Category Manager

Lead strategic procurement and category management at one of Australia's leading research-intensive universities.

Develop and deliver against category strategies that achieve value for money, mitigate supply and commercial risks, and support sustainable procurement outcomes across the University.

Full-time (1 FTE) appointment on a fixed term basis for 12 months.

Base salary range: Level 9, $139,660 – $147,783 p.a. plus 17% superannuation.

About the area

Finance supports the University through the delivery of strategic financial advice, governance, procurement, financial performance, compliance, and operational services. The Procurement team partners with stakeholders across the University to deliver value-driven sourcing solutions, optimise expenditure, strengthen supplier relationships, and support the University's strategic objectives.

As part of this function, the Procurement team works with academic and professional areas across the University to ensure best-practice procurement, commercial risk management, sustainable sourcing, and effective contract management.

About the opportunity

Lead the development and execution of category management strategies, strategic sourcing initiatives, and procurement plans that maximise value, support sustainability objectives, and strengthen supply chain resilience.

Provide expert commercial advice on procurement, contract negotiation, supplier performance, risk management, contract and supplier management and value optimisation while partnering with stakeholders across the University.

Lead and develop a high-performing procurement team, driving continuous improvement, capability uplift, compliance, and best-practice procurement outcomes.

About you

Relevant postgraduate qualification, MCIPS accreditation, or equivalent demonstrated procurement and commercial expertise.

Extensive experience in category management, strategic sourcing, contract management, supplier relationship management, and procurement across diverse spend categories.

Proven leadership experience with the ability to manage teams, resources, projects, and organisational priorities in a complex environment.

Strong commercial and analytical capability, with demonstrated success negotiating complex commercial agreements and delivering measurable value outcomes.

Exceptional stakeholder engagement, communication, presentation, and influencing skills, with the ability to provide trusted advice and procurement training to diverse audiences.

Note: As part of the recruitment process, candidates will be required to complete declarations in accordance with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence. A current National Police Clearance will be required by the successful applicant.

Position description:  Category Manager - 524295.pdf

To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Emma Gillespie at [email protected]

For enquiries on the recruitment process, please contact Zen Huang at [email protected]

How to apply

Please apply online via the Apply Now button. The content of your Resume and Cover Letter should demonstrate how you meet the selection criteria.

Closing date: 11:55 PM AWST on Monday, 28 September 2026. The University reserves the right to interview and appoint a suitably qualified candidate prior to the closing date.

This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia

Please note: Unsolicited applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted outside of formal channels.

Benefits

Flexible working options.

Generous paid leave including parental leave.

Up to 17% employer paid superannuation.

Salary packaging available.

Incremental progression based on 12 months continuous service.

Up to 25% discount on eligible UWA full-fee courses.

Discounted health insurance.

Employee Assistance Program.

About the University

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world and a member of the prestigious Australian Group of Eight research intensive universities. With a strong research track record, vibrant campus and working environments, supported by the freedom to innovate and inspire, there is no better time to join Western Australia’s top university.

Learn more about us.

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity

UWA is committed to a diverse workforce and an equitable and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering a safe environment for all, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQA+ community, and people living with disability.

If you require any reasonable adjustments, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application. Alternatively, you can contact us for assistance during the recruitment process.

If you have queries relating to your application, please contact the individual named in the advertisement. To enable a quick response, please include the 6-digit job reference number.