Categories Lead - Procurement

About the role

Airbus Australia Pacific (AAP), the region's largest helicopter business, is hiring a Categories Lead in Brisbane (Pinkenba). Reporting to the Manager Procurement within the Supply function, the role delivers procurement services and strategic category oversight across Australia and New Zealand, bridging business goals and operational execution.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute 3 to 5 year category roadmaps (direct or indirect spend) aligned with whole-of-company objectives.
• Use spend analytics, segmentation frameworks and market intelligence to consolidate supplier bases and leverage economies of scale.
• Lead Calls for Tender and supplier selection via Coupa and SAP, following governance and procurement probity standards.
• Lead complex commercial negotiations, contract variations and settlement deeds for strategically significant supply.
• Drive Supplier Relationship Management to mitigate supply chain vulnerability and meet cost-optimisation targets.
• Partner with Sourcing Advisors, Operational Buyers and Warehouse & Logistics teams on end-to-end supply execution.

Required profile

• 8+ years of category management experience managing multiple direct or indirect categories.
• Degree in Procurement, Supply Chain, Business or a related field; CIPS membership highly regarded.
• Proven track record of complex commercial negotiations and TCO optimisation.
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an Australian Baseline Defence security clearance and pass pre-employment medical checks.
• Exposure to Defence environments and ASDEFCON frameworks is desirable but not essential.

Required skills

• SAP and Coupa proficiency.
• Advanced analytical tools such as Excel/Google Sheets.

What we offer

• Genuine flexibility, including hybrid work-from-home options.
• Tailored personal and professional development through classroom and online learning.
• Formal reward and recognition programmes.