Procurement Category Manager

A leading global company is seeking a Procurement Category Manager (Indirect) to join their Supply Chain & Operations division in Adelaide. This is an exceptional opportunity for you to play a pivotal role in shaping procurement strategies across indirect spend categories, including marketing, packaging services, logistics, facilities management, and professional services. You will be empowered to drive value creation, optimise costs, and foster strong supplier relationships while contributing to the organisation’s vision of continuous improvement and best practice. The company offers a supportive environment where your expertise will be valued, and you’ll have access to flexible working opportunities, generous pension contributions, and ongoing training. If you are passionate about making a tangible impact within a global business that champions innovation and sustainability, this role provides the platform for you to thrive.

• You will be responsible for developing and executing multi-year category strategies that align with business priorities and operational requirements, ensuring procurement solutions support organisational goals.

• You will manage supplier relationships and lead sourcing initiatives across key indirect spend categories, driving improvements in cost optimisation, service delivery, innovation, sustainability, and risk management.

• You will benefit from a collaborative culture that values knowledge sharing, growth leadership, and continuous learning through flexible working arrangements and comprehensive training programmes.

What you'll do:

As the Procurement Category Manager Indirect based in Adelaide, you will be entrusted with overseeing significant contracts across diverse indirect spend categories. Your day-to-day responsibilities will involve leading sourcing initiatives for marketing services, packaging solutions, logistics operations, facilities management projects, MRO supplies, and professional services. You will collaborate closely with internal teams to understand operational requirements and business priorities so that your procurement strategies deliver optimal results. By leveraging digital procurement tools and spend analytics, you will continuously improve buying experiences for stakeholders while ensuring compliance with company policies. Your ability to build strong vendor partnerships will be crucial in driving enhancements in category offerings. You will also prepare RFX documentation for tenders and negotiate contracts that secure advantageous terms for the organisation. Through data-driven reporting and analysis of supplier performance metrics, you will proactively address issues or identify opportunities for improvement. Additionally, you will apply Environmental Social Governance (ESG) policies—including modern slavery compliance—to promote responsible sourcing initiatives throughout the supply chain.

• Oversee and coordinate contracts with a combined value of approximately $100 million AUD across multiple indirect spend categories.
• Lead sourcing activities and supplier management for marketing, packaging services, maintenance repair operations (MRO), logistics, facilities management, and professional services.
• Support the implementation of effective procurement practices to ensure assurance of supply, quality standards, service excellence, cost efficiency, innovation adoption, and regulatory compliance.
• Drive value creation by optimising cost structures, enhancing service levels, fostering innovation initiatives, promoting sustainability outcomes, and mitigating risks within the supply chain.
• Develop and execute robust multi-year category strategies that are closely aligned with business objectives and operational needs.
• Actively manage demand forecasting, consumption patterns, and total cost of ownership within assigned categories to maximise commercial benefits.
• Utilise Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) tools to maintain accurate contract documentation and ensure compliance with internal policies as well as legislative requirements.
• Prepare and manage procurement activities including RFX documentation preparation, tender processes execution, evaluation procedures oversight, and contract negotiations facilitation.
• Build and nurture strong collaborative relationships with key vendors and suppliers to drive improvements in category offerings while securing favourable commercial terms.
• Work cross-functionally with internal stakeholders to understand business priorities and customer needs so that procurement solutions are tailored for maximum impact.

What you bring:

In the role of Procurement Category Manager Indirect you will bring proven expertise in managing complex contracts across multiple indirect spend categories. Your analytical approach enables you to interpret large volumes of data using advanced Excel skills or specialised category management software—ensuring your decisions are always evidence-based. You possess excellent interpersonal skills which allow you to communicate clearly with both internal teams and external partners; these abilities are complemented by your talent for negotiating advantageous terms during contract discussions. Your prior experience in procurement or commercial roles has equipped you with deep knowledge of tender processes as well as supplier performance management techniques. You are adept at identifying risks within supply chains while maintaining strict compliance with legal frameworks governing procurement activities. Furthermore your understanding of ESG policies ensures responsible sourcing practices are embedded into every aspect of your work.

• Demonstrated proficiency in utilising Microsoft Office Suite with advanced skills in Excel for data analysis and reporting purposes.
• Experience using category management tools or software to interpret complex data sets and generate actionable insights.
• Analytical mindset capable of making informed decisions based on thorough interpretation of procurement data.
• Excellent communication abilities enabling effective collaboration with cross-functional teams as well as external stakeholders.
• Outstanding negotiation skills coupled with influencing capabilities to secure favourable commercial terms during contract discussions.
• Proven relationship management experience allowing you to build dependable partnerships with suppliers or vendors.
• Prior experience in procurement roles such as category management or commercial positions involving contract negotiation or tender processes is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with supplier performance management techniques including collection analysis of relevant data points for continuous improvement.
• Ability to identify potential risks within supply chains while ensuring adherence to legal regulatory frameworks governing procurement activities.
• Understanding of Environmental Social Governance (ESG) policies especially regarding modern slavery compliance administration.

What sets this company apart:

The organisation stands out due to its commitment to redefining traditional practices through innovation imagination and inclusivity. Employees enjoy being part of a diverse team spanning continents where knowledge sharing is encouraged at every level. The company’s focus on continuous improvement means there are always opportunities for personal development supported by flexible working arrangements generous pension contributions comprehensive training programmes—and supportive leadership that prioritises growth for all staff members. Sustainability is at the heart of their operations reflected not only in their approach towards responsible sourcing environmental stewardship social governance compliance—and nurturing long-term relationships both internally among colleagues externally with suppliers partners worldwide. Joining this organisation means becoming part of an ambitious community dedicated to leaving a positive legacy within the industry while creating an inspiring workplace where everyone feels valued respected empowered succeed together.

What's next:

If you are ready to make a meaningful impact within a global business that values collaboration innovation sustainability apply now!

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are encouraged to apply.
To apply, please click "Apply" or contact Matheus Leão on 61 8 8216 3532 or mat.leao@robertwalters.com.au for a confidential discussion.