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 Manager within our Procurement team, you’ll play a key role in shaping how Virgin Australia delivers value through strategic sourcing and supplier partnerships. 

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Procurement, you’ll work across the business to understand commercial priorities and develop category strategies that drive cost efficiency, performance and long-term value. You’ll be responsible for managing a diverse range of high-value spend categories that are critical to enable Virgin Australia to deliver an excellent customer experience and operational performance. 

In this role, you will: 

• Develop and execute category strategies across the end-to-end procurement lifecycle, including demand, sourcing, fulfilment and supplier management  

• Partner with stakeholders across the Group to align procurement strategies with business objectives and priorities  

• Lead sourcing activities, including RFx processes, negotiations and contract execution to deliver optimal commercial outcomes  

• Build strong supplier relationships, driving performance, innovation and continuous improvement  

• Manage risk, compliance and governance across supplier arrangements and procurement activities  

• Translate category strategies into a clear pipeline of initiatives, balancing short-term delivery and long-term planning  

• Deliver robust business cases supported by data, analytics and financial modelling  

• Provide commercial advice and act as a trusted advisor to stakeholders across the business  

• Drive continuous improvement across procurement processes, tools and ways of working  

• Support and guide Procurement Analysts across project delivery where required  

This is a highly visible role that sits at the centre of commercial decision-making, influencing both internal stakeholders and external suppliers to deliver meaningful business outcomes. 

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

• 5+ years’ experience in strategic sourcing, category management or procurement within a complex organisation  

• Strong understanding of end-to-end procurement processes and category strategy development  

• Proven ability to lead sourcing events, negotiations and supplier engagements  

• Strong commercial acumen, with experience in financial analysis, cost modelling and business case development  

• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence at all levels of the business  

• Experience managing competing priorities and delivering outcomes in fast-paced environments  

• Strong problem-solving skills and a data-driven approach to decision making  

• Experience working across cross-functional teams and managing projects end-to-end  

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

• Discounted flights for you and your loved ones (including $1000 worth of travel credits per year)  

• A flexible, hybrid work style. Work from home or the office, adapt your location to suit your style and needs  

• One of Brisbane’s most admired head office locations, with South Bank train station, a supermarket, pharmacy, and lunch options downstairs plus a 5-minute walk to the Busway, a rooftop restaurant and onsite gym (with a low membership fee) and South Bank Parklands just across the road  

• Discounts on travel insurance, lounge membership, car hire, accommodation, and experiences worldwide  

• Cheaper hospitality, retail, technology, beauty and wellness services  

• Free counselling and access to a well-being app to support your physical, mental, social and financial health  

• ‘Dress for Your Day’ – enjoy the freedom to wear whatever makes you feel great 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 LGBTQIA+ community, and anyone else who wants to join our family. 

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