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Category Specialist / Senior Category Specialist

  • Perth Metropolitan, Western Australia
  • North Metropolitan Health Service
  • Permanent - Full Time
  • Closing at: Oct 27 2026 - 16:00 AWST
  • Level 7
  • Level 9
  • Procurement and Contract Management - Contracts and Corporate Services
  • North Metropolitan Health Service > Procurement and Contract Management - Contracts and Corporate Services
  • HSO Level G7 $127,194 - $135,150 p.a / HSO Level G9 $153,774 - $158,894 p.a.
  • 2
  • 00009094 / 00007800
  • Subiaco
  • Miscellaneous Specialist Managers
Are you an experienced category management professional looking to make a difference and contribute in a high-performing and supportive team?
 
We are seeking motivated procurement professionals to join our Procurement & Contract Management team to meet the challenge of ensuring North Metropolitan Health Service (NMHS) continues to provide excellent health care to our community in a climate of rapidly escalating demand amidst cost constraints.
 
We have immediate vacancy for Permanent appointments at Full-Time hours (76 hours per fortnight) for:
Category Specialist (Level G-7) x 2 (two), and
Senior Category Specialist (Level G-9) x 1 (one).
 
This process may also be used to appoint to temporary vacancies - fixed term and casual - which may arise during the next 12 months, and which will include the possibility of extension(s) and / or permanency.
 
What are our (Senior) Category Specialist roles?
 
The team manages the end-to-end procurement of a diverse multi-million dollar national and international portfolio, covering Facilities Management, Commercial and Clinical Services, ICT, Security, Engineering, Infrastructure and Community Services, delivering across North Metropolitan Health Service (NMHS).
 
As a member of our team, you will work on strategic procurement and contract management initiatives which support critical healthcare services across Western Australia. You will be part of a supportive and collaborative team culture, with access to extensive professional development and career progression opportunities.
 
Our roles follow the Western Australian Procurement Capability Matrix (attached for reference):
• Category Specialists manage medium-risk contracts and ensure compliance with both procurement policy and objectives.
• Senior Category Specialists manage complex, high-value, high-risk contracts, and resolve advanced issues. 
 
Applicants may apply for either position or be considered for both levels depending on their skills, qualifications and experience.
 
What We're Looking For?
 
Level G-9 Senior Category Specialist
• Extensive experience in end-to-end procurement of distinct category management portfolios and strategic sourcing.
• Demonstrated experience in end-to-end planning, developing and managing complex contracts within a large and complex organisation.
• Ability to provide strategic advice and lead high-value, highly complex procurement initiatives.
 
Level G-7 Category Specialist
• Experience supporting end to end procurement and contract management activities in a category management environment.
• Ability to develop strong stakeholder relationships and contribute to procurement outcomes.
• Sound commercial, analytical and problem-solving skills.
 
For Both Levels
We're looking for people who:
• Thrive in a collaborative, close-knit team environment.
• Are adaptable and able to respond positively to changing priorities.
• Enjoy working through complex challenges with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Have strong communication, stakeholder relationship management and negotiation skills.
 
Your formal tertiary / vocational qualifications in relevant disciplines will be noted.
 
Working knowledge of the Procurement Act 2020 (WA), and your understanding of whole-of-government policies like the Western Australian Procurement Rules, the Aboriginal Procurement Policy, and the Western Australian Industry Participation Strategy, will be well regarded
 
While your qualifications and experience tell us part of your story, your values and attitude speak louder still. At NMHS, we aim to ensure our behaviours reflect our core values: Care, Respect, Innovation, Teamwork and Integrity.  During the selection process you will be assessed on your ability to fulfil the responsibilities of this position while upholding our values.
 
What we offer
 
NMHS supports flexible working practices and consideration will be given to flexible work options, where operationally appropriate. In addition to the great salary, our employees enjoy an amazing range of benefits (North Metropolitan Health Service - Pay and Benefits) including:
 
• Generous salary packaging to increase take-home pay
• Professional and career development opportunities
• Diverse and inclusive culture 
 
Want to know more about this role?
 
We encourage you to contact Rob Bycroft, Manager Category, on (08) 6457 0181 to discuss how this role aligns with your personal and career interests. 
 
We think you’ll like it here
 
Our employees like working here, and we think you will too. Watch this video to find out what they have to say. 

Ready to join our team?
 
Applications must be lodged online via www.jobs.wa.gov.au, so please allow enough time to complete the online application process and attach your supporting documents. If you require assistance at any stage of the application process, HSS Employee Services are available on 13 44 77 during business hours to provide immediate support.
 
Job Description Forms (JDFs) are attached for your reference and provide further information on the role, the key responsibilities and requirements. Please also note the additional requirements indicated in this advertisement.
 
Please indicate in your application whether you wish to be considered for the Category Specialist (G-7), Senior Category Specialist (G-9), or both positions.
 
To help us understand your experience, motivation and suitability for the role, your application should provide following:
• A detailed Resume which sets out your qualifications, capabilities and experience relevant to the position;
• References – the names of two (2) referees. It is preferable for one of your referees to have been a recent manager and/or clinical supervisor;
• A one-page brief that demonstrates your procurement category management experience.
 
Please ensure your nominated referees are available to provide references promptly when requested, as you may be deemed unsuitable for this vacancy if we cannot obtain timely references.

Assessment centre on Wednesday 11th November between 9:00am and 12:00pm.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to participate in an assessment centre designed to reflect how we work, to ensure we select candidates who will thrive in our team-based environment. You must be available for a full morning on Wednesday 11th November between 9:00am and 12:00pm, in Nedlands.

The assessment process will consist of:

  1. Team-based scenario exercise/s where candidates will work in small groups to analyse scenarios and present their recommendations.
  2. Individual interview where candidates will informally discuss their experience, achievements and suitability for the role based on their resume/CV and application.

The assessment process will focus on:

  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Stakeholder engagement
  • Analytical thinking and problem solving
  • Communication skills
  • Adaptability and resilience
Eligibility: To be suitable for this vacancy you must have documentary evidence of your entitlement to live and work in Australia.
 
WA Health engages staff in positions of trust and responsibility. WA Health policies require applicants to undertake a criminal records screening and integrity checking as part of the appointment process, and a pre-employment health assessment. We may ask referees to comment on your integrity and past demonstration of ethical behaviour. Please note that adverse information does not necessarily disqualify an applicant but will be considered as part of the appointment process.
 
Similar Vacancy Whilst this selection process will initially be used to fill the above vacancy, it may also be used to fill other "similar" vacancies throughout the health service or the wider public service. In addition to this, should the successful applicant decline or vacate the advertised vacancy, then the next most suitable applicant may also be selected from this process. Both of these options remain valid for a period of twelve (12) months from when the authorised delegate endorses the recruitment decision.
 
NMHS fosters an environment of equity and inclusion and strives to ensure everyone experiences a sense of belonging.  We celebrate the rich diversity of our community and are committed to recruiting a team that is reflective of those we care for. We encourage anyone who aligns with our values of Respect, Integrity, Teamwork, Innovation and Care to apply for this role.
 
NMHS is committed to growing the Aboriginal workforce as a part of our Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing Strategy.  As a measure to achieve equality, Section 51 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 applies to this position. Aboriginal people are encouraged to apply.
 
NMHS upholds the social model of disability. We welcome applicants who have disability and endeavour to support reasonable workplace adjustments and flexibility. If you have any access needs or require adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please contact NMHS Human Resources at nmhs.talent@health.wa.gov.au.
 
Lodgement is system generated. Any submissions after or on, 4:00pm on the closing date will not be accepted.
 
We look forward to receiving your application.

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