Category Specialist

Today and tomorrow at Compass Group, we serve a better future by enriching people, communities and our planet. We do this because we believe that everyone should be seen and nourished as a whole person. We focus on the individual, their needs and more broadly on positive impacts in the community.

The Position:

Two exciting opportunities await! We're looking for skilled Category Specialists to join our teams.

Category Specialist – specialising in and overseeing a Beverage and Retail Portfolio

Category Specialist – specialising in and overseeing a Services and Indirect portfolio

Reporting to the Category Manager, the Category Specialist will be responsible for overseeing a portfolio with procurement day to day operational and project duties. The Category Specialist will drive category management execution on focused spend areas.  Reporting to the Category Manager, you will drive execution of strategic category plans with a high focus on strategic sourcing, integrating supply strategies with client’s business requirements and long-term strategies. You will manage commercial elements, including system pricing and benchmarking as well as provide counsel and training to Procurement Operations Specialist

The Role:

• Manage and conduct sourcing activities (RF-x) across categories
• Lead strategic sourcing events including (RFQ/RFP/RFI, online auctions) to optimise cost, quality, delivery, and technology standards, while bringing a local perspective to national categories.
• Ensure procurement activities include, promote, and support our global ESG focus including social and sustainable procurement objectives
• Manage the day-to-day sourcing of new products/services, ensuring alignment with the overall category strategy
• Manage pricing strategies and ensure competitive and consistent pricing across categories
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to ensure optimal performance and collaboration
• Support Risk Management Strategies across supplier base
• Monitor market trends and provide regular updates on market intelligence and customer insights
• Oversee contract execution and ensure timely and efficient delivery of agreed terms
• Manage system reporting, data maintenance, and ensure accuracy of price files and pipeline data
• Ensure supplier compliance and support onboarding processes, including Supply Chain Queries, Supplier Service Reports , Supplier, Product, Invoice, Delivery and Document, and Supplier Risk Assessment
• Manage an effective and structured Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) Program which strengthens and develops positive and customer-focussed relationships across the supply chain that consistently drive the highest standards of service, quality and innovation
• Provide support for accounts payable, bid processes, SKU & supplier optimisation, product recalls, OOS issues, and ensure assured supply

The Person:

• Relevant completed or currently completing tertiary qualifications in either Business, CIPS, IFPSM or AAPCM qualification or possess experience in a similar role with demonstrated 2-3 years’ experience
• Demonstrate organisational skills and ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment with ability to handle multiple assignments simultaneously and prioritise work to meet all deadlines
• Solid analytical skills with high level of attention to detail. Requires an understanding of the importance of database management and can instil an atmosphere of rigour and reliability in this area within the team
• Computer literate with intermediate/advanced skills in full MS Office Suite: including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Able to handle ambiguity effectively, managing multiple stakeholders, solving operational issues, fostering change and resolving conflict
• Developed and senior level professional procurement and strategic procurement experience – ideally in distribution category or associated field
• Proven and effective professional negotiation and contract management experience
• Track record of procurement category value delivery and effective SRM
• Conduct data review, analysis, and deliver clear, actionable presentations
• Familiar with working in a service industry with an expectation of high customer service levels

The Benefits:

Compass Group is an organisation that's proud of its great people. We believe in the opportunity to recognise and develop great talent and offer many diverse opportunities for career advancement. Recognised as an employer of choice we also have an attractive benefits program including a competitive salary and incentive scheme, recognition programs, paid parental leave, team event days, site-based benefits, and company discounts.

Our people’s unique backgrounds, experience, and abilities are at the heart of our vibrant workforce. We strive to create workplaces that reflect the diverse communities that we serve, where everyone feels empowered and valued. By building diverse teams means we are creating inclusive environments for all our people and those we connect with through our day-to-day operation. We welcome & encourage applications from Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples, people of all backgrounds, ages, sexual orientation, gender expressions, gender identity and people with disability.