Senior Category Specialist

Queensland Rail is built on true connection. And everything we achieve is made possible by you.

For 160 years, our teams have played an important role in connecting people and communities across the state. As a Senior Category Specialist, you’ll contribute to our proud legacy and help us build an even brighter, more sustainable future - and that means incredible things for your career.

Your opportunity

Queensland Rail’s Strategic Procurement team is a strategic function that drives value, reduces risk, and ensures operational efficiency in support of Queensland Rail’s complex network of Travel, Tourism and freight services. Our mission is to partner with our stakeholders to improve business outcomes and provide value for money solutions in our commitment to providing world‑class rail services to the public.

As a member of our Rollingstock and Capital Projects team, the Senior Category Specialist (AS6) will procure goods and services of significant value, develop supplier relationships, and drive strategic procurement outcomes.

The role requires a proactive leader who can problem‑solve procurement challenges, work with diverse stakeholder needs, and make commercially sound decisions while maintaining strong business relationships.

Key responsibilities include:

- Leading and driving procurement strategies for high‑value goods and services, including major construction works and rolling‑stock overhaul programmes ensuring alignment with business objectives.
- Developing strong relationships with key stakeholders, acting as a trusted advisor and effectively managing competing priorities.
- Owning procurement outcomes, proactively identifying and solving problems to drive commercial value across the business.
- Navigating complex stakeholder interactions, ensuring expectations are managed and procurement best practices are upheld.
- Analysing procurement spend, supplier performance, and market trends to improve commercial outcomes.
- Driving continuous improvement in procurement processes, ensuring compliance and efficiency.
- Managing multiple procurement projects concurrently, ensuring smooth execution and timely decision‑making.

This is a permanent, fulltime position, based in Brisbane CBD with a starting base salary of $135,199 plus 12.75% superannuation and hybrid work options to support the balance between work and personal commitments.

What We’re Looking For

- Strong leadership skills and a desire to drive procurement strategy and influence best commercial outcomes.
- Proven experience with high‑volume procurement within a centre‑led procurement function and expertise in tender processes, contract negotiations, and supplier management.
- Exceptional stakeholder management and high emotional intelligence (EQ) with the ability to build trust and manage expectations across different perspectives.
- Strategic problem‑solving skill to interpret business issues and develop commercially sound procurement solutions.
- Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and prioritise effectively.
- Confidence in handling challenging conversations with stakeholders and suppliers, ensuring procurement remains a strategic enabler for the business.

Benefits that Count

- Balance your work and personal life with flexible working options
- Enjoy free travel to work and discounted rail travel
- QRI Lifestyle offers members access to over 2,000 exclusive discounts and services
- Prioritise your physical, emotional and financial wellbeing with our range of free services
- You and your family can get fit and have fun with access to over 380 gyms and pools with our Fitness Passport
- Eligible employees can receive up to 100% reimbursement for professional membership fees
- Shape your rewarding career with clear pathways, innovative projects and opportunities for growth and leadership.

If you’re ready to make a real impact and contribute to the future of our organization, we encourage you to submit your resume and cover letter before 11:59 PM (AEST) on Monday, 10th November.

If you reside outside of Queensland, please note that this role requires relocation to Brisbane by your start date, as full‑time remote work or fly‑in/fly‑out arrangements are not supported.

As part of the recruitment process, applicants may be required to undergo pre‑employment alcohol and drug testing. The selection process may also include skills assessments, video or phone interviews, psychometric testing, pre‑employment health evaluations, and background checks, including criminal history and credit assessments.

Recruitment Agencies

We are managing this process internally and do not accept unsolicited applications from agencies.

Supporting a Diverse Workforce

Queensland Rail acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Elders of the lands and waterways our network traverses. Our teams are People who Count. We encourage diversity in our teams, including different genders, age, race, disability status, sexual orientation, religions, neurodiversity, education levels and many more aspects. No two journeys are the same, and it’s because of our differences that as a collective, we achieve great things.

If you would like to discuss reasonable adjustments in the recruitment process, please contact Judy Williams at judy.williams@qr.com.au.

Queensland Rail pays its respect to Elders past and present. Queensland Rail also acknowledges the contributions of First Nations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) peoples within Queensland Rail and the communities we serve.

#J-18808-Ljbffr