ITS Category Manager

Join to apply for the ITS Category Manager role at Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools At Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools Ltd (MACS) we envision every student to be inspired and enabled to flourish and enrich the world. MACS is the largest Catholic school system in Australia. We own, govern and operate approximately 300 Catholic schools, employ over 17,000 staff and serve more than 118,000 students and their families in the Archdiocese of Melbourne. It is an exciting time to join MACS, where we are transforming to bring to life our recently launched strategic plan: MACS 2030: Forming Lives to Enrich the World. WHY WORK FOR US? Professional development opportunities with a defined personalised annual budget Access to flexible working arrangements, which include working from home arrangements You will work in a tight-knit, supportive team to ensure you succeed in your role Employee Assistant Program (EAP) supported by Mental Health First Aiders in the workplace, providing a safe and caring environment to our staff and students The MACS Code of Conduct (the Code) embodies our collective commitment to fostering a positive and supportive work environment that prioritises the health, safety and wellbeing of everyone, inspired by our Catholic faith. We ask that all staff read and understand the Code and model the behaviours that are expected of us. YOUR ROLE The ITS Category Manager is responsible for leading technology procurement activities across MACS, managing strategic vendor relationships, and delivering category plans that support organisational and ITS strategic objectives. Reporting to the ITS Procurement Manager, this role is pivotal in aligning ITS procurement with MACS frameworks, delivering sourcing strategies, negotiating high-value technology agreements, and advising on best practice category management. The role covers a broad portfolio including Software, Hardware, Telecommunications, Cyber Security, Managed Services, and Cloud solutions (SaaS, PaaS, IaaS) for MACS schools and office. You will work collaboratively with key stakeholders across Technology, Procurement and Executive teams to ensure value-for-money, risk mitigation, and sustainable supplier partnerships. WHAT YOU WILL DO Lead the development and execution of ITS procurement and category strategies aligned with MACS objectives. Oversee sourcing events for IT categories including software, hardware, cloud solutions, and technology services. Negotiate high-impact technology contracts to deliver commercial value and mitigate organisational risk. Provide strategic commercial advice to ITS leadership and partner with stakeholders to align procurement activity with business needs. Deliver reporting and contract governance across technology categories and lead continuous improvement initiatives. Guide stakeholders on procurement best practices, building capability in category management across MACS. Monitor market dynamics and industry trends to inform sourcing strategies and drive supplier performance. Evaluate and recommend sourcing options including direct purchase, outsourcing, co-creation, or vendor partnerships. ABOUT YOU You bring deep experience in IT procurement and category management, ideally across large or complex environments. You have a strong commercial acumen with a track record of achieving cost savings, compliance, and value optimisation. You are skilled in leading tenders, contract negotiation, and managing strategic supplier relationships. You understand licensing and commercial models in cloud-based solutions and emerging technologies. You thrive in dynamic and ambiguous environments, demonstrating sound judgement and lateral thinking. You are an excellent communicator and trusted advisor with the ability to influence at all levels. You are passionate about creating sustainable procurement outcomes that enable business transformation. HOW TO APPLY Please refer to the position description for further details about the role and the Key Selection Criteria. Click APPLY to submit your application. If you have any queries about this role, they can be directed to our Talent Acquisition team by email You will need to provide: An up to-date Resume A cover letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria, limited to two pages Note: MACS is committed to the safety, wellbeing and protection of all children in our care. The successful candidate must hold or acquire and maintain a Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) and/or Working with Children Check and must be willing to obtain and maintain a National Criminal History Check. Candidates must hold full Australian Working Rights and provide evidence of this. Privacy Collection Notice – Job Applicants MACS collects your Personal Information to assess your application and suitability for employment. By submitting your Personal information, you consent to the use and disclosure of your Personal information for the purpose of being considered for employment at MACS. Applicants can withdraw their applications at any time during the recruitment process For further details, please see the full Privacy Collection Notice here Seniority level Mid-Senior level Employment type Full-time Job function Purchasing Industries Education Management #J-18808-Ljbffr