Category Manager – Procurement

**Location: New Zealand

Role Overview** We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Strategic Category Manager to lead category strategies and oversee the full commercial lifecycle of designated procurement categories.The role focuses on strategic sourcing, contract negotiation, supplier relationship management, financial analysis, and commercial performance. The successful candidate will collaborate with sourcing and supplier performance teams to maximise value, improve procurement efficiency, and support the delivery of high-quality healthcare services nationwide.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category management and commercial strategies.
• Oversee the end-to-end commercial lifecycle of assigned procurement categories.
• Lead strategic sourcing, procurement, and contract management activities.
• Drive supplier performance, relationship management, and contract compliance.
• Conduct financial, market, and commercial analysis to identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Negotiate contracts and secure value for money across procurement categories.
• Collaborate with sourcing managers, supplier performance managers, and internal stakeholders.
• Identify market trends, supply risks, and opportunities for procurement improvement.
• Support standardisation of products and services across the health system.
• Deliver commercial value while ensuring the availability and efficiency of essential healthcare supplies and services.

Requirements

• Relevant tertiary qualification in procurement, supply chain, business, finance, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in category management or strategic sourcing.
• Proven experience in contract negotiation and supplier relationship management.
• Strong financial analysis, market research, and commercial decision-making skills.
• Experience developing and implementing category strategies.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Collaborative leadership style with the ability to work across complex organisations.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver cost efficiencies, commercial value, and improved supplier performance.