Category Manager | Mon - Fri | 6 Month Contract | Balcatta, WA

Role overview

Sodexo Australia is looking for an experienced Category Manager on a 6-month contract to support its Supply Management team in Western Australia. The position focuses on strategic sourcing and category leadership across HR Systems, Technology, Data & Digital (TDD), Labour Hire, and Pre-Employment Medical Services.

Reporting to the Head of Indirect & Fleet Procurement, you will define category direction, run sourcing activity from initial market approach through to contract award, and help create value across quality, cost, service, customer experience, and sustainability. The role also contributes to procurement support during bid and mobilisation stages while working closely with internal stakeholders to deliver strong commercial and operational outcomes.

Key responsibilities

• Create and implement category strategies for HR Systems, TDD, Labour Hire, and Pre-Employment Medical Services.
• Lead the full procurement lifecycle, including sourcing, tender coordination, contract discussions, and supplier onboarding.
• Deliver outcomes that balance commercial value with quality, service, risk management, and sustainability goals.
• Oversee supplier performance and contract governance to protect value and support ongoing improvement.
• Assist with procurement work during bid and mobilisation periods, including managing allocated tender projects.
• Work with business stakeholders to understand needs and provide procurement solutions that suit operational requirements.
• Identify ways to reduce cost, improve processes, and encourage supplier-led innovation.
• Ensure activities comply with Sodexo procurement rules, governance expectations, and ethical sourcing principles.
• Maintain effective working relationships with both suppliers and internal teams.
• Support risk mitigation and help secure continuity of supply across critical categories.

About you

You will be a commercially focused procurement professional with solid experience in category management across indirect spend. You should have a strong track record of driving sourcing initiatives, managing complex supplier relationships, and partnering with multiple teams across a business.

You will also bring strong negotiation, analysis, and project coordination skills, with the confidence to influence decisions and generate value through best-practice procurement.

Qualifications and experience

• Between 5 and 10 years of experience in Procurement, Supply Chain, or Category Management.
• Proven capability in leading strategic sourcing and procurement work for indirect spend categories.
• Prior experience with one or more of these categories is highly valued: HR Systems, Technology, Data & Digital (TDD), Labour Hire, or Pre-Employment Medical Services.
• Strong commercial understanding, with hands-on experience in contract negotiation and supplier management.
• Experience supporting tender, bid, and mobilisation phases is required.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and influencing skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability, with a focus on measurable business outcomes.
• A degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Procurement, or a related field.

Why this opportunity stands out

Sodexo employs more than half a million people globally and thousands across Australia. The business is guided by the values of Service Spirit, Team Spirit, and Spirit of Progress, and places strong emphasis on diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. Applications are welcomed from people of all backgrounds, including those of different ages, races, sexes, ethnicities, religions, beliefs, and people with disabilities.

The company offers a competitive salary, a flexible working environment, strong development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits and recognition program.

Application process

Applicants should submit a resume that outlines relevant work experience and availability. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a phone interview, which will also provide a chance to ask questions about the role.