Category Specialist

Reporting into the National Contracts Manager, the Category Specialist will join our Procurement team to lead strategic initiatives and drive performance improvements across high-volume procurement activities.

This pivotal role has a particular emphasis on the Transport & Logistics component of the category and will also take responsibility for the management of all related contracts post execution to ensure the delivery of contractual obligations, risk mitigation and achievement of optimal commercial outcomes in support of business requirements.

Location Options:

• South Guildford, WA

Roster: Monday – Friday, 8.5-hour days (Including half-hour meal break)

What You'll Do:

• Maintains a current strategic overview of the relevant commercial attributes of the categories under management such as industry trends, demand trends, supply market, economic and social factors, benchmark information etc.
• Provides specialist advice and support with the monitoring and review of contract performance, including but not limited to Key Performance Indicator monitoring and reporting.
• Leads the strategic planning process, particularly with respect to contract requirements and participates in the preparation of business cases, procurement plans, risk management strategies and other relevant procurement and/or technical documentation.
• Consults with contract stakeholders and leads the process of development of procurement strategies, contract objectives, scope, procurement timeframes, benchmarks for evaluation, and other contractual terms.
• Manages contracts under assigned categories as per the current Contract management guidelines and /or as directed by the Manager
• Coordinates and manages contract life cycle, through the initiation of reviews and liaises with stakeholders with regard to the contract's effectiveness.
• Ensures purchases under the respective contract reflect agreed contract terms.
• Undertakes or participates in discussions with vendors and internal stakeholders to resolve problems associated with the execution and/or management of contracts.
• Monitors and evaluates vendor performance against contract deliverables and agreed service levels to ensure contract compliance.
• Evaluates variation proposals and interpretations of contract terms and provides appropriate recommendations to the relevant stakeholders 

Skills & Experience:

• A tertiary qualification in the areas of Procurement, Supply Chain, Category Management, Engineering, or relevant discipline (desirable but not essential)
• A minimum of 5 years post qualification experience in a Transport & Logistics role or related industry would be preferrable
• Demonstrated experience in advanced procurement category management across multiple categories. 
• Demonstrated extensive experience in the planning, development and/or management of high risk and complex contracts to meet the strategic and operational business needs within a complex organization.
• Highly developed written communication skills with the demonstrated ability to prepare and present complex procurement and technical documentation.
• Demonstrated analytical, research and conceptual skills with the ability to provide appropriate solutions to highly complex problems and issues.
• Demonstrated high level verbal, interpersonal, relationship management and negotiation skills with the ability to liaise, consult and negotiate effectively.
• Highly developed organizational skills with the ability to manage a large workload and achieve desired outcomes within required timeframes. 
• High attention to detail, ability to analyse problems and provide appropriate solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to develop effective relationships with key stakeholders.
• Ability to work successfully within a team and autonomously.
• Previous exposure to SAP or a similar ERP system.
• Advanced Microsoft skills

Our Benefits inclusive of but not limited to:

• Financial Benefits – Paid Parental Leave & Secondary Carers Leave, Salary Sacrificing, Novated Leasing, Income Protection Insurance & More than 600 retail discounts such as Coles, Petbarn, Virgin, HOYTS & Crown.
• Health & Wellness – Discounts with BUPA, Fitness Passport to access multiple gyms across Australia & EAP access to support you and your immediate family. 
• Culture & Career – Personal and Team Recognition (Made for More Awards), Internal Career Progression, Training & Upskilling through our award-winning WesTrac Institute.
• Additional Perks – Emergency Services Leave, Defence Force Reserves Leave & Employee Share Purchase Plan opportunity.  

Our Company & Commitment

With over 4,500 employees, WesTrac is one of the world's largest authorised Cat equipment dealers, offering a wide range of mining and construction equipment and management solutions.

At WesTrac, we reflect diverse communities, celebrate our people's diversity, and create a culture where employees feel safe to be their authentic selves. We encourage applications from First Nations people, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and those from culturally diverse backgrounds. WORK180 endorsed employer for our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equality.

Reference Number: 4909