Category Manager

Category Manager – Indirects at Kraft Heinz. Melbourne CBD. Hybrid working arrangement: 3 days in office, 2 days remote.

• Category Strategy: Create, deliver, and execute the sourcing strategy for the assigned category, including analyzing market trends, identifying developments, and conducting category reviews to drive understanding of markets and how to leverage supplier capabilities and industry developments for competitive advantage.
• Strategic Sourcing & Commercial Execution: Lead sourcing initiatives including RFX processes, negotiations, supplier selection, contracting (in collaboration with Legal), and implementation.
• Business Partnership: Act as a strategic business partner—proactively engaging with cross-functional stakeholders (e.g., Commercial, Finance) to influence decisions, support innovation, and unlock end-to-end value. Demonstrate the ability to influence and constructively challenge the status quo.
• Market Intelligence & Risk Management: Build understanding of market dynamics, commodity/cost drivers, inflation trends, and supply risks. Translate insights into actions to mitigate risk and enhance resilience.
• Cost & Value Optimisation: Champion total cost of assigned categories by identifying and implementing ways to reduce costs, improve quality, enhance innovation, and improve total value for money.
• P&L Ownership: Actively manage the spend area's P&L, including ownership of the annual operating plan and regular forecast updates.
• Supplier Relationship Management (SRM): Develop collaborative relationships with strategic suppliers to drive performance, innovation, sustainability, and continuous improvement. Build trust for long-term partnerships.
• Project Leadership: Manage a pipeline of initiatives across productivity, innovation, sustainability, and risk mitigation. Lead cross-functional teams to implement and track outcomes.
• ESG & Sustainability Impact: Integrate ESG targets into sourcing strategies and supplier partnerships, contributing to Kraft Heinz's global sustainability commitments.

• Proven experience in a similar category management role, specifically in indirect corporate and commercial services (essential).
• Strong negotiation skills and a deep understanding of sourcing and contracting processes.
• Demonstrated ability to influence and engage cross-functional stakeholders and senior leaders.
• Experience developing category strategies and leading complex supplier negotiations.
• Commercial acumen with experience managing P&L, budgets, and forecasting.
• Strong project management and analytical skills, with attention to detail.
• High resilience, adaptability, and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a collaborative mindset.
• Proficiency in Excel and procurement/business systems.
• Tertiary qualifications in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain, or related discipline preferred.
• Eligibility to work in Australia with full working rights.

• Hybrid Working – Flexibility around when and where you work
• Pay for Performance – industry leading variable compensation offerings tied to company and individual performance on top of a competitive base salary
• Parental Leave – paid time off for both primary and secondary caregivers
• Leave Options – Purchased leave, volunteer leave and LiveWell leave programs for extra flexibility
• Novated Leasing
• Great Place to Work certification in Australia and New Zealand
• In House Training Programs
• Corporate Discount Programs

If you're passionate about procurement, supplier negotiations, and driving category strategy within the indirects procurement channel, we want to hear from you. We will review applications as they come in and look forward to hearing from talented professionals who are excited about evolving our procurement function and contributing to Kraft Heinz's success.

• Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Marketing, Manufacturing, and Purchasing
• Industries: Food and Beverage Services, Food and Beverage Manufacturing, and Marketing Services