We are looking for a Category Manager - Direct for executing Group Procurement initiatives and supporting the Head of Direct Procurement.

You will be a key contributor to a growing procurement team focussed on delivering an efficient and effective framework that aligns with the Groups strategic and operational objectives to deliver optimal commercial outcomes from its procurement activities.

You will join a high-performing welcoming team based at our modern Head Office which offers a vibrant environment featuring a balcony BBQ area collaborative and quiet spaces and plenty of natural light

About the role:

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Manage end-to-end sourcing stages:
  Lead sourcing activities from strategy development (Category Plans Procurement Plans) to tender execution and award. Ensure procurement aligns with project milestones regulatory frameworks and industry standards for safety quality and compliance.

• Identifying group initiatives for Direct categories:
  Identify strategic sourcing and efficiency opportunities across Direct categories such as construction materials plant hire traffic management and subcontracted services. Target addressable spend to drive savings improve delivery performance and support program rollout across major infrastructure works.

• Stakeholder engagement:
  Engage with delivery divisions corporate functions and external delivery partners to ensure alignment of category strategies with project delivery needs. Act as a trusted commercial advisor balancing operational urgency with long-term value and risk management.

• Supplier Relationship Management (SRM):
  Manage key subcontractors and high-impact suppliers supporting field operations civil works and utility network upgrades. Drive performance through structured SRM including KPI reviews and issue resolution with the supplier and business stakeholders.

• Supplier contract administration / management:
  Administer preferred supplier contracts across direct categories. Further develop contract registers at a Group level to enable easy access by the business. Support variations and contract reviews in coordination with project teams.

• Reporting:
  Deliver data-driven insights through monthly procurement reporting focusing on spend across utilities telco and transport defence and social infrastructure projects. Maintain procurement taxonomy and develop BI dashboards to enable category transparency compliance tracking and commercial performance monitoring.

• Preferred Supplier program management:
  Maintain and optimise the Preferred Supplier Program for direct categories. Ensure availability of up-to-date guidelines pricing documentation and supplier information via intranet pages or internal platforms to enable quick and compliant engagement.

• Supplier innovation initiatives:
  Facilitate supplier-led innovation initiatives that improve business outcomes digitisation of field processes or safety / sustainability outcomes.

About you

Our ideal candidate will have:

• 5 years experience in procurement with exposure to strategic sourcing and category management.

• Effective communication & presentation skills demonstrating ability to engage with various levels of stakeholders.

• Experience in complex or matrix organisations

• Prior experience in telecommunications utilities transport or defence sectors or with major infrastructure delivery partners is highly regarded.

• Lead end-to-end sourcing process full RFx lifecycle (RFQ RFP RFI) planning through to contract execution and post-award activities.

• Commercial experience and acumen in similar industries to Service Stream is highly regarded.

• Tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline is preferred but not essential.

• Experience in commercial negotiations reviewing negotiating and executing complex contracts.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills (adept in BI Reporting and Excel)

• Good relationship management collaboration communication and presentation skills (Powerpoint & Word)

• Adaptable positive can-do attitude aptitude to positively influence others.

• Operate and contribute to a developing environment where procurement processes policies and opportunities are developing and constantly improving.

About us

Service Stream is an equal opportunity ASX-listed business that develops and operates Australias essential services networks across telecommunications utilities transport defence and social infrastructure industries.We keep communities connected.

Benefits of working with us include

• Flexible working- All flexibility requests are genuinely considered. This position offers hybrid working.

• Growth We are growing and there are opportunities for your career development across our business units.

• Discounts- Access to hundreds of businesses such as Woolworths Air BNB The Iconic JB HI-FI Dan Murphys Bupa Health Care and Specsavers. We also offer access to novated leasing.

• Paid leave- Parental cultural community service study corporate volunteering and purchased leave available.

• Culture We are dedicated to fostering a workplace environment that values diversity and inclusion and we recognise and celebrate excellence throughout the year.

How to apply

Please submit your interest with the apply button where you will be directed to create a profile on our system. We celebrate diversity at Service Stream and would welcome applications from people who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people with a disability or neurodivergence and those from LGBTIQA Veteran or other diverse groups.

Applications will not be accepted via email. If you require any reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process please email .