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 the Category Management Specialist within the Engineering portfolio, you will oversee end-to-end procurement activities for engineering goods and services, with a focus on Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services for aircraft parts and crew training devices. In this role, you will collaborate with key stakeholders to develop and implement robust procurement strategies, negotiate contracts that deliver value for money, and manage risks while ensuring compliance with procurement policies and industry best practices.

You will translate agreed category strategies into a robust pipeline of procurement activities, covering short-term execution and longer-term planning. In addition, you will:

• Lead strategic sourcing, development of terms & conditions, and negotiations of complex, engineering and service arrangements to deliver better outcomes for the airline. 
• For strategic contracts, provide guidance to contract managers on contract interpretation and intent, and be the initial point of escalation in resolving issues with suppliers in respect of adherence to contract terms and conditions.
• Design, negotiate and implement appropriate regimes for monitoring supplier performance and service levels.
• Develop and maintain outstanding relationships with internal clients and supplier stakeholders in order to drive process efficiencies and maximise benefits.
• Lead Supplier Relationships Management meetings with strategic suppliers.  Continually manage supplier relationships to ensure that an appropriate balance is maintained within each service agreement, between service quality and commercial objectives.
• Monitor competitor/industry developments to maintain portfolio plans.

You’ll be great in this role if you have: 

• Experience in strategic category management across the end-to-end procurement value chain (demand, source, fulfil, manage), ideally in an engineering business.
• Experience in leading RFX processes through to contract execution
• Strong demonstrable understanding of category strategy development and ability to articulate its alignment with overall business goals.
• 7+ years’ experience in strategic sourcing, category management, and procurement experience, including at least 5 years in a Category Management role.
• Advanced influencing, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Experience in developing cost models and business cases for senior management approval.
• Possess strong leadership skills with demonstrable ability in running cross-functional projects/teams, delivering time-sensitive outcomes, and managing change.
• Excellent written, verbal communication and presentation skills, in particular the ability to influence and gain support and commitment from key stakeholders and Senior Management.
• Strong commercial acumen and problem-solving skills, with a clear understanding of the drivers affecting the business, enabling assertive and effective guidance to business stakeholders.
• Tertiary qualifications in an engineering field is regarded, but not mandatory.
• You are based in the greater Brisbane area, or you are willing to relocate to Brisbane.

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 air travel for you and your loved ones (including $1000 worth of travel credits per year) 
• Flexible working arrangements (including work hours and work from home) 
• Discounts on travel insurance, car hire, accommodation and experiences worldwide 
• Discounted Virgin Australia Lounge membership  
• Hospitality, retail, technology, beauty services and wellness discounts 
• Wellness support, including the betterme digital wellbeing platform  
• A comprehensive Employee Assistance Program, which offers confidential coaching and support from qualified professionals for all aspects of life – physical, mental, social and financial 
• Dress for Your Day – enjoy the freedom to wear whatever is appropriate for the type of work you do and the day you have ahead of you 

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.