Category Manager

Overview
Category Manager - Indirects, Procurement management opportunity in the corporate and commercial indirects team. Flexible work arrangement - 3 days in office, 2 days remote. Collaborative and dynamic work environment - Melbourne CBD.
The Company
The Kraft Heinz Company is one of the largest food and beverage companies in the world, with eight $1 billion+ brands and global sales of approximately $25 billion. Our brands are global, with products produced and marketed in over 40 countries. These products include condiments and sauces, cheese and dairy, meals, meats, refreshment beverages, coffee, infant and nutrition products, and numerous other grocery products in a portfolio of more than 200 legacy and emerging brands.
Key position responsibilities
Category Strategy: Create, deliver, and execute the sourcing strategy for the assigned category, including analyzing market trends, identifying developments, and conducting category reviews to drive business understanding and to leverage supplier capabilities and industry developments for a competitive advantage.
Strategic Sourcing & Commercial Execution: Lead sourcing initiatives including RFX processes, negotiations, supplier selection, contracting (in close collaboration with Legal), and implementation.
Business Partnership: Act as a strategic business partner—proactively engaging with cross-functional stakeholders (e.g., Commercial, Finance) to influence decisions, support innovation, and unlock end-to-end value. Demonstrate the ability to influence decisions and challenge the status quo constructively.
Market Intelligence & Risk Management: Build strong understanding of market dynamics, commodity/cost drivers, inflation trends, and supply risks. Translate insights into actions that mitigate risk and enhance resilience.
Cost & Value Optimisation: Champion the total cost of assigned categories by identifying and implementing novel and creative ways to reduce costs, improve quality, enhance innovation, and improve total value for money.
P&L Ownership: Actively manage the spend area's P&L, including ownership of the annual operating plan and regular forecast updates.
Supplier Relationship Management (SRM): Develop collaborative relationships with strategic suppliers to drive performance, innovation, sustainability, and continuous improvement. Build trust and effective business relationships with suppliers for long-term partnership.
Project Leadership: Manage a pipeline of initiatives across productivity, innovation, sustainability, and risk mitigation. Lead cross-functional teams to implement and track outcomes.
ESG & Sustainability Impact: Integrate ESG targets into sourcing strategies and supplier partnerships, contributing to Kraft Heinz's global sustainability commitments.
About you
Proven experience in a similar category management role, specifically in indirect corporate and commercial services (essential).
Strong negotiation skills and a deep understanding of sourcing and contracting processes.
Demonstrated ability to influence and engage cross-functional stakeholders and senior leaders.
Experience developing category strategies and leading complex supplier negotiations.
Commercial acumen with experience managing P&L, budgets, and forecasting.
Strong project management and analytical skills, with attention to detail.
High resilience, adaptability, and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, ever-evolving environment.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a collaborative mindset.
Proficiency in Excel and procurement/business systems.
Tertiary qualifications in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain, or a related discipline preferred.
Eligibility to work in Australia with full working rights.
Benefits of working with us
Hybrid Working - Flexibility around when and where you work
Pay for Performance - industry leading variable compensation offerings tied to company and individual performance on top of a competitive base salary package
Parental Leave - paid time off for both primary AND secondary caregivers
Leave Options - Purchased leave, volunteer leave and LiveWell leave programs to give you even more flexibility to plan your life and spend time on causes that matter
Novated Leasing
Great Place to Work certification in Australia and New Zealand
In House Training Programs
Corporate Discount Programs
Ready to make an impact?
If you're passionate about procurement, supplier negotiations, and driving category strategy within the indirects procurement channel, we want to hear from you. We will be reviewing applications as they come in and look forward to hearing from talented professionals who are excited about the opportunity to evolve our procurement function and contribute to the success of Kraft Heinz.
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Location
Freshwater
Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes
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