Strategic Category Manager – Defence & Shipbuilding

Austal; Western Australia; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Professional development

Career advancement opportunities

Supportive dynamic work environment

Job summary

Austal Defence Australia (ADA) seeks a Category Specialist to manage supply chain activities across designated categories. You will lead commercial discussions, develop category plans, negotiate contracts, and ensure compliance with procurement frameworks to strengthen supplier performance and value for money.

Join Austal, Australia’s global shipbuilder and defence prime contractor, and contribute to strategic naval shipbuilding in Western Australia with opportunities for professional growth 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.
• Eligibility for a Defence Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Build strong supplier relationships and monitor market conditions impacting categories.
• Review suppliers and identify opportunities to strengthen supply base.
• Collaborate 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 to ensure continuity of supply and value for money.
• Establish fit for purpose commercial contracts based on business needs and supply chain risk.

Skills

Procurement data analysis

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

ERP system experience

Education

Tertiary qualifications in Procurement/Supply Chain/Contract Law

CIPS in category management (desirable)

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Austal Defence Australia (ADA) seeks a Category Specialist to manage supply chain activities across designated categories. You will lead commercial discussions, develop category plans, negotiate contracts, and ensure compliance with procurement frameworks to strengthen supplier performance and value for money.

Join Austal, Australia’s global shipbuilder and defence prime contractor, and contribute to strategic naval shipbuilding in Western Australia with opportunities for professional growth and