Category Management Specialist (Engineering & Technical Services)

Hello. We’re Virgin Australia. We’re the airline that’s always done things a little different. Our way. The Virgin way. We’re on a mission to make flying better than ‘nice’. And to do that, it takes a team of talented people who are passionate about customer experience, doing the right thing always, with a focus on safety – in the air, on the ground and in our workplaces. A team who values real diversity and inclusion, in a big brand with big ambitions.

What you’ll be doing…. 

As a Category Management Specialist within our Strategic Procurement team, you’ll play a pivotal role in delivering commercial and operational value across Engineering and Technical Services categories — helping ensure the reliability, performance, and safety of our fleet.

This is a hands-on role driving end-to-end category management: from strategy development through to supplier relationship management. You’ll partner closely with Engineering, Maintenance, and Technical Services stakeholders to design sourcing strategies that deliver cost efficiencies, operational resilience, and compliance with regulatory standards.

This role is split between our Southbank HQ and Brisbane Airport Hangar, with flexibility to work from home one day a week.

You Will

• Lead complex procurement and sourcing initiatives, draft terms and conditions, and negotiate complex service arrangements to achieve optimal outcomes for the airline.
• Develop and deliver category strategies that align with business technical, safety and commercial goals – covering maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) , component services, tooling and technical support contracts.
• Act as a trusted commercial advisor to Engineering leadership, to drive process efficiencies, support business needs, and maximise value.
• Negotiate and manage technical services and maintenance agreements, ensuring supplier performance aligns with safety, quality, and regulatory standards.
• Partner with internal stakeholders and suppliers to drive innovation, streamline processes, and achieve measurable operational improvements.
• Lead Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) for critical Engineering suppliers, balancing commercial outcomes with reliability and compliance.

What you need to be successful:   

• 5+ years’ experience in strategic sourcing, category management, or commercial management, within Engineering, Technical Services, or aviation-related sectors.
• Proven experience developing and executing category strategies across the full procurement value chain (demand, source, fulfil, manage).
•  Strong commercial acumen with demonstrated negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience leading RFx processes and translating complex technical requirements into clear commercial outcomes.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders.

We’re committed to looking after you, with some of the best benefits and conditions in the industry – including (but not limited to): 

• Heavily discounted travel for you and your loved ones, plus $1,000 in travel credits each year
• Discounts on accommodation, travel insurance, car hire, and experiences
• Wellness support through our BetterMe program and Employee Assistance Program
• Dress for your day – wear what’s right for your work and your schedule

When everyone is included, everyone wins 
 
We’re all individuals. And we love that. That’s why we encourage applications from Indigenous Australians, people with disability, those from diverse cultural backgrounds, our friends in the LGBTQI+ community, and anyone else who wants to join our family. 

Ready to apply?  We’re ready to hear from you. Apply now