The Opportunity
The Category Manager position is an important role within Strategic Procurement, responsible for shaping, governing, and delivering University-wide category strategies aligned with Monash University's strategic objectives. The role supports the development and execution of a range of category strategies, manages supplier relationships, and collaborates with the Strategic Sourcing Managers to identify and enable the delivery of a range of financial and non-financial benefits. Through deep engagement with senior stakeholders across faculties and portfolios, the Category Manager ensures procurement will deliver measurable value, balanced risk management, effective supplier relationships, and alignment across the Monash Group to support the University's long-term success.
In this position you will be responsible for leading the design and execution of a range of categories that align to Monash's academic, research and operational objectives, while building a strong procurement pipeline and collaborating with Strategic Sourcing Managers to deliver high-impact go-to-market initiatives. The Category Manager is expected to provide commercial and procurement leadership and innovation, as well as overseeing significant supplier categories and high-value contracts to drive benefits, value and long-term performance. A key aspect of the role is to drive cross-portfolio initiatives, including sustainability, supplier diversity, risk mitigation and digital enablement, while offering expert advice that informs executive decision-making. The position contributes to educating senior stakeholders on procurement best practice, championing governance, and fostering a culture of excellence across the University. The role also requires optimising the supply base through strategic sourcing levers, monitoring performance metrics, and reporting benefits at both category and supplier levels. Operating as a change leader, the Category Manager will also embed best-practice portfolio management processes and cultivate strong partnerships with business units to ensure high standards of probity, accountability and commercial success.
To be successful in this role you will have advanced qualifications and extensive experience in commercial and procurement category management within large, complex organisations, ideally supported by MCIPS/FCIPS accreditation. You will bring a strong record of managing high-value or high-risk categories, demonstrating commercial ownership and a results-driven approach across diverse capex and opex portfolios. Your ability to influence and engage senior stakeholders will be matched by your expertise in delivering sustainable financial outcomes, applying best-practice procurement standards, and deploying innovative, data-driven solutions. Success in this role also requires exceptional analytical capability, superior communication and negotiation skills, and proficiency with modern procurement and contract management systems.
About Monash University
At Monash, work feels different. There's a sense of belonging, from contributing to something groundbreaking – a place where great things happen.
We value difference and diversity. That's why we champion an inclusive and respectful workplace culture where everyone is supported to succeed.
Some 20,000 staff work for Monash around the world. We have 95,000 students, four Australian campuses, and campuses in Malaysia and Indonesia. We also have a major presence in India and China, and a significant centre and research foundation in Italy.
In our short history, we have skyrocketed through global university rankings and established ourselves consistently among the world's best tertiary institutions. We rank in the world's top-50 universities in rankings including the QS World University Rankings 2026.
Learn more about Monash.
Today, we have the momentum to create the future we need for generations to come. Accelerate your change here.
Monash supports flexible and hybrid working arrangements. We have a range of policies in place enabling staff to combine work and personal commitments. This includes supporting parents.
To Apply
For instructions on how to apply, please refer to 'How to apply for Monash Jobs'. As part of the application, please submit your CV and a cover letter addressing the following;
* Technical expertise in category management
* Proven track record in driving commercial outcomes
* Demonstrated commitment to ethical procurement practices aligned with Monash values
* Proven ability to influence stakeholders and act as an effective agent of change within the organisation
Diversity is one of our greatest strengths at Monash. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people with disabilities, neurodivergent people, and people of all genders, sexualities, and age groups.
We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible recruitment process at Monash. If you need any reasonable adjustments, please contact us at hr- in an email titled 'Reasonable Adjustments Request' for a confidential discussion.
Your employment is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of all pre-employment and background checks required for the role, as determined by the University.
Enquiries: Anthony Petit, Group Manager, Strategic Procurement,
Position Description: Category Manager
Applications Close: Sunday 14 December 2025, 11:55pm AEDT
Supporting a diverse workforce