Category Manager

Overview

We are seeking a proactive and commercially astute Category Manager – Services to support Whyalla Steelworks and SIMEC Mining.

This services-focused role is responsible for developing and managing category strategies, sourcing events, and high-value services contracts to deliver competitive, compliant, and sustainable procurement outcomes across the Mining and Primary Steel operations.

As a key member of the Procurement team, you will lead contract negotiations, drive value through data-driven insights, and foster strong supplier and contractor relationships. This role requires a balance of strategic planning and hands-on execution, ensuring procurement solutions that optimise cash, profit, risk, and speed through the entire contract lifecycle.

Responsibilities

- Lead the development and execution of category management and sourcing strategies for mining-related and broader services contracts.
- Oversee contract performance, compliance, and dispute resolution, ensuring maximum value delivery. Conduct market analysis, spend analysis, and rate benchmarking to inform sourcing decisions.
- Negotiate pricing, rates, and payment terms while maintaining compliance with governance frameworks.
- Collaborate closely with Buyers, Category Managers, and Operations Teams to align procurement strategies with business priorities.
- Support IT procurement initiatives, including hardware management, software migration projects, and infrastructure upgrades.
- Drive supplier engagement, focusing on safety, quality, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Provide procurement advice and training to operational stakeholders and contract owners.

About You

- 3–5 years’ procurement or category management experience, ideally within mining, manufacturing, or services sectors.
- Tertiary qualifications in Business, Commerce, Finance, Supply Chain, IT, or a related discipline.
- Demonstrated expertise in negotiating, implementing, and managing complex contracts.
- Proficiency in SAP, particularly in spend analysis, outline agreements, and supplier performance monitoring.
- Strong stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to coach, mentor, and influence across teams.
- Proven ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment while managing competing priorities.
- Commitment to safety, governance, and process improvement.
- Experience in services procurement or mining category management.
- Strong understanding of domestic and international services markets and cost drivers.
- Exposure to IT procurement, hardware rollouts, and software migration projects.
- Current driver’s licence and willingness to travel as required.
- Recruitment referral awards: $1500 is awarded to eligible employees for referring friends or family to an open role if the candidate is successful.
- Employee Assistance Program: Converge International, our EAP, offers confidential, professional and free counselling and support resources in areas such as marriage/family difficulties, interpersonal conflict, stress, depression or anxiety, alcohol and/or drug dependencies, grief, loss or trauma and workplace problems.
- Mental Health First Aiders support: Caring for the health and safety of our people is fundamental to the way we operate. We have Mental Health First Aiders on the majority of our sites available and who have the skills to recognise, connect and respond to someone experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis.

About Us

OneSteel Manufacturing operates a mining and steel manufacturing business. As Australia’s only manufacturer of special grade billet and steel long products we provide solutions for nation-building infrastructure including rail. With State and Federal Government investment, the Whyalla Mining and Steel Manufacturing assets form part of the sovereign security of Australia’s manufacturing sector.

Why Work Here?

We offer more than just a job; we provide a dynamic environment built on three pillars that define our commitment to both our team and our industry.

- Work with a greater purpose: Join us in the pursuit of a sustainable future as we progress our ambition to become carbon-neutral. You will contribute to a legacy that not only helps to build our nation but sustains our environment for future generations. Embrace a culture where differences are celebrated, innovation is embraced and valuing everyone's unique perspectives contributes to our transformation.
- Work well - live better:We understand the importance of working in an environment which supports you to balance your personal and professional life. Experience a culture which values you as a whole person - where family extends to the workplace and your well-being matters. You’ll thrive not only in your career with us, but beyond.
- Build your own future:Step into a culture where every day is an opportunity to grow, and where driving your own development is not just encouraged; it/'s expected. You’ll be empowered to take the wheel of your learning journey and uncover your potential. The possibilities are limitless.

We invite you to forge your career in a workplace where passion meets purpose, wellbeing is nurtured and the opportunity to thrive is in your hands.

It is our ambition to cultivate an inclusive workplace that is as diverse as the communities we serve. We encourage candidates from all cultural backgrounds, genders, orientations, age groups, and abilities to apply. Your diversity is our strength in creating sustainable and innovative steel solutions for Australia/'s tomorrow.

We are a 2025Circle Back Initiative Employer – we commit to respond to every applicant

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