Category Manager - Research

UNSW; Sydney; On-site; AUD 127,000 - 144,000; Full time

Job summary

UNSW seeks a Research and Major Equipment Category Manager to oversee procurement services that enhance operational effectiveness and efficiency. You will lead sourcing, contract management, and strategic planning to support the university's research objectives while fostering strong supplier relationships. Join UNSW to make meaningful contributions within a collaborative and innovative environment.

Benefits

Career development opportunities

17% Superannuation contributions

Additional leave over Christmas period

Discounts and entitlements

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ procurement experience or equivalent.
• Experience in strategic sourcing and category management.
• Strong customer service and influencing skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate procurement of research and major equipment.
• Develop category plans and vendor strategies.
• Guide contract management practices.

Skills

Analytical skills

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Strategic thinking

Education

Degree in Business or Commerce

Job description

• Employment Type: Full-Time (35 hours p/week)
• Duration: Fixed-Term Contract until 5 December 2025
• Remuneration: $127,351 - $143,488 + 17% Super + Leave Loading
• Location: UNSW Kensington Campus (2-3 days per week in the office/5 days per fortnight)

About UNSW:
UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. Yes, we’re a large organisation with a diverse and talented community, a community doing extraordinary things. Together, we are driven to be thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all we do. Taking this combined approach is what makes our work matter. If you want a career where you can thrive, be challenged and do meaningful work, you’re in the right place.

Why Your Role Matters:
Strategic Procurement at UNSW delivers value by providing safe, efficient, and effective procurement services to faculties, businesses, and divisions. This value is achieved through competitive supply markets, capable people, consistent processes, and the use of e-technologies—driving continuous supply chain improvement, enhanced corporate social responsibility, and measurable outcomes for UNSW.

Within this function, the Research and Major Equipment Category Manager plays a key role in managing and coordinating the delivery of high-value research and major equipment products and services. The role is responsible for preparing category plans, leading sourcing activities, managing contracts, and overseeing supplier performance to ensure alignment with UNSW’s research and equipment strategies. This position is part of a high-performing team that closely monitors industry developments and builds strong relationships within the UNSW Research and Major Equipment division to enable continuous improvement and manage legal, commercial, and supply risks effectively.

Responsibilities Include:

• Optimise the supply base by leveraging solutions such as aggregation, bundling, consolidation, rationalisation, or re-engineering for key spend categories.
• In consultation with stakeholders, apply technology research to develop category plans and vendor strategies that improve supplier performance and deliver value for money.
• Provide advice on complex procurement issues, including market approach, sourcing strategy, and negotiations.
• Guide contract management practices, recommending improved tools, templates, and approaches to enhance profitability and compliance.
• Collaborate with and influence stakeholders at all levels, from the Board to Contract Managers.
• Be recognised as a trusted commercial advisor and expert in strategic vendor relationships, identifying value and leveraging IP to meet operational needs.
• Manage competing stakeholder priorities and business improvement initiatives using strategic thinking and influence.
• Drive business change to improve value, efficiency, and productivity by applying appropriate tools, techniques, and technology insights.
• Secure procurement benefits, identify future opportunities, and track pipeline activity.

For more information regarding the responsibilities for this role, please refer to the Position Description at JOBS@UNSW.

Skills and Experience Summary:

• Degree in Business, Commerce, or minimum 5 years’ procurement experience, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Experience in strategic sourcing, category management, and procurement category knowledge.
• Advanced analytical, critical reasoning, and creative thinking skills.
• Strong influencing, communication, negotiation, and customer service skills.
• Clear verbal and written communication, with a motivated and solutions-focused attitude.
• Strong collaboration skills with the ability to manage time, coordinate workflows, and meet deadlines in a team environment.
• Flexible and creative, with a demonstrated ability to adopt new methods and challenge existing processes to meet customer needs.
• Proven ability to engage stakeholders and deliver consistent, high-quality outcomes.
• Strategic and creative thinker focused on maximising organisational value.
• Understanding of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to relevant training.
• Experience working in government, higher education, or managing public expenditure.

Benefits and Culture: People are at the core of everything we do. We recognise it is the contributions of our staff who make UNSW one of the best universities in Australia and the world. Our benefits include:

• Career development opportunities
• 17% Superannuation contributions
• Additional 3 days of leave over Christmas period
• Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness)

How to Apply: Make each day matter with a meaningful career at UNSW. Submit your CV via the application portal before July 16th at 11:30pm.

A copy of the Position Description can be found on JOBS@UNSW.

Applications may be reviewed and progressed as they are received. The advertisement may close early if we receive a high volume of applications, so we encourage you to apply without delay.

Get in Touch: For queries regarding the recruitment process, contact Lucy Gerondis, Talent Acquisition Consultant, UNSW: [e-mail]
Applications sent via email will not be accepted, please apply via the application portal.

UNSW is committed to evolving a culture that embraces equity and supports a diverse and inclusive community where everyone can participate fairly, in a safe and respectful environment. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage applications from people of diverse gender, sexual orientation, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, people with disability and those with caring and family responsibilities. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.