Healthcare Category Manager in Brisbane

UnitingCare Children, Young People and Families – Brisbane QLD

We are seeking an experienced and commercially focused Category Manager (Clinical) to lead the development and execution of category procurement strategies across UnitingCare. Working at the centre of our clinical Procurement & Supply function within our Hospitals, you'll drive value through strategic sourcing, supplier management, contract optimisation and data-driven decision-making.

This is a unique opportunity to influence procurement outcomes across one of Queensland's largest not-for-profit organisations, partnering with clinical, operational and executive stakeholders to deliver sustainable commercial outcomes while supporting frontline services and positive customer outcomes.

Your part in our UnitingCare team:

• Reporting to the General Manager Procurement & Supply, you will play a key role in developing category strategies, leading sourcing initiatives and managing strategic supplier relationships across a diverse portfolio.
• You'll work collaboratively with stakeholders across the organisation to balance commercial outcomes, risk management, supply continuity and operational requirements.

In this diverse role, you will:

• Develop and implement category strategies aligned to organisational objectives.
• Analyse spend, supplier markets, risks and demand patterns to identify opportunities for value creation and cost optimisation.
• Lead sourcing projects, RFx processes, tender evaluations and commercial negotiations.
• Manage strategic supplier relationships, performance reviews and innovation initiatives.
• Negotiate contracts and monitor performance to maximise commercial value and compliance outcomes.
• Partner with operational, clinical and executive stakeholders to understand business requirements and deliver procurement solutions.
• Deliver savings initiatives, monitor category performance and support budgeting processes.
• Identify and manage supply chain, supplier and market risks through proactive mitigation strategies.
• Develop category dashboards, KPI reporting and strategic recommendations for leadership teams.
• Drive continuous improvement, standardisation and procurement transformation initiatives across the organisation.

What makes a difference for us?

• Demonstrated experience in category management, strategic sourcing, procurement and contract management within a medium to large organisation.
• Proven ability to develop and implement category strategies that deliver cost savings, value creation, risk mitigation and service improvements in a related healthcare environment.
• Experience leading procurement activities including RFx processes, tender evaluations, commercial negotiations and supplier selection in private hospitals or related healthcare environment.
• Strong understanding of procurement governance, commercial principles, contract management and compliance requirements.
• Proven ability to analyse spend data, supplier markets and performance metrics to support strategic decision-making.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to influence operational leaders, executives and subject matter experts.
• Experience managing supplier performance, business reviews and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong financial and commercial acumen, including savings tracking, benefits realisation and budget awareness.
• Eligibility to legally work in Australia and ability to satisfy relevant probity requirements.

Highly regarded:

• Tertiary qualifications in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Business, Commerce, Finance or a related discipline.
• Knowledge of clinical stakeholder engagement, procurement governance and supply chain risk management.

What makes a difference for you?

• NFP Salary Packaging: Save tax and increase your take home pay by salary packaging your everyday living expenses and bills (up to $15,900) and meal entertainment (up to $2,650) per annum.
• Flexible work arrangements to support work-life balance.
• A recognition and rewards platform, providing employee discounts at hundreds of retailers, including everyday expenses, holidays, health insurance, annual awards celebration, wellbeing and employee assistance programs.
• 12 weeks paid parental leave and 2 weeks paid partner leave, available after 6 months service, in addition to the government scheme.
• Diversity and inclusive leave, offering paid gender affirmation leave and cultural leave options (paid and unpaid) for those who may celebrate Lunar New Year, Diwali, Ramadan, NAIDOC weeks and other significant cultural events.
• Career development opportunities to challenge yourself, grow and make a meaningful difference.
• A positive and inclusive team based on respect, shared standards, strong values and a commitment to serving others.

UnitingCare is committed to being a Child Safe, Child Friendly organisation and will:

• Provide welcoming, safe and nurturing services for children.
• Implement measures to prevent child abuse and neglect within our services.
• Appropriately and immediately address child abuse and neglect if it does occur.
• Abide by the Child Safe Standards and adhere to the Reportable Conduct Scheme.

Our approach is simple– everybody is welcome here. At UnitingCare, diversity is at the core of our who we are, our mission and our values. We are committed to providing equal opportunities to all employees no matter their sex, race, culture, sexual orientation, disability or gender identity.

We work hard to make our services welcoming and safe for every person. We are united in keeping children, young people and the elderly safe from harm, within our services, workplaces and the communities we support.

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