Procurement Category Specialist

You are an experienced Procurement Category Specialist with proven capability to manage assigned procurement categories end‑to‑end and deliver strong commercial outcomes across the organisation. You partner closely with internal stakeholders to understand business requirements, develop effective sourcing strategies, and drive measurable cost and service improvements. With a strong ability to build positive working relationships, you are well‑versed in identifying and managing risk, while ensuring full compliance with Whiddon’s policies, delegations and governance frameworks. Reporting to the Procurement Manager, the Procurement Category Specialist is responsible for category planning, market analysis, sourcing, contract negotiation, supplier performance management and continuous improvement initiatives across allocated spend areas. We are a not-for-profit organisation, but more importantly, we are like one big family and treat each of our residents, families, and team members with the same levels of passion, care, and respect. We are hoping you will join our wonderful Whiddon family in our Procurement team, in Glenfield, and enjoy a hybrid work environment and flexible working conditions. KEY RESPONSIBILIES Manage assigned procurement categories end‑to‑end, including category planning, market analysis, sourcing, contract negotiation and supplier performance management. Develop and deliver sourcing strategies that achieve cost savings, service improvements and effective risk mitigation. Lead RFx processes end‑to‑end, from scoping and documentation through to evaluation, negotiation and recommendation. Negotiate commercial terms, pricing and service levels, and draft or review contracts in line with approved templates and governance requirements. Partner with internal stakeholders to understand business requirements and promote the adoption of procurement best practice. Analyse spend data to identify opportunities, track savings and benefits realisation, and prepare reports for management. Monitor contract compliance, supplier performance, renewals and key contractual obligations. Ensure procurement activities comply with organisational policies, delegations, governance frameworks and system controls. Identify supply chain risks and support contingency and continuous improvement initiatives. THE ESSENTIALS To be successful in this role, you will bring: 3–5 years’ experience in procurement, strategic sourcing or category management. Demonstrated experience leading RFx processes end‑to‑end. Strong commercial acumen with proven contract negotiation skills. Ability to analyse spend data, identify opportunities and develop category strategies. Excellent stakeholder engagement, influencing and communication skills. Experience using ERP and/or procurement systems. Advanced Excel and Microsoft Office skills. Degree in Business, Procurement, Commerce or CIPS qualification (or equivalent experience). While not essential, the ideal candidate will have experience within the aged care or healthcare sector . WHAT WE OFFER At Whiddon, we provide our people with benefits that will enhance their experience and provide them with things they actually want and will use. Our benefits are centred around ‘Five Pillars’ – mind, body, financial, social and career. Comprehensive leave options to support you in mind and body 5 weeks Annual Leave (or the option to cash out Annual Leave) Access to L ong Service Leave after 5 years 12 weeks paid Parental Leave Up to 5 days paid Fertility leave Up to 3 days paid Community Service leave each year Up to 4 days paid Compassionate leave Extra public holiday per year with Frank Whiddon Day Employee Assistance Program for when you need extra support Hybrid working model. Enjoy a mix of working from home and in the office, and our Work from Anywhere Policy – Support services only Salary Packaging options so you can keep more of your pay . Did you know that by salary packaging, you can increase your hourly rate by more than $2? This is how: Up to $611.53 per fortnight to pay your mortgage, rent, school fees, etc. Up to $101.92 per fortnight to pay entertainment activities like cafes, restaurants, etc. Remote living options including rent and mortgage packaging, utilities and holiday transport. Novated leasing, a financial wellness program, a personal car buying service and a rewards program through our partners. Quarterly gifts , including Cost of living voucher, ACE Day, Christmas gifting and other ad-hoc gifts from time to time. Access to retail benefits and perks, including great discounts, and passes to the cinema, tickets to concerts or sports events, food vouchers, and more! Employee Referral Program. Get paid up to $500 to refer our next Whiddon star. Learning, learning, learning . Whiddon Scholarships Programs, Leadership Development Programs, Traineeships and more… we want to support your educational journey! Get recognised for your great work! Just in Time Recognition, Milestone Celebrations, Everyday Heroes, Annual Awards night and more. Recognition for successfully completing your probation period. Locations across NSW and QLD. If you need to relocate or wish to transfer between our Homes To apply for this position, please submit a copy of your resume addressing the above criteria. To find out more about this position and the benefits of a career at Whiddon then visit our website https://www.whiddon.com.au/careers/