Macquarie University is seeking a Category Manager to join our Strategic Procurement team within the Office of the Vice President, Finance & Resources.
In this influential role, you will partner with senior leaders across faculties and professional services to understand their needs, shape procurement strategies, and lead sourcing activities that deliver measurable cost savings, risk mitigation, and operational excellence. You'll work at the intersection of strategy and execution — from developing data-driven category strategies to negotiating complex contracts and fostering long-term supplier relationships.
About the Role
Reporting to the Senior Procurement Operations and Vendor Governance Manager, the Category Manager is responsible for the efficient acquisition, management, and procurement of the University's spend. You will ensure compliance with the ProcureRight Framework while championing innovative practices and process improvements across the Macquarie University group.
Key responsibilities include:
Partnering with Faculty Executive Directors and their teams to understand organisational needs and build tailored procurement strategies across all faculties
Executing end-to-end procurement strategies, including sourcing activities, contract negotiations, and stakeholder engagement through cross-functional team leadership
Collaborating with Strategic Sourcing Portfolio Managers to develop and execute complex procurement strategies that achieve cost savings, risk mitigation, and value for money
Managing strategic and operational procurement projects across all spend categories for the University Group, including related entities
Providing expert advice to stakeholders on sourcing methods, commercial and contracting options to encourage innovative practices and support optimal procurement solutions
Negotiating complex contracts and managing supplier relationships to ensure optimal procurement outcomes
Identifying, scoping, and executing opportunities for policy and process improvement, automation, and transformation
About Us
Strategic Procurement operates within the University's Finance and Shared Services division and is responsible for developing and managing procurement policies, frameworks, and activities that align with Macquarie University's strategic objectives.
Macquarie University's procurement approach encompasses fair competition, probity, and long-term strategic partnerships that enhance research, education, and campus life .
About You
You are a commercially astute procurement professional with a proven track record of developing and delivering complex, data-driven procurement strategies across multiple categories. You bring strong stakeholder engagement skills, a collaborative mindset, and the confidence to influence senior leaders and challenge the status quo to achieve outstanding outcomes.
Selection Criteria:
Bachelor's degree or equivalent, and/or extensive proven experience in procurement across multiple categories
Extensive experience in developing data-driven and complex procurement strategies, including demand management strategies to achieve revenue and expense reduction goals
Expert knowledge of commercial drivers, risk mitigation strategies, and complex contract negotiations
Expert-level analytical and conceptual skills with the ability to deliver innovative solutions to resolve complex problems
Demonstrated capability to influence stakeholders and facilitate change, including a willingness to think creatively and challenge established practices
Expert knowledge of process continual improvement and transformation, with a sound understanding of the local and global market context within which the University operates
How to Apply
To be considered, please apply online with your CV and a cover letter outlining how your experience aligns with the selection criteria (above).
Applications Close: 1 April 2026
We reserve the right to progress or decline an application prior to the application closing date.
For enquiries, or a confidential conversation about the role please contact Dominic Dommersen at dominic.dommersen@mq.edu.au
Why Join Us?
Macquarie is a university engaged with the real and often complex problems and opportunities that define our lives. Since our foundation over 60 years ago, we have aspired to be a different type of university. Over the years, we have grown to become the centre of a vibrant local and global community. Connect with us today.
We rank amongst the top employers in the Australian Workplace Employers Index, having recently earned a five-star rating in the QS World Rankings with the highest rating for employability. Look at the fabulous staff benefits on offer when you work at Macquarie University.
Flexible, hybrid work arrangements
17% Superannuation
Subsidised onsite parking options
Extensive training and professional development programs
Onsite childcare facilities to support working parents
Onsite vacation care during school holidays
Discounted health insurance
Subsidised membership at our Sport & Aquatic Centre
Access to an Employee Assistance Program for free and confidential support
Convenient onsite GP, imaging, and physiotherapy clinics
Pre-Employment Checks
Macquarie University cultivates a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity. Prior to completion of an offer of employment, preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for.
Your employment is conditional upon the completion and maintenance of all role-required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University.
If you're already part of the Macquarie Group (MQ University, U@MQ, MQ Health, MGSM), you'll need to apply through your employee Workday account. To apply for this job: Login to Workday and go to the Careers App > Find Jobs.
Applications Close:
01/04/2026 11:59 PM
A Place Where You Belong
At Macquarie, we believe diversity makes us stronger, inclusion drives our success, and belonging inspires us to do our best work. We are proud to foster a community where different backgrounds, identities, and experiences are valued, and where our people are empowered to thrive through supportive leadership, shared responsibility, and a deep commitment to genuine care and respect for our community. Find out more about our vision for a truly inclusive workplace in our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Framework.
Flexible Work
At Macquarie, we believe by providing flexibility in when, where and how work is done, we can support our staff to manage their personal commitments, while optimising their work performance and contributions to the University. See how we lead in flexible work to enable an outcome focused and inclusive workplace. To learn more about our culture and hiring process, visit our Jobs at Macquarie page.