Category Manager

The Role

Commercial Branch, as part of Group Operations Division within DDG, is responsible for a wide range of activities across a portfolio of over $2.5 billion. We perform commercial activities such as Category Management to understand the market, leading sourcing and negotiation activities to ensure ongoing commercial leverage for Defence, management of complex contracts to enable flexibility, a clear focus on industry and supplier relationships, and operations that ensure commercial best practice.

Through a centralised commercial capability, Commercial Branch delivers end to end services that support global platforms, best-in-class sovereign capabilities and a modern APS/ADF workforce for the digital age. Commercial Branch is seeking a talented and motivated candidate to join our Category Management Team within Commercial Branch to support the achievement of Defence’s strategic outcomes. The Category Management function is the ‘front door’ into Commercial Branch. The Category Management function provides an in-depth market intelligence capability for the Commercial Branch.

You will work in lock step with Capability Managers, Architecture, and Engineering teams to influence demands, by providing market intelligence, at the initial planning stages of procurements within the Group. The role requires strong judgement, stakeholder engagement and a focus on achieving outcomes. As part of the Category Management team, you will help the Branch and DDG meet Defence's current and future needs. You will work closely with DDG and Defence stakeholders to achieve better value for money through effective procurement and contract management. You will also support smoother delivery of programs and projects across Defence.

This role is eligible for an additional remuneration benefit known in Defence as a Building Defence Capability Payment (BDCP). This enables Defence to provide a premium, in addition to the base salary otherwise payable under the Defence Enterprise Collective Agreement (DECA), for positions in occupational disciplines/classifications that are critical to Defence capability. For further information, please contact the contact officer.

About our Team

Working in the Defence Digital Group (DDG), you will be contributing your expertise to some of the most technically demanding and complex ICT transformation projects being undertaken in Australia. DDG is transforming Defence’s ICT capabilities. We build and maintain critical infrastructure and systems, such as classified and secure military systems. We manage one of the largest ICT networks in Australia and provide a modern, secure, sustainable and scalable information environment to enable current and future military and business operations.

Our vision is a DDG where everyone understands how we can use technology to enable war fighting as well as our day-to-day business. We apply new ways of thinking and working that allow us to take advantage of faster, better and more efficient ways of delivering ICT Services. Supporting Defence in this technology dominated era requires a different, more responsive and agile approach to everything, from our strategy, through to our processes, policies and people.

We are diverse, agile and strive for a positive workforce culture where people feel valued and where we take pride in our work. We foster a work environment where individual differences are valued and utilised. We leverage the unique knowledge and experience of our people to enhance our capability. Everyone has something to contribute.

DDG offers the opportunity to work in the largest and most complex ICT environment in Australia with a competitive salary, flexible work hours and work-life balance, generous leave (with the ability to purchase more), and 15.4% superannuation, paid paternity/maternity leave, retirement planning, and wellness programs. We invest in your career development through funding your Professionalisation and training programs and offer a variety of opportunities nationally.

Our Ideal Candidate

We are seeking to engage a values driven leader who demonstrates integrity, strong judgement, strategic thinking, people centred leadership and a commitment to fostering a positive, inclusive and high performing team culture.

As an EL 1 Category Manager, you will demonstrate: 

• Strong leadership and accountability, with the ability to manage resources, set priorities, lead complex work programs, develop business strategies, and deliver outcomes aligned to organisational objectives.
• Expert knowledge of procurement, category management and commercial practices, with experience in vendor management, contract management, and leading complex procurement activities across the full procurement lifecycle.
• Sound understanding of legislative, governance and policy frameworks, including government decision-making processes, with the ability to provide informed advice, manage compliance obligations, and coordinate specialist financial, legal and governance inputs.
• Well-developed people leadership skills, with the ability to lead, mentor and develop high-performing teams, set clear expectations, drive performance, and build workforce capability.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with the ability to build productive relationships, understand stakeholder needs, negotiate effectively, and influence outcomes in complex environments.
• High-level commercial acumen and strategic problem-solving capability, including identifying and managing risks, developing innovative solutions, and delivering outcomes in an agile, collaborative and outcomes-focused environment.

Security Clearance:

Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at Negative Vetting Level 1.

The Department of Defence employs around 18,000 Australian Public Service (APS) employees. Defence APS employees work in a wide variety of critical roles, Australia wide, enabling our three services Navy, Army and Air Force, to do their job. Defence has a range of Australian Public Service (APS) career opportunities that offer interesting, challenging, and unique work. Our workforce includes administrative support, accountants, intelligence analysts, engineers, policy advisors, graphic designers, lawyers, social workers, IT specialists and contract managers to name a few. We offer a rewarding career that includes professional development, work-life balance, recognition, a flexible and supportive work environment and a diverse workforce. To find out more about a career with Defence please visit https://www.defence.gov.au/jobs-careers