Senior Category Manager

Your opportunity

The Senior Category Manager – Information Technology reports to the General Manager - Procurement within the Procurement Team. The role leads a small IT Procurement team and works collaboratively to manage commercial engagements, drive value and deliver strategic procurement outcomes for the TPG Telecom Technology teams.

The role is an integral part of the procurement team and will partner closely with the Technology teams to establish and maintain commercial relationships with vendors and partners to offer solutions to TPG business customers.

The role is accountable for developing and executing IT category strategies, strengthening strategic supplier management disciplines, and building team capability to support TPG Telecom’s technology roadmap, commercial priorities and operational resilience.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a small team of IT Procurement professionals, setting clear priorities, delegating effectively, coaching capability and supporting performance, development and engagement.
• Provide day-to-day leadership across the IT Procurement team, including workload planning, issue escalation, decision support and consistent application of procurement policies and governance.
• Manage the portfolio of strategic vendors and their engagement across the IT Technology organisation working closely with the relevant business owners to deliver optimal value to TPG.
• Identify and manage the delivery of savings and cost reduction initiatives without compromising business objectives or quality or service/scope.
• Lead commercial negotiations with vendors to ensure optimum outcomes whilst ensuring that our dealings with vendors meet the highest professional and ethical standards.
• Plan and prioritise IT Procurement initiatives across the IT Procurement team, ensuring team capacity is aligned to business priorities and supporting ongoing team development.
• Manage and lead RFx processes.
• Develop, maintain and execute IT category strategies aligned to TPG Telecom’s technology roadmap, spend profile, risk appetite, market dynamics and business priorities.
• Ownership of a portfolio of vendors ensuring contracts are in place and managed.
• Complete regular reviews of supplier arrangements to ensure the fulfilment of all contractual obligations, the delivery of business value and the resolution of any disputes or non-compliance.
• Establish and lead supplier management plans for strategic IT vendors, including governance forums, performance metrics, issue escalation, risk mitigation and value delivery tracking.
• Lead supplier performance reviews and corrective action plans to improve service, commercial outcomes, innovation, compliance and risk management across the IT supplier base.

What You’ll Bring

• Demonstrated ability to engage and work with key business stakeholders.
• Experience negotiating and managing complex supplier contracts.
• Experience managing and leading RFx processes.
• Full understanding of the vendor lifecycle with strong knowledge of partnering arrangements.
• Exposure and/or experience within a purchasing/procurement environment with a sound understanding of procurement policies and procedures.
• Solutions focussed with strong commercial acumen/analytical skills.
• Experience delivering savings and cost avoidance activities through negotiation and scope discussion.
• Demonstrated experience leading, coaching or developing a small procurement or commercial team, including workload prioritisation and performance support.
• Strong capability in category strategy development, supplier relationship management, supplier governance and supplier performance management.
• Ability to balance strategic category leadership with hands-on commercial execution, stakeholder engagement and supplier issue resolution.

What's in it for you?

• Flexible hybrid way of working (from home and office)
• ‘Stay Connected Mobile’ – Access to a free mobile plan
• ‘Stay Connected NBN’ – Access to a free, high‑speed NBN plan (up to 500 Mbps)
• ‘Your Leave’ - an additional 4 days of leave to be used whenever you like - every year
• Access to TPG Learning Hub platform and internal development opportunities
• Access to Corporate Partner Discounts

Come join us and build a better future. Apply today.

Don’t meet every single requirement? That’s OK! At TPG Telecom, we’re all about creating an accessible workplace where everybody feels safe to bring their authentic self to work - regardless of background. If you think this role is a great fit for you but some of the qualifications don’t align with your experience, we still encourage you to apply - you might just be the perfect candidate for a similar role with us! Learn more about life at TPG Telecom here .

TPG Telecom also acknowledges the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation as the Traditional Custodians of lands and waterways where this office can be found in Barangaroo.

Our Talent Acquisition Team and Hiring Managers kindly request no unsolicited resumes or approaches from Recruitment Agencies. TPG Telecom is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

TPG Telecom started with a belief that we can make things better for Australians. We believe in the power of meaningful relationships to support vibrant, connected communities where everyone belongs. It’s our why; our reason to exist. Now, we’re proud to be one of Australia’s leading mobile and internet providers. We’re not just redefining telco, we’re changing its course. And you play a role in that. A big one. The opportunities are plenty for those who are ready to accept the challenge.

About The Team

Our Finance team plays a critical role in shaping the business by providing insights, managing performance, and supporting strategic decision-making. From commercial analysis to financial control, you’ll help ensure we continue to grow sustainably while delivering value to customers and shareholders.