Category Manager - Strategic Procurement & Supply

Company Description

Every institution values excellence. What matters most is why. 
Griffith was created to be a different type of university. You’ll find we’re about leading research, academic excellence, and the transformative power of education. But what sets us apart is why those things matter and how you’ll achieve them. 

Why? Griffith brings together exceptional minds like yours from across the globe and from all walks of life. Here, we do incredible work, questioning and challenging, always in the pursuit of excellence. 

Job Description

About the Opportunity

The Category Manager ensures Griffith University’s financial integrity and procurement effectiveness by maximising value from contracts, suppliers, and assets. They leverage supplier capability and innovation to optimise outcomes, ensure compliance with policies and legislation, and strengthen buying power.

They also provide strategic and operational advice on finance and procurement, collaborate with stakeholders to resolve complex issues, and ensure adherence to legal, regulatory, and reporting requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Safeguard the University’s financial and procurement integrity, ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory, and reporting requirements.
• Implement category management strategies, including sourcing, supplier evaluation, and relationship management to drive value and efficiency.
• Develop and execute category strategies, managing stakeholders, suppliers, and contracts in line with policies and legislation.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to resolve strategic, operational, and transactional procurement challenges.
• Build internal finance capability by guiding and supporting stakeholders to optimise procurement value.
• Provide expert advice on financial investments, category strategies, and procurement frameworks.
• Analyse data and market trends to identify opportunities for value creation across the supply chain.
• Lead audit and quality assurance activities to ensure compliance and effective category management.
• Apply governance frameworks to ensure all procurement activities align with legislation, policies, and University values.

About you

• The occupant of this position will hold relevant tertiary qualifications with at least postgraduate level or higher.
• Strong commercial acumen with excellent attention to detail.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic sourcing and procurement.
• Has or is working towards a CIPS accreditation is highly regarded.
• Public sector experience is highly regarded.

A national criminal history check will be undertaken as part of the recruitment process.

What we can offer

This is a full time continuing opportunity based primarly at the Brisbane South (Nathan) campus. As Griffith is a multi-site University you may be required to work across other locations

Griffith University’s campuses are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples.

Salary

HEW 8 – Base range - $117,579.27 - $132,273.33 + 17% super. Full package range - $137,567.74 - $154,759.79.

Qualifications

Additional Information

Why join Griffith? 
 
As a values-led organisation, at Griffith University, we've worked hard to create a dynamic and strong organisational culture. We offer: 

• Wide range of Learning and Development opportunities 

• Mix of on campus and work from home options available and a supportive work environment 

• Salary packaging options and corporate health discounts 

• Generous leave entitlements including paid parental leave and leave loading 

• Support with future learning opportunities through our educational staff assistance scheme 

• Opportunities for internal mobility 

• Health Safety and Wellbeing initiatives – on campus Gym facilities 

At Griffith, we’re committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all - whoever you are and wherever you’re from. If you require any accommodations, we welcome you to let us know so we can work with you to participate fully in our recruitment experience.

Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. For more information please visit our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion page. Our University is committed to fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive community for all. In alignment with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence (2025), Griffith University includes a declaration as part of the recruitment journey to uphold the values and standards of our community. Griffith University also maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against all forms of modern slavery. For more information, please refer to Griffith’s Modern Slavery Policy. 

How to apply 

Please submit your application online and ensure it includes the following: 

• A covering letter outlining your suitability for the role please refer to the qualifications above and the position description.

• Current curriculum vitae/resume including full contact details 

Closing date: Wednesday 17th June at 11:59pm. All applications must be submitted online.

For application and recruitment advice please reach out to Laura Whitworth, Talent Acquisition Partner on l.whitworth-matthews@griffith.edu.au

Recruitment agencies: please refrain from sending unsolicited messages directly to our hiring team.

Videos To Watch