Senior Category Specialist

Our state government client is currently seeking a Senior Category Specialist for a 6 month assignment in the Perth CBD.

The Senior Category Specialist is responsible for creating and realising value from commercial arrangements by:

• Managing the end to end procurement and contract management processes for categories including ICT/health technologies, clinical or other health care related goods and services that are typically high risk, high value and highly complex involving liaison and negotiation with multiple stakeholders and suppliers
• Providing strategy development, sourcing and supplier relationship management services to elicit best value for money for the WA health system.

Responsibilities:

• Maintains a current strategic overview of the relevant commercial attributes of the categories under management such as industry trends, demand trends, supply market, economic and social factors, benchmark information etc. economic and social factors, benchmark information etc. 
• Provides specialist advice and support with regard to the monitoring and review of contract performance, including but not limited to Key Performance Indicator monitoring and reporting. 
• Leads the strategic planning process for high risk and highly complex contracts, particularly in regard to contract requirements and participates in the preparation of business cases, procurement plans, risk management strategies and other relevant procurement and/or technical documentation.
• Consults with multiple, senior contract stakeholders and leads the process of development of procurement strategies, contract objectives, scope, procurement time frames, benchmarks for evaluation, and other contractual terms. 
• Oversees and develops highly complex contracts, ensuring stakeholder management is maintained throughout the various stages of the procurement process, and in accordance with the WA health system’s relevant Authorisation Schedules and WA Government procurement policies and guidelines.
• Manages high risk and high value contracts under assigned categories as per the current Contract management guidelines and /or as directed by the Manager
• Coordinates and manages contract life cycle, i.e. initiates reviews and liaises with stakeholders with regard to the contract’s effectiveness; both cost and performance.
• Ensures purchases under the respective contract reflect agreed contract terms.
• Undertakes or participates in discussions with vendors and internal stakeholders to resolve problems associated with the execution and/or management of contracts. 
• Monitors and evaluates vendor performance against contract deliverables and agreed service levels to ensure contract compliance. 
• Evaluates variation proposals and interpretations of contract terms and provides appropriate recommendations to the relevant stakeholders.
• Identifies risks or issues arising from high risk and highly complex contracts and assists with mitigation and dispute resolution where required.
• Assists internal and external stakeholders with the evaluation of usually high value contracts. 
• Assists with ongoing budget requirements with respect to contract expenditure.
• Liaises with the Office of the Chief Procurement Officer (OCPO), as required, on the implementation of policies regarding the procurement process. 
• Provides advice and assistance regarding procurement and contract management.

Essential Criteria:

• Demonstrated experience in procurement category management across multiple categories.
• Demonstrated extensive experience in the planning, development and/or management of medium - high risk and complex contracts to meet the strategic and operational business needs within a complex organisation. 
• Highly-developed written communication skills with the demonstrated ability to prepare and present complex procurement and technical documentation.
• Demonstrated analytical, research and conceptual skills with the ability to provide appropriate solutions to highly complex problems and issues.
• Demonstrated high level verbal, interpersonal, relationship management and negotiation skills with the ability to liaise, consult and negotiate effectively at senior levels in the public and private sectors. 
• Highly-developed organisational skills with the ability to manage a large workload and achieve desired outcomes within required time frames. 

Desirable Criteria:

• Formal qualifications in an appropriate discipline.
• Appropriate knowledge of the WA State Supply Commission policies and guidelines.
• Current knowledge of legislative obligations for Equal Opportunity, Disability Services and Occupational Safety & Health, and how these impact on employment and service delivery.

Appointment is subject to:

• Completion of 100 point identification check.
• Successful Criminal Record Screening Clearance.
• Successful Pre-Employment Integrity Check.
• Pre-Employment Health Assessment.

If this opportunity sounds like the right fit for you and you are interested, please apply now with your CV and a cover letter demonstrating your suitability against the above. If you are successful, a member of the team will contact you to discuss the position in detail.




DFP welcomes applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds and people with disability. In addition, DFP will provide reasonable adjustments for individuals with disability throughout the recruitment process. If you identify as a person with disability and require adjustments to the application, recruitment, selection and/or assessment process, please advise via adjustments@dfp.com.au or 1300 337 000 and indicate your preferred method of communication (email, phone, text) so we can keep in touch and meet your accessibility needs.

Note: You may be required to provide evidence of your COVID-19 vaccination status.