Category Specialist

• A fantastic career development position to work within Lifeblood’s Scientific and Corporate Category
• 12-month parental leave cover
• Melbourne location preferred with salary up to $117k total package (plus salary packaging)

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: life giving donations, for life changing outcomes. Together, we want to help you build a fulfilling career with Lifeblood.

About the role

The Sourcing Specialist supports the Category Management team to deliver simple, cost-effective procurement outcomes that meet Lifeblood’s operational needs.

Working closely with Category Managers, you will assist with sourcing plans, support tender processes, and contribute to contract negotiations and pricing activities. You will also guide stakeholders through procurement processes, providing advice on templates, documentation and the best approach to follow.

This role is a great opportunity to build your procurement capability, with exposure across the sourcing lifecycle from planning and spend analysis through to contract execution.

Following contract award, you will support contract management activities, including implementation, supplier onboarding, performance tracking, and maintaining accurate contract records. You will also assist with contract variations, renewals and supplier reviews, helping identify opportunities to improve value and performance.

You will also contribute to strengthening procurement at Lifeblood by supporting better communication, consistency and stakeholder engagement across the organisation.

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

• At least a couple of years’ experience with commercial experience within a strategic procurement function; undertaking sourcing/tendering and post award contract management activities
• Experience in developing and undertaking contract negotiations, pricing schedules and management plans
• Ability to manage projects and establish clear goals, schedule and documented outcomes to ensure successful delivery (on time, within budget, meeting agreed upon success criteria)
• Advanced systems skills and working knowledge of MS Office, including Excel (able to create and manipulate pivot tables)
• Effective interpersonal, communication, stakeholder management and influencing skills.

This is a 12-month fixed term opportunity with a hybrid working environment based out of our Melbourne Processing Centre. Please note the requirement to attend our offices based in West Melbourne every Tuesday. 

Benefits and Wellbeing

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!

Is Lifeblood your reason? Apply NOW!

We are a 2025 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. 

For further details on this position, or if you require adjustments during any stage of the recruitment process, we encourage you to reach out to Meg on meholding@redcrossblood.org.au

If you want to know more about our recruitment process or to check out our FAQ's, please click here

Please note: applications sent directly to this email address cannot be accepted

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