Category Manager Jobs in Australia
Category Manager roles are a key part of procurement functions in Australian organisations, typically responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies for defined spend categories. These roles focus on category ownership, commercial outcomes, and stakeholder engagement, and may sit with or without formal people management responsibility.
Category Manager jobs are common across government, infrastructure, resources, manufacturing, and large corporate environments.
This page brings together Category Manager jobs across Australia.
What does a Category Manager do?
In Australia, a Category Manager is usually accountable for end-to-end management of one or more spend categories. The role is typically strategy-led, with responsibility for sourcing decisions, supplier performance, and commercial outcomes.
Unlike Procurement Manager roles, Category Manager positions do not always include people leadership, although this varies by organisation.
Typical responsibilities include:
- Developing and maintaining category strategies aligned to business objectives
- Analysing spend, supply markets, and risk within assigned categories
- Leading sourcing activities and commercial negotiations
- Managing key supplier relationships and performance outcomes
- Working closely with stakeholders to align demand and sourcing decisions
- Ensuring sourcing activity complies with internal governance and policies
In larger or more mature procurement functions, Category Managers often focus primarily on strategy and sourcing, while delivery is supported by Procurement Officers or Specialists.
Typical Category Manager roles in Australia
Category Manager roles may be titled differently depending on scope and organisational structure. Common variations include:
- Category Manager
- Senior Category Manager
- Lead Category Manager
- Commercial Manager (category-focused)
- Category Lead
In some organisations, Category Manager roles may also include informal leadership or mentoring responsibilities, particularly where junior procurement staff support category delivery.
Category Manager salary expectations
Category Manager salaries in Australia vary based on industry, category complexity, and organisational maturity. As an indicative guide, base salaries commonly sit within the range of:
AUD $120,000 – $170,000+
Senior Category Manager roles with responsibility for high-value or high-risk spend categories may sit above this range. Total remuneration may also include performance incentives in some sectors.
For indicative salary ranges across procurement roles, see Procurement Salaries in Australia.
Career progression from Category Manager roles
Category Manager roles often sit between specialist and management positions and can lead to several career paths, including:
- Procurement Manager
- Senior Category Manager
- Commercial Manager
- Head of Category Management
In some organisations, experienced Category Managers progress into broader procurement leadership roles, particularly where people leadership responsibilities are added over time.
For an overview of procurement career pathways, see Procurement Career Paths in Australia.
Explore Category Manager jobs across Australia
Browse current Category Manager jobs across Australia below. Roles may vary by industry, spend category, and seniority, but all involve ownership of procurement outcomes within defined categories.
You can also browse all available roles via Procurement Jobs in Australia.
This page provides general information only and does not constitute employment or career advice.