James Cook University (JCU) is creating a brighter future for life in the Tropics and beyond, through education and research that makes a difference locally and globally.

We’re currently seeking an experienced Procurement Category Manager to join our high-performing team within the Financial and Business Services Directorate.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape strategic sourcing at a University committed to excellence. You’ll play a key role in influencing procurement decisions, strengthening supplier relationships, and delivering smart, sustainable outcomes that directly support JCU’s world-class teaching and research.

• Full-time, continuing position
• Located at the Townsville Bebegu Yumba campus, Douglas
• HEWL 8: $108,964 - $125,126 per annum (effective 1 July) plus up to 17% employer superannuation contributions, leave loading and other generous employee benefits
• A further 2.75% salary increase on 31 December 2025.

ABOUT THE ROLE

As Procurement Category Manager, you’ll lead the strategic management of an assigned category of expenditure, developing and executing sourcing strategies that align with JCU’s goals. You’ll identify opportunities for cost savings, enhance procurement processes, and ensure contracts deliver outstanding value and performance.

A key advisor to stakeholders across the University, you’ll manage complex tenders, negotiate favourable outcomes, and drive continuous improvement in category performance. Your work will build supplier capability, reduce risk, and deliver highly effective procurement outcomes that enable our mission of excellence and growth.

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

You’re an experienced procurement professional with a strong background in category management and a passion for delivering measurable value. Your strategic thinking and commercial insight allow you to analyse data, manage risk, and optimise supplier relationships to achieve long-term success.

With excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills, you build credibility and trust with stakeholders and suppliers alike. You hold relevant professional procurement qualifications of a recognised procurement body in Australia (e.g. Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply or similar) specifically related to public sector procurement. Your proactive, partnership-driven approach will help lift procurement performance and support JCU’s ongoing growth.

ABOUT THE FINANCIAL AND BUSINESS SERVICES DIRECTORATE

The Financial and Business Services Directorate is responsible for a diverse range of the University’s financial functions and business services, including: strategic financial and budgeting advice; business case development and review; management accounting; Treasury Management; budgeting; procurement; accounts payable; corporate credit cards; accounts receivable; cashiering/banking; taxation; assets; insurance; financial systems management; and other statutory compliance obligations and responsibilities.

SHAPE YOUR FUTURE WITH JCU

At JCU we’re not just shaping minds; we’re shaping the future.

As Australia’s only university established to focus on the issues of Northern Australia and the Tropics worldwide, JCU is dedicated to helping the world’s tropical regions to prosper. With our main campuses located in the vibrant and diverse tropics of Northern Queensland, JCU is at the forefront of research and education in some of the world’s most critical areas, including marine biology, environmental science, tropical and rural health, and more.

Find out more about JCU, our Careers and our locations.

WHY JCU?

JCU offers a dynamic and culturally diverse workplace where your ideas are valued, your professional growth is supported, and your work-life balance is respected. Working under the values of Authenticity, Excellence, Integrity, and Respect, we support and empower our people through the provisions of;

• A generous superannuation scheme with up to 17% employer contributions with UniSuper
• 36.25-hour full-time working week
• 5 weeks of annual recreation leave plus leave loading
• 15 days paid sick/carers leave per year
• Up to 6 months paid parental leave or 12 months at half pay
• A range of flexible working options
• Attractive options for salary packaging
• Staff study assistance and paid study leave
• Ongoing professional development support
• Fitness Passport
• Corporate discount on health insurance
• Free Employee Assistance Program (coaching and counselling)
• Well-equipped modern facilities and contemporary workspaces with access to on-site childcare and medical services.

HOW TO APPLY AND CONTACT DETAILS

Are you ready to make a difference? Join us at JCU, where your future meets the tropics.

Click the ‘apply’ button to be redirected to the JCU careers page, create an applicant profile and follow the below steps:

1. Complete the application form
2. Upload your current resume
3. Upload a cover letter outlining your relevant experience in relation to the key requirements and how your skills and experience will ensure your success in the role
4. Upload your qualifications.

Applications close on Sunday 6 July at 11:55 PM AEST.

Please note, as the role requires an urgent commencement, we are seeking applications from candidates who currently hold valid Australian work rights.

For any enquiries about the role, please contact Rachel Knight on (07) 4781 4525 or email [email protected].

ABOUT OUR PROCESS

At JCU, we are committed to employing individuals who meet the requirements of the role and align with our values. All applicants will be contacted and advised of an outcome once the recruitment process is finalised.

Please visit our Information Privacy Policy to understand how your information is collected, stored, accessed and used.

WHAT MATTERS TO US AT JCU

• Our People - Our staff, students, and the communities we serve
• Our Education - Knowledge has the power to change lives
• Our Place – the Tropics and beyond
• Our Research – a catalyst for innovation and knowledge generation

James Cook University encourages people from all backgrounds who meet role requirements to apply. We value and celebrate the diversity of our community and are committed to ensuring our learning and working environment is safe and welcoming.