Category Lead

Drive smarter procurement at Banyule Council through analysis, insight, strategy and influence

Banyule City Council is seeking a Category Lead to establish the category function and drive strategic outcomes across key spend areas.

This newly created role plays a critical part in shaping category strategy, market insight and sourcing direction, enabling better commercial decisions across the organization.

Working closely with the Senior Procurement Coordinator, you will bridge strategy and delivery, ensuring procurement activity is informed, prioritized, and aligned to Banyule City Councils values

Why you’ll love this role and what you’ll be doing:

You’ll partner with procurement colleagues, Finance and business leaders to identify opportunities early, guide informed decisions and strengthen procurement capability across Council. You will also provide leadership and coaching to the Sustainable Procurement Officer. You’ll:

• Lead the foundational development for category planning and strategy development across priority spend areas
• Provide market intelligence, demand analysis and commercial insight
• Identify value opportunities including savings, risk reduction and service improvement
• Develop structured sourcing briefs to guide procurement delivery
• Provide guidance to the Sustainable Procurement Officer to ensure sustainability is integrated within key strategic categories.
• Support procurement pipeline planning and early engagement with stakeholders
• Partner broadly across Council to improve procurement outcomes

This role is part of Banyule’s Leadership Network – you’ll have opportunities to grow your skills and experience of leadership and develop your skills as an organisational leader beyond your role-based expertise

What you'll bring/what we are looking for

We are looking for a commercially astute and collaborative procurement professional who can turn complex data and market insights into clear, practical strategies. You will be a confident influencer and trusted adviser who brings people with you, challenges conventional thinking and is motivated by delivering sustainable value for Council and our community. To succeed in this role, you will have:

1. Tertiary qualifications in business, finance, procurement, supply chain, commerce or a related discipline. Or have lesser qualifications and extensive experience in a senior category management role.

2. Strong commercial, negotiation and contract management skills,

3. Proven ability to deliver strategic sourcing outcomes through effective market analysis, planning, and structured procurement processes.

4. Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels and manage complex interactions with clarity and professionalism.

5. Strong analytical capability and high attention to detail, enabling accurate assessment of data, supplier information and procurement risks to support informed decision making.

Pre-employment requirements

• Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check
• Psychometric Assessment

What we offer:

• A permanent, full-time, position with a monthly RDO
• Salary $131,199.83 to $146,633.76 (dependent on experience) per annum plus super
• Opportunities for your growth and development, including health and well-being initiatives
• Greensborough office location, close to public transport and the town centre
• Access a range of flexible work options to support work–life balance, including hybrid working
• Purchased leave options to provide additional flexibility
• Generous leave entitlements, including: 26 weeks paid parental leave (primary carer), 4 weeks paid parental leave (partner), gender affirmation leave, and gendered health leave

How to apply

To apply for this position, please submit your resume, and a cover letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria, and complete the position specific questions found on the application form.

Applications close: 20 October 2026 at 11:45 PM.

If you have any questions about this opportunity, please call Tim Hudson on (03) 9433 6101.

Equal Opportunity and Accessibility: Banyule City Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer; we value diversity and inclusion, and we welcome candidates from all backgrounds. If you have a reasonable adjustment, support, or access requirement, we encourage you to inform us through your application or email [email protected]   

Our Values: At Banyule, our values of respect, integrity, responsibility, initiative and inclusion guide how we work with each other and our community. We are looking for someone who shares these values and is passionate about creating positive outcomes for our people and the community we serve.  

Community Vision: We in Banyule are a thriving, sustainable, inclusive and connected community. We are engaged, we belong, and we value and protect our environment.  

Diversity Statement: Our community is made up of diverse, cultures, beliefs, abilities, bodies, sexualities, ages, and genders. We are committed to access, equity, participation, and rights for everyone: principles that empower, foster harmony, and increase the well-being of an inclusive community.  

To discover more about Banyule's commitment to advancing gender equality in the workplace, please find Banyule's Workplace Gender Equality Action Plan 2021-2025.  

Acknowledgment of the Traditional Custodians: Banyule City Council is proud to acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people as Traditional Custodians of the land and we pay respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders, past, present and emerging, who have resided in the area and have been an integral part of the region’s history.  Banyule City Council endorses the Uluru Statement from the Heart in full and accepts the invitation to walk with First Nations peoples, to a better future for us all.  

Child Safe Standards Statement of Commitment: Banyule City Council is a child-safe organisation committed to the safety and well-being of children.  

Council has a zero tolerance for child abuse. All allegations and safety concerns will be treated seriously and acted upon. As a child-safe organisation we are committed to providing a child-safe environment where children feel safe, are empowered, valued and protected. Council will actively listen to children, ensuring their voices are heard and considered in decisions that affect their lives.