Category Manager

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Date: 18 Feb 2026

Search suburb or city: West Melbourne, VIC, AU, 3003

Company: Australian Red Cross Lifeblood

  • Bring your exceptional sourcing experience to work on an exciting project focused on our Mobile Donor Centres
  • 12 month Fixed term, Full-time role. Salary c$150-$160k + Super + Salary packaging benefits
  • Flexible on location nationally – hybrid working flexibility  

 

Discover life-giving possibilities  

Lifeblood is more than just a job or a career, it’s an opportunity to be part of something that matters. As an organisation, our purpose is simple: to give life. Together, we want to help you build a fulfilling career with Lifeblood.

 

About the role

Lifeblood is embarking on a significant, multi‑year transformation of its donor collection network. We’re investing in the refurbishment of our mobile fleet and developing new, innovative styles of non‑fixed donation centres, creating better experiences for donors and enabling our teams to deliver life‑saving services across Australia.

 

To support this work, we’re seeking an experienced Category Manager/Sourcing Specialist to partner with our Donor Experience and project teams and play a hands‑on role in delivering complex sourcing outcomes.

 

Reporting into the broader procurement function, this role is embedded within project teams and is responsible for end‑to‑end sourcing and contracting activities across multiple, concurrent initiatives. You’ll provide expert procurement guidance, lead tender processes, assess value for money, and negotiate commercial outcomes that balance cost, quality, risk and operational requirements.

 

This is a highly collaborative role, working closely with internal stakeholders and external suppliers to deliver practical, fit‑for‑purpose solutions.

 

Sound interesting? Here’s what we’re looking for: 

  • Multiple years’ experience in purchasing or strategic sourcing roles
  • Significant experience sourcing services ideally within Facilities, Logistics and/or Construction environments
  • Proven track record in developing and negotiating contracts, pricing schedules and commercial frameworks
  • Strong understanding of agreement terms and conditions and the ability to negotiate them effectively
  • Demonstrated ability to manage projects, setting clear goals, schedules and measurable outcomes
  • Experience managing multiple sourcing activities concurrently
  • Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills with an ability to build trusted, collaborative working relationships
  • Advanced systems capability, including strong Excel skills (pivot tables, data manipulation) with proven experience using ERP systems

 

In this 12 month contract you’ll be part of a collaborative, values‑driven organisation, contributing to projects that improve donor experiences and help save lives every day. Lifeblood is proud to accommodate flexible working and we are open to conversations around what this means to you.   

 

Wellbeing & Benefits

We place our employee's well-being at the forefront and express gratitude and care for one another. As an Australian Workplace Equality Index recognised employer and one of Australia’s menopause-friendly organisations, we celebrate diversity and support all our people.

In addition to being a part of an organisation that is the heartbeat of the Nation, you will have access to the following: 

  • Ability to purchase additional annual leave 
  • Access to salary packaging with an option to package up to $15,900 for living expenses and $2,650 for meals and entertainment 
  • 14 weeks paid parental leave - no waiting period for either parent 
  • Our dedicated employee assistance program - Sonder that you can access 24/7 from an app on your phone 
  • Plus, many more! 

 

Excited about this opportunity and meet the criteria of the role? Apply now and discover a career filled with life-giving possibilities.

 

Next steps

When it comes to recruitment we like to move fast, this means we progress suitable candidates through the hiring process as soon as we can. 

 

We are a 2026 Circle Back Initiative Employer and commit to respond to every applicant. You’ll hear from us with an outcome after your application has been reviewed and assessed.

 

If selected, you’ll be required to complete a few background checks and we’ll help you through this process. 

 

If you require any adjustments to feel more supported during our recruitment process, please reach out to us. 

 

For information regarding the recruitment process, please contact Rich on rwilkes@redcrossblood.org.au. 
**Please note we cannot accept applications via email so please apply online  

 

This vacancy is being managed directly by Lifeblood’s Talent Acquisition team. We won’t accept candidates from external recruitment agencies on this occasion.