Category Manager

Alfred Health

Alfred Health is a leader in health care delivery, improvement, research and education. We are the main provider of health services to people living in the inner southeast suburbs of Melbourne, from ambulatory to inpatient and home and community-based services.

• Permanent Full Time (76 hours per fortnight)
• Managers and Administrative Workers Grade 5 (HS5)
• Great staff benefits!
• Located at The Alfred

The Department

The Procurement & Supply Department is the principal procurement, warehousing, and distribution centre for Alfred Health.

Procurement supports the Health Service in the pursuit of its strategic goals by providing an effective and efficient service. Procurement is responsible for governance and compliance across all procurement activities within the Health Service with a focus on managing costs and risks in line with three (3) overarching objectives as follows:

• Value for money
• Quality services; and
• Alignment with business needs

The Role

This position is responsible for supporting the development of category planning strategies and delivering procurement sourcing projects and contracts that minimize risk and achieve the best value in meeting Alfred Health’s business objectives.

With strong management support, this position is responsible for actively and strategically managing a significant portfolio of annual spending across supply and service providers. This may include categories across both direct and indirect areas, such as Medical and Pharmaceutical, as well as Building and Construction, and Corporate Services, among others.

Although the scope of this role is not confined to a single category, the focus will be on the Pathology Category. This will involve the development and implementation of strategic procurement initiatives to support the Shared Pathology Network, which also encompasses external health services. The role will require close collaboration with key stakeholders across these institutions to ensure alignment with clinical, operational, and financial objectives, while driving value, compliance, and innovation within the pathology supply chain

Experience and Qualifications Required

• Proven working experience in a sourcing or procurement role
• Familiarity with strategic sourcing and category management methods
• Subject matter expertise across Direct Goods / Services Categories
• Understanding of market dynamics and sound business judgment
• Strong project management and leadership skills
• Ability to establish and sustain networking relationships
• Strong negotiation skills
• Comfortable with figures and collecting, analysing, and interpreting data
• Solid judgment with the ability to make good decisions
• Understanding of Contracts and Legal Terminology
• Ability to prioritise various projects
• Influencing skills at all levels, including internal and external stakeholders
• Excellent communication skills, including verbal and written, and the ability to prepare reports for executive approvals

Staff Benefits

• Salary packaging & novated leasing through Maxxia
• Flexible health insurance coverage through HCF Health Insurance
• Onsite car and bike parking opportunities, deducted pre-tax!!
• Fantastic onsite fitness facilities at The Alfred through ProSport health and fitness
• Childcare services at The Alfred managed by KU Children’s Services
• Great mentoring opportunities

If applicable, please specify specific requirements that you require in your cover letter or CV.

For enquiries regarding this position, please contact Adeel Ahmed, Head of Medical and Pharmaceuticals Sourcing on a.ahmed@alfred.org.au.

Applications close 11 pm AEST, Sunday 10^th August 2025.

Alfred Health is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce that reflects the community we serve.  Applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are encouraged.

In accordance with the Health Services Amendment (Mandatory Vaccination of Healthcare Workers) Act 2020, health care workers in Category A or B roles (as determined by the department’s risk ratings) are required to be vaccinated against influenza or hold an acceptable medical exemption. 

Website: www.alfredhealth.org.au