Senior Category & Contracts Specialist

Senior Category & Contracts Specialist – Perth CBD / Permanent – Full time

We are seeking an experienced Senior Category & Contract Specialist to join our Commercial team. In this strategic role, you will take ownership of category and contract management for high-impact projects within the Network & Construction Commercial Portfolio. You’ll be responsible for maximising the value of Western Power's contracts, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards, mitigating risk, and fostering strong supplier relationships. Your expertise will directly influence the success of major projects by optimising cost-effectiveness, service delivery, and supplier performance across the portfolio.

Your Role in Action  

• Lead category and contract management efforts to optimise supplier performance and deliver cost-effective outcomes for major infrastructure and construction projects.
• Build, manage, and strengthen supplier relationships through expert contract negotiations and performance monitoring, ensuring alignment with Western Power’s commercial and operational objectives.
• Develop and execute innovative strategies to maximise value, mitigate risk, and continuously improve service quality across various categories.
• Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities that drive operational efficiency and performance.
• Ensure the consistent application of Western Power’s contract management framework, and champion best practices in procurement and supplier management.
• Collaborate with key internal stakeholders to forecast supply capability, manage demand, and support critical budgeting, planning, and reporting processes.
• Play a pivotal role in the development of supply chain strategies, ensuring compliance with procurement policies and strong governance throughout the portfolio.

 What Makes You a Great Fit 

• Degree in Procurement, Contracts, Business, Finance, or a related discipline (or demonstrated relevant experience).
• Extensive experience in category and contract strategy development and execution, particularly in large-scale infrastructure or construction projects.
• Strong negotiation skills, especially for high-value, high-impact contracts.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and influence supplier relationships to deliver value beyond the contract.
• Deep understanding of risk management, compliance, and financial assessment, especially in complex commercial environments.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills, with a proven ability to work effectively across multi-disciplinary teams.
• Knowledge of Australian contract law and relevant regulations.

By joining Western Power, you will contribute to powering a cleaner energy future. We are dedicated to fostering career development and promoting a healthy work-life balance, empowering you to drive innovation as we develop a network that will serve the Western Australian community for generations. You will also benefit from a range of perks and opportunities, including: 

• Over 50% of our employment opportunities are driven by career progression.  
• Flexible work arrangements to support part time work, working hours and working from home arrangements. 
• The opportunity to purchase up to four weeks of additional leave per year. 
• Access to salary packaging, social club activities, and discounted health insurance and gym membership. 
• An award-winning employee recognition and benefits programme. 
• An innovative team culture that’s enabling the transition to renewable energy and decarbonisation.   
• In addition to standard leave, enjoy two wellness leave days each year.
• Access to end-of-trip facilities at our Perth office and South Metro Depot, perfect for cyclists.

• On-site café available for convenient meals and refreshments throughout the day.

Applications close on 7th November 2024

We value diversity and inclusivity, encouraging applications from all backgrounds, including women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and LGBTQIA+ communities. Find out more about our Reconciliation Action Plan and Disability Access and Inclusion Plan. 

Learn more about Western Power here: About (westernpower.com.au) 

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