IT Procurement Category Manager

Job Description:Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

This is an opportunity to play a key role in shaping the University’s approach to strategic IT procurement. Working within Procurement and OneFinance, you will lead end-to-end sourcing and category management activities, helping to deliver value for money, manage commercial risk, and support the University’s broader strategic objectives through effective supplier and stakeholder partnerships.

• Lead complex sourcing activities from planning and market engagement through to supplier selection, negotiation, contract execution, and ongoing supplier management.
• Develop and implement category strategies for IT-related spend, informed by market insights, stakeholder needs, risk assessments, and business priorities.
• Build trusted relationships with stakeholders across the University, providing expert procurement advice and supporting informed commercial decision-making.
• Manage strategic supplier relationships, driving performance, innovation, value creation, and continuous improvement throughout the contract lifecycle.
• Analyse spend, market trends, and supplier performance to identify opportunities for cost optimisation, service improvements, and risk mitigation.
• Champion best-practice procurement processes, ensuring compliance with University policies, regulatory requirements, and ethical procurement standards.
• Embed environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations into procurement activities, supporting the University’s sustainability and strategic goals.

This is a full-time (37.5 hours per week), 24-month Fixed Term position. The salary range is $118,000-$136,500pa plus benefits.

For more detailed information, please refer to the Position Description.

He kōrero mōu | About You

You are an experienced procurement professional who combines commercial acumen with strong relationship management skills. Comfortable working in complex stakeholder environments, you bring a strategic mindset, strong analytical capability, and a collaborative approach that enables you to influence outcomes and deliver value across a broad range of procurement activities.

• Proven experience in procurement, category management, supplier relationship management, and contract management, ideally within a large and diverse organisation.
• Demonstrated ability to lead end-to-end sourcing projects, including tendering, evaluation, negotiation, and contract implementation.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret spend data, assess market conditions, evaluate risks, and develop evidence-based procurement strategies.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the confidence to influence, advise, and build credibility at all levels of an organisation.
• Well-developed commercial and negotiation skills, with a track record of achieving positive outcomes and managing supplier performance.
• A customer-focused and collaborative approach, coupled with sound judgement, integrity, and a commitment to ethical procurement practices.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, adapt to changing business needs, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• A recognised tertiary qualification in procurement, supply chain management, business, or a related discipline.

Experience within technology, digital, or IT procurement environments, together with an understanding of sustainable procurement and ESG principles, would be highly advantageous.

What we offer | Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou

The University is committed to providing an excellent working environment through:

• Flexible employment practices (including working from home if feasible, flexible hours)
• Up to 6.75% company superannuation scheme
• A competitive salary with five weeks’ annual leave

In addition, we also offer career development programmes, discounted car parking, a generous parental leave allowance, childcare, and a number of other discounts on internal and external services.

For more information, please visit Staff Benefits.

Additional Information:Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications must be submitted online, by the closing date of Sunday 8th November, 2026 to be considered. Please include your cover letter and your CV highlighting how you can meet the skills and experiences detailed above.

Please note we are happy to answer your questions but we do not accept applications by email.

Equity

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment. For further information on services for Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQIATakatāpuiMVPFAFF+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other personal circumstances go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz