned with business priorities and Fortescue’s procurement requirements.


• Lead end-to-end sourcing activities, including market engagement, RFx design, evaluation, negotiations, recommendations and contract award.


• Shape commercial arrangements for technology products and services, including software and SaaS subscriptions, cloud consumption, data and AI platforms, implementation services and support.


• Assess pricing models, licensing terms, total cost of ownership, commercial flexibility and renewal exposure; identify opportunities to improve value and reduce cost.


• Develop negotiation strategies and lead supplier negotiations covering price, service levels, warranties, liability, intellectual property, data use, renewal and exit rights.


• Work with technical and business stakeholders to define requirements, evaluate options and select solutions that meet operational, architectural and service needs.


• Partner with cyber security, privacy, legal, risk and responsible AI stakeholders to assess supplier, data, AI, intellectual property, resilience and regulatory risks and agree appropriate controls.


• Manage supplier relationships and performance, including commercial reviews, service outcomes, risk actions, contract changes and continuous improvement.


• Monitor technology and AI market developments, supplier capability and commercial trends to inform sourcing decisions and category plans.


• Track sourcing milestones, savings, benefits, commitments and risks, and provide clear analysis and updates to stakeholders and leaders.


• Maintain accurate procurement records and contribute to fit-for-purpose sourcing tools, templates, policies and procedures.

Qualifications and Experience

• 5+ years demonstrated experience in strategic sourcing, category management and contract management for technology products or services; Within Energy/ Mining or Technology, advantageous.


• Experience leading complex technology sourcing and negotiations, with a sound understanding of software licensing, SaaS, cloud or technology services commercial models. AI commercial models and terms experience, advantageous.


• Experience developing category strategies, market analysis, sourcing plans and commercial recommendations using spend, pricing and supplier data.


• Ability to assess total cost of ownership, pricing structures, contract terms, supplier performance and value realisation.


• Understanding of technology supplier risks, including cyber security, privacy, data handling, intellectual property, service resilience and supplier dependency.


• Experience with AI, data or emerging technology procurement is desirable, including awareness of issues such as data rights, model use, transparency and responsible AI governance.


• Strong stakeholder engagement, communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to work effectively with technical and non-technical teams.


• Confident analytical and documentation skills, including experience with Excel and Power BI.


• A qualification in supply chain, procurement, business, commerce, information technology or a related discipline is desirable.


• A commitment to Fortescue’s vision and values.

About Us

Be part of something big. Fortescue is leading the world with our plan to decarbonise our iron ore operations, projects that harness renewable energy and the development of technology that will change our planet forever.

Our Commitment

Fortescue celebrates individual strengths and team members are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work. Our global workforce drives and promotes an inclusive culture, both within our organisation and throughout the communities we interact with. Diverse backgrounds include First Nations Peoples, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ community, gender, neurodiverse, cultural diversity, all age groups, and those with an intersectional or multiple diverse characteristics.We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

Fortescue reserves the right to close applications early should a suitable pool of candidates be identified.Fortescue will never contact you to ask for payment of any kind, whether directly or through a third party.