Category Specialist– Capital Works and Services

We are seeking an experienced procurement professional with a strong background in supplier management and negotiation, who is committed to working collaboratively with stakeholders to contribute to the success of SA Water.

About the Company

SA Water is a successful, modern water utility wholly owned by the Government of South Australia. We employ more than 1,700 people across a broad range of disciplines who operate more than $14 billion worth of infrastructure to deliver essential water and sewerage services to more than 1.8 million South Australians.

We operate in a geographically and climatically diverse service area, with sites and locations from Ceduna through to Port Augusta, the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands, across to the Riverland, down to Mount Gambier, and most places in between.

Our strength and expertise have been shaped by our history. For more than 165 years, South Australians have depended on us to innovate and deliver efficient and sustainable water services. With nationally and internationally recognised industry expertise, we're focused on understanding and meeting our customers' expectations.

As well as safely delivering smart and reliable services for our customers of today, we innovate to shape the water solutions of the future that will support thriving economies and healthy communities.

We are driven by our values; we value our people, we do work that matters, we keep it real, we know that our work has impact and we are future focussed. Staying true to our values ensures that we consistently deliver positive outcomes for all South Australians.

About Our Supply Chain Team

Our Supply Chain team is award winning, taking out the Procurement Team of the Year - Large Organisation award at the 2024 Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply Awards Australia and New Zealand. These awards are an opportunity to showcase and celebrate the best work and teams in the procurement profession.

This team award recognises high performing procurement teams who have made significant improvements to their performance and culture resulting in increased effectiveness, influence, efficiencies, savings or competitive advantage.

To find out more about our Supply Chain team and how we work visit

About the role:

SA Water is seeking a Category Specialist to join our Capital Works and Services team, responsible for managing procurement activities that directly support the delivery of major capital infrastructure projects. This role demands strong negotiation and supplier management expertise, alongside the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders to achieve strategic goals. Our Supply Chain team consists of highly experienced and capable professionals who utilise commercial outcomes to match business needs with supply chain expertise.

About Business Insights and Excellence

The Business Insights and Excellence group drives operational excellence by enabling best business financial practices, economic pricing, supply chain management, and corporate governance and risk management to support the broader business and partners in delivering reliable, cost-effective, sustainable, and future-focused outcomes.

Your responsibilities for this opportunity

Fostering trust with our people, customers and community by providing expert advice and service that ensure we effectively communicate and engage audiences with our business strategy and its delivery across South Australia, every day.

You will:

• You will lead delivery of category management across capital works and services sub-categories of spend on behalf of Category Leads
• Conduct all sourcing and extension processes: prepare all relevant plans and recommendation reports, obtain all approvals and ensure contract finalisation and execution
• Achieve successful commercial outcomes on all contracts within scope in accordance with relevant plans and contractual performance obligations
• Advise stakeholders on all market approaches, procurement, supply chain and contract administration and management matters

Your success in this role will come from:

• Formal tertiary qualifications in Procurement, Law, Commercial or other relevant qualifications i.e. MCIPS or equivalent experience
• Demonstrated procurement and contracting experience (ideally in a construction and / or engineering working environment) with strong negotiation and Supplier Management skills
• Highly developed interpersonal and relationship building skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work autonomously
• Strong research and analytical skills

To apply, click 'Apply'. Please submit and complete the application form, upload a cover letter and current resume. For enquiries or a copy of the PD, please contact Tracy from the Talent Acquisition team

Applications close 4pm, 10 September 2025.

A great customer experience is best achieved by having a diverse and inclusive team that reflects the community we serve. Applications are encouraged from everyone, including people living with disability, job seekers of all ages, members of the LGBTQA+ community, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people from culturally diverse backgrounds.

Our Industry is like no other. Dive into the wonderful world of water and explore the boundless opportunities. Learn more about the water industry at

Please note: We request that recruitment agencies do not submit candidates for this position, as they will not be accepted.