Procurement Category Lead

Procurement Category Lead

• Lead strategic sourcing outcomes across an assigned procurement portfolio

• Deliver category plans and strengthen supplier performance

• Purpose-led organisation supporting 15,000+ people across Victoria

The position 

As the Procurement Category Lead, you will manage an assigned procurement portfolio and deliver approved category plans, strategic sourcing initiatives and supplier performance outcomes that support VMCH’s operational and financial sustainability. Reporting to the Senior Procurement Manager, you will use spend, market and risk insights to identify opportunities, strengthen procurement governance and deliver value-for-money outcomes across the organisation.

This role is ideal for an experienced procurement professional who enjoys building strong stakeholder partnerships, leading end-to-end sourcing activities and influencing commercial decisions that deliver meaningful outcomes.

VMCH. Flourishing communities, vibrant careers. 

At VMCH, you'll help shape procurement decisions that deliver value, strengthen supplier partnerships and support the communities we serve.

The responsibilities 

• Manage an assigned procurement portfolio and deliver approved category plans and sourcing priorities.
• Lead end-to-end sourcing activities, including both Request for Quotation (RFQ) and Request for Proposal (RFP) processes, evaluations, negotiations and implementation.
• Develop commercial recommendations that balance whole-of-life value, service quality, sustainability, risk and operational continuity.
• Manage supplier and contract performance, including performance reviews, renewals, risk mitigation and corrective actions.

• Build trusted stakeholder relationships, report on procurement performance and contribute to improvements in governance, systems and processes.

What’s required 

• Demonstrated experience in category management and strategic sourcing within a complex organisation, including contributing to and implementing approved category plans.

• Proven experience owning and leading both RFQ and RFP processes end to end, from requirements development and market engagement through evaluation, negotiation, recommendation and implementation.

• Strong commercial, supplier and contract management capability, including benefits delivery, procurement governance, probity and risk.

• Strong analytical and organisational skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Excel and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, influencing and communication skills, with sound judgement in balancing commercial outcomes, service quality, safety and operational continuity.
• A relevant tertiary or professional procurement qualification, such as CIPS or equivalent, is desirable.

More about us

At VMCH, we believe people should be seen and valued for who they are, not defined by the services they receive.

For more than a century, we have been part of Victorian communities, supporting people to live with purpose and connection. Led by our Catholic tradition, we recognise the inherent dignity and humanity of every person, their individuality, relationships, experiences and the contribution they make throughout their lives.

Across aged care, care at home, disability services, retirement living, specialist education and affordable housing, our role is to help people make their own choices, remain in control of their lives and stay connected to the people, places and communities that matter most to them.

Guided by our values of Love, Joy, Courage and Hospitality, more than 4,000 staff and volunteers support over 15,000 people across Victoria. Together, we create places of belonging where people are respected, included and empowered to live life on their own terms

If you meet the above criteria and are passionate about making a positive difference in people’s lives, we would love to hear from you. 

For the latest VMCH roles, also visit https://careers.vmch.com.au/jobs/search