Category Manager

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced Commercial Manager to join our Business Enhancement/Strategic Procurement team in the role of Category Manager. This role will lead the management and execution of central procurement across key construction categories, such as concrete and steel, partnering with operations to establish and implement central agreements that deliver commercial and time benefits to our projects.

You will build strong supplier relationships across multiple categories and support projects to effectively utilise these procurement frameworks. The role is preferably based in Sydney, however Brisbane or Melbourne may also be considered for the right candidate.

What you will do

• Oversee quotations and tenders, negotiate with subcontractors and suppliers, and work with operations personnel and contract administrators to ensure effective contract administration and agreements that deliver benefits for projects and John Holland.
• Partner with projects on relevant categories to execute scopes and contracts that meet project and client needs, overseeing project procurement progress to identify opportunities to execute relevant categories.
• Build relationships across subcontractors, suppliers, tenders, projects and industry to support the negotiation and delivery of central and framework agreements, and identify opportunities, improvements and risks across the categories managed.
• Manage disputes and major claims with subcontractors or clients that fall within the relevant categories.
• Lead analysts to support the execution of central category agreements and benefits realisation.
• Establish and maintain subcontractor registers and key subcontract data.
• Facilitate the resolution of disputes between Project Teams and Suppliers.

What we are looking for

• A Bachelor degree or equivalent in Law, Commerce, Accounting, Business or a related discipline.
• Substantial relevant commercial experience within the construction and engineering industry.
• Strong experience managing contracts across a range of project values and complexities, including negotiating contractual terms, variations and progress claims.
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, with exposure to contract management systems.
• Ideally, further relevant qualifications such as Construction Management, CA/CPA or postgraduate studies in Law, Commerce, Accounting, Quantity Surveying, Business or a related discipline.
• Previous experience working as a Contracts Manager within the construction and engineering industry would be advantageous.
• Experience/comfort in dealing with senior executives, both internally and externally

What we offer

• Competitive salary and benefits, including salary continuance and salary sacrifice options
• Flexible work arrangements and generous leave, including 18 weeks paid parental leave
• Career development through technical, leadership and emerging talent programs
• Opportunities to work on some of Australia's most iconic projects
• A diverse and inclusive culture where everyone feels they belong
• Wellbeing support and benefits designed to help you thrive

At John Holland, our purpose is simple: we transform lives with everything we do.

We know infrastructure is about people - our customers, our employees and the communities we work in every day. That's what sets us apart: deep expertise, proven capability and a genuine commitment to creating better outcomes for people along the way.

With expertise spanning engineering, construction and operations, we're delivering the projects and services that keep communities moving. From rail, roads and bridges to hospitals and stadiums, we've helped shape Australia through iconic projects. You'll even see us operating buses, trains and trams.

Be part of a team that's up for the challenge of transforming lives.

John Holland does not accept any speculative or unsolicited CVs from agencies that have been sent to our internal recruitment team or hiring managers.