Group Category Manager

Are you ready to play a pivotal role in transforming a procurement and property function from the ground up?
This is your chance to make a lasting impact. We’re on the lookout for a dynamic Group Category Manager to help reset our function and elevate performance and execution across Australia and New Zealand.

This is more than just a job, it’s a rare opportunity to influence how procurement and property services are delivered within a large, integrated services business. Not many opportunities of this scale come to market If you're a high performer looking to drive change at scale, we want to hear from you.

The Group Category Manager plays a key strategic role within Downer’s Group Procurement & Property team, responsible for developing and implementing high-impact category strategies across indirect sourcing portfolios. This role supports the company’s goal of enabling communities to thrive by driving value creation, innovation, and sustainable procurement practices aligned with business unit and group-wide objectives.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- **Strategic Category Management**:
Develop and implement innovative, data-driven category strategies that align with business needs and market trends.
- **Sourcing and Supplier Management**:
Lead sourcing initiatives, manage strategic supplier relationships, and negotiate commercial terms to deliver value and innovation.
- **Stakeholder Engagement**:
Collaborate with internal stakeholders across functions to align procurement initiatives with broader organisational objectives.
- **Data-Driven Insights**:
Utilise spend analytics and market insights to drive decision-making, cost optimisation, and risk mitigation.
- **Sustainability and Compliance**:
Ensure procurement activities support ESG goals, governance standards, and compliance requirements.
- **Continuous Improvement**:
Implement benefits realisation frameworks, track performance through KPIs, and contribute to the ongoing evolution of procurement practices.

**What You Will Bring**:

- A high performing mindset with a focus on quality execution
- You’ll be a great communicator and interpreter of business needs with deep procurement experience
- Tertiary qualification in Business, Finance, Engineering, Supply Chain, or related field
- MCIPS or post-graduate studies in Procurement/Supply Chain (preferred)
- 5-7 years in strategic sourcing or category management within a large, complex organisation
- Proven success in leading procurement strategies and cross-functional initiatives
- Strong commercial, negotiation, and analytical skills
- Effective communicator with the ability to influence at all levels
- High-level stakeholder engagement and change management capability
- Strong understanding of supplier markets, data analytics, and risk management
- Ability to integrate ESG and sustainability into sourcing strategies

**Benefits of working with Downer**:

- Work with an ASX listed company, working with market leaders.
- Grow your career with us, we are passionate about giving our people opportunities to grow through personal and professional development and continuous learning:

- Professional development programs
- Access to professional memberships and industry networks
- Be part of a team that cares, we foster a work environment built on support that is flexible around our employee’s wellbeing needs:

- Flexible work arrangements
- Parental leave
- Employee Assistance Program
- Programs promoting diversity and inclusion
- A range of Corporate Benefits, including:

- Discounted services (car hires, hotels, insurance, retail stores, gyms)