Category Specialist

Category Specialist

Job Location: Adelaide, SA OR Melbourne, VIC

We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements including a 9-day fortnight.

Who we are:

Join BAE Systems and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow – shaping a safer future, for all of us.

From the depths of the ocean, to the far reaches of space – there’s no limit to where a career at BAE Systems could take you.

Role Description:

We are seeking a proactive and commercially focused Category Specialist to join our team based in Adelaide, SA or Melbourne, VIC.

As a Category Specialist, you will be responsible for the management of indirect spend categories including engineering consultancy, R&D, banking, legal, security, and other professional services. In this role, you will partner closely with stakeholders across the business to understand and simplify complex requirements, delivering effective sourcing and contracting solutions that support strategic objectives. Drawing on your strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills, you will establish, negotiate and manage appropriate supplier and contractual arrangements to ensure suppliers consistently deliver against cost, schedule, quality, and safety expectations.

Core Duties:

• Manage the portfolio of indirect spend categories, developing and implementing sourcing strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Engage with stakeholders to understand business needs and translate complex requirements into practical procurement solutions.
• Lead sourcing, negotiation, and contracting activities with suppliers and service providers.
• Establish and manage supplier agreements that deliver value while maintaining compliance and managing risk.
• Driving value through effective supplier performance management, fostering strong supplier relationships, mitigating risk, and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement
• Establish and manage enterprise-wide contracting arrangements and Enterprise Agreements (EAs).
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders and suppliers to drive alignment and category performance.
• Manage procurement projects and category initiatives, ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and to agreed outcomes.

About You

• Experience across indirect categories including engineering consultancy, R&D, banking, legal, security, or professional services is highly regarded.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to engage effectively at all levels.
• Demonstrated experience in end-to-end procurement and category management.
• Proven ability to develop, negotiate, and manage supplier contracts.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to deliver value, effective risk management and business outcomes.
• Defence industry experience is advantageous but not essential.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Business, Commerce, Procurement, Supply Chain, or a related discipline are desirable.

Why BAE Systems?

Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work – this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family – support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.

A place where everyone can thrive

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.

We support our veteran community through VetNet Australia, along with initiatives such as Reserve Service Leave, a Veteran Mentoring Program, and partner-supported programs.

We welcome applications from all candidates and strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply.

We are proud to be recognised as an employer of choice for women by WORK180 and recipients of the Benchmarcx Top Employer for Candidate Experience Excellence 2026. As members of the Circle Back Initiative, we commit to responding to every applicant.

If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact our recruitment team to discuss the support you may need. You can also connect with us via Careers and Employment.

Security statement

Please note, as a defence security clearance is required for this role, applicants must be Australian citizens and either possess or be eligible to obtain and maintain one. Further information regarding security clearances.