Procurement Category Manager

Role type:

Full-time; Fixed term for 6 months

Department:

Chief Financial Operating Group; Chief Operating Officer Portfolio

Salary:

UOM 8 - $125,191 – 135,504 p.a. plus 17% super

• Strategic category leadership role / shape high-impact property and services spend / drive data-led value and ESG-focused outcomes
• Step into a visible category leadership role and shape how the University invests in property and services.
• Competitive package, subsidised health and wellbeing services, fitness and cultural clubs, Myki discounts, and a 25% discount on graduate courses to our staff and their immediate families

About the role

You will lead strategic sourcing and category management across property, facilities and service-based procurement categories. You will design and run complex tenders, negotiations and supplier strategies that deliver measurable financial and non-financial value. You will influence senior stakeholders, embed ESG priorities and help build a trusted, high-performing procurement function.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Lead end-to-end sourcing for property, professional and operational services, including strategy, tendering, negotiation and contract award.
• Analyse complex spend, contract and supplier data to identify savings, improve performance and optimise total cost of ownership.
• Provide clear commercial advice to stakeholders, shaping sourcing plans that align with University strategy, risk and governance requirements.
• Manage procurement project plans, timelines and communications to ensure transparent engagement, stakeholder buy-in and successful implementation.
• Support procurement framework development, ESG integration, panel arrangements and broader Procurement Hub sourcing activities up to defined thresholds.

You may be a great fit if you:

• Hold a relevant undergraduate or procurement qualification and extensive experience in category and strategic procurement roles.
• Demonstrate deep knowledge of sourcing, tendering and contracts management across property, facilities and service-based categories.
• Use quantitative and qualitative data confidently to uncover opportunities, optimise supplier performance and evidence value-for-money outcomes.
• Influence and negotiate with diverse stakeholders, building strong relationships and achieving agreement on complex commercial decisions.
• Construct and manage procurement project plans, juggling multiple priorities while delivering to agreed timelines and governance standards.
• Operate with initiative and resilience, working independently under broad direction within a high-performing, centralised procurement environment.

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This role requires current valid work rights for Australia.

Your new team – Chief Financial Operating Group

You will join University Procurement Services within the Commercial Services function, partnering with colleagues across all campuses. The team leads strategic sourcing, contract management and commercial advisory to maximise value from third-party spend. Colleagues are collaborative, data-informed and committed to ethical, sustainable and socially responsible procurement. You will gain exposure to senior stakeholders, complex categories and innovative approaches, supported by experienced procurement professionals.

Be Yourself

The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. The diversity of our community enriches us all, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and fair workplace where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Discover more about Diversity and Inclusion at UniMelb.

We're committed to a barrier-free recruitment process and ongoing workplace support, providing adjustments throughout. We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities. Learn more about how we support an accessible recruitment process.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants

We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians. Visit our Indigenous staff page to learn more about our investment and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.   

Indigenous applicants are encouraged to connect with our Indigenous Employment & Development team at oied-hr@unimelb.edu.au.

Application essentials:

• Visit "apply with us" to learn more about the process, including tips and FAQs.
• You must have current valid work rights for Australia. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
• A Working with Children Check is required for all positions. If successful, we will guide you through the process and reimburse you.
• Please upload your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest and experience as part of the application process.

Want to know more?

• For queries related to this specific position, contact Vinni Atluri
  email: vinni.atluri@unimelb.edu.au
• For questions related to our recruitment process email Ethan Khamly at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au
• For recruitment adjustments contact Kim Groizard on +61 3 9035 3218 or at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments').

Apply today and join a community that’s shaping the future.

Advert Closes: Thursday 9th April 2026 at 11:55 pm Melbourne Time.

Position Description:JR-011588 - Procurement Category Manager PD