Category Manager

Robert Walters New Zealand; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 130,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency in New Zealand seeks a mid-management professional to take charge of ICT procurement. You will drive procurement activities, lead category strategies, and engage with various stakeholders to ensure optimal supplier performance. This role offers a hybrid work environment and a competitive salary range of $130,000 - $145,000 per annum.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Enhanced parental leave

Wellbeing days

Professional growth opportunities

Qualifications

• Strong experience with ICT or complex spend areas.
• Proven track record in full procurement lifecycle management.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement across multiple functions.

Responsibilities

• Lead category strategies across ICT spend areas.
• Drive procurement activities, including negotiations.
• Act as subject matter expert on market trends.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Supplier performance management

Category strategy development

Negotiation

Market trend analysis

Job description

Overview

You will be at the forefront of developing and implementing commercial solutions that drive value, support digital transformation initiatives, and align with ambitious environmental, social, and governance objectives. Collaborating closely with teams across Digital, Technology, Cybersecurity, Delivery/Projects, and Finance, you will ensure robust contracts, optimise supplier performance, and maintain compliance with all relevant policies and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead category strategies across ICT and related spend areas (hardware, software, digital tools, IT services).
• Drive end-to-end procurement activities—sourcing, supplier negotiations, contracting, and performance management.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across Technology, Digital, Cybersecurity, Delivery/Projects, and Finance to align procurement with business needs.
• Act as the subject matter expert on market trends, vendor ecosystems, and supply chain health.
• Support bid responses with expertise in social procurement, supplier diversity, and modern slavery compliance.
• Identify and manage risks and opportunities to strengthen procurement outcomes.
• Champion ethical, sustainable, and customer-centric procurement practices.
• Contribute to ongoing transformation of systems, structures, and governance.

What you bring

• Strong experience developing and delivering category strategies within ICT or other complex spend areas.
• Proven track record managing full procurement lifecycles—supplier selection, negotiation, contracting, and supplier performance.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills across multiple business functions.
• Knowledge of ICT market trends and supply chain dynamics.
• Experience supporting bids with social procurement and sustainability insights.
• Commercial acumen with a focus on value, compliance, and ESG principles.
• Clear communicator who can work collaboratively to deliver outcomes.
• Be part of a collaborative culture committed to innovation and inclusivity.
• Access professional growth opportunities including training, mentoring, and shareholding.
• Enjoy flexible working arrangements, enhanced parental leave, wellbeing days, and a range of employee benefits.

About the job

Contract Type: Perm

Specialism: Procurement & Supply Chain

Focus: Commercial / Procurement

Industry: Purchasing and Procurement

Salary: $130,000 - $145,000 per annum

Workplace Type: Hybrid

Experience Level: Mid Management

Location: Auckland CBD

Next steps

What’s next: If you are ready to take your career in technology procurement to new heights while making a meaningful impact across an entire organisation, this is your moment—seize it!

Apply today by clicking on the link provided—your next rewarding challenge awaits.

Robert Walters endeavours to review all applications within five working days. If you have not received correspondence within this timeframe, please contact Peter Swinney at [phone].