About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Category Manager for a 6-month contract to support Sodexo Australia's Supply Management function. This role will lead strategic sourcing and category management activities across a portfolio including HR Systems, Technology, Data & Digital (TDD), Labour Hire, and Pre-Employment Medical Services.
Reporting into the Head of Indirect & Fleet Procurement, you will set the strategic direction for assigned categories, deliver sourcing initiatives from source-to-contract, and drive value across quality, cost, delivery, customer service, and sustainability outcomes. The role will also support procurement activities during bid and mobilisation phases while partnering with key stakeholders to deliver commercial and operational success.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute category strategies across HR Systems, TDD, Labour Hire, and Pre-Employment Medical categories
- Lead end-to-end procurement activities, from sourcing and tender management through to contract negotiation and supplier onboarding
- Deliver commercial outcomes aligned to quality, cost, service, risk, and sustainability objectives
- Manage supplier performance and contract governance to maximise value and drive continuous improvement
- Provide procurement support throughout bid and mobilisation phases, including project management responsibilities for allocated tenders
- Partner with internal stakeholders to understand business requirements and deliver fit-for-purpose procurement solutions
- Identify and implement opportunities for cost optimisation, process improvement, and supplier innovation
- Ensure compliance with Sodexo procurement policies, governance requirements, and ethical sourcing standards
- Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders across the business
- Support risk management activities and ensure continuity of supply across critical categories
About You
You are a commercially astute procurement professional with strong category management experience across indirect spend categories. You have a proven track record of delivering strategic sourcing initiatives, managing complex supplier relationships, and engaging stakeholders across multiple business functions.
You bring excellent negotiation, analytical, and project management capabilities, alongside the ability to influence outcomes and drive value through procurement best practices.
Qualifications & Experience
- 5-10 years' experience within Procurement, Supply Chain, or Category Management roles
- Demonstrated experience leading strategic sourcing and procurement activities across indirect spend categories
- Experience managing one or more of the following categories is highly regarded:
- HR Systems
- Technology, Data & Digital (TDD)
- Labour Hire
- Pre-Employment Medical Services
- Strong commercial acumen with proven contract negotiation and supplier management experience
- Experience supporting procurement activities through tender, bid, and mobilisation phases
- Excellent stakeholder engagement, communication, and influencing skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with a focus on delivering measurable business outcomes
- Degree qualification in Business, Supply Chain Management, Procurement, or a related discipline
Why choose Sodexo?
Sodexo is a people business, employing over half a million people worldwide and thousands here in Australia. Our employees, who personify Sodexo's unique values of Service Spirit, Team Spirit and Spirit of Progress, are our greatest asset through their commitment and dedication. We believe the more diverse we are, the stronger we are. No matter your background, we will do all we can to help you thrive. We are committed to promoting equal opportunities, valuing diversity, and creating an inclusive working environment for all our employees. At Sodexo, we are a proud Equal Opportunity Employer and encourage applications from all applicants regardless of age, race, sex, ethnicity, religion and beliefs and people with disabilities.
We offer a competitive salary, flexible work environment, many development opportunities and an outstanding benefits and recognition program!
How to apply?
If you are interested in joining the Sodexo team and meet the minimum criteria outlined above, please apply with your resume detailing relevant employment experience and availability. One of our friendly recruiters will contact shortlisted candidates for a phone interview. This will also be your opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
Submit your application today and become part of the Sodexo family!
Skills Required
- 5-10 years' experience within Procurement, Supply Chain, or Category Management roles
- Proven experience leading strategic sourcing and procurement across indirect spend categories
- Experience managing HR Systems
- Experience managing Technology, Data & Digital (TDD) categories
- Experience managing Labour Hire category
- Experience managing Pre-Employment Medical Services
- Strong commercial acumen with contract negotiation and supplier management experience
- Experience supporting procurement through tender, bid, and mobilisation phases
- Excellent stakeholder engagement, communication, and influencing skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities focused on measurable outcomes
- Degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Procurement, or related discipline
- Project management capabilities for allocated tenders
Sodexo Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Sodexo and has not been reviewed or approved by Sodexo.
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Healthcare Strength — Multiple national medical plan options with integrated pharmacy and mental‑health support via an assistance program provide broad coverage. Feedback suggests the overall benefits mix can feel comparatively solid even where base pay is modest in some roles.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) plan with employer match is a consistent pillar of the package, though exact match details can vary by role and plan year. Feedback suggests retirement benefits are often viewed more favorably than base pay.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid leave programs under Vita, including paid maternity/medical leave alongside care leave and EAP resources, support family needs. While specifics vary by status and location, the presence of paid leave is a meaningful component.
Sodexo Insights
What We Do
Founded in Marseille in 1966 by Pierre Bellon, Sodexo is the global leader in sustainable food and valued experiences at every moment in life: learn, work, heal and play. The Group stands out for its independence, its founding family shareholding and its responsible business model. Its portfolio of activities includes Sodexo Food and Facilities Management Services and Pluxee Employee Benefit Solutions, activity for which the Group announced a spin-off with a listing expected on February 1, 2024. This diversified offer meets all the challenges of everyday life with a dual goal: to improve the quality of life of our employees and those we serve, and contribute to the economic, social and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. For Sodexo, growth and social commitment go hand in hand. Our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone to build a better life for all. Sodexo is included in the CAC Next 20, CAC 40 ESG, CAC SBT 1.5, FTSE 4 Good and DJSI indices. Sodexo key figures — 22.6 billion euros Fiscal 2023 consolidated revenues — 430,000 employees as at August 31, 2023 — #1 France-based private employer worldwide — 45 countries — 80 million consumers served daily — 14.3 billion euros in market capitalization (as at October 25, 2023)
