Category Manager – Property & Infrastructure

Category Manager – Property & Infrastructure

Job Location: Melbourne, VIC or Adelaide, SA.

We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements.

Who we are:

Join BAE Systems and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow – shaping a safer future, for all of us.

From the depths of the ocean, to the far reaches of space – there’s no limit to where a career at BAE Systems could take you.

Role Description:

As Category Manager – Property & Infrastructure and a key member of the Category Management leadership team, you will be responsible for developing and executing category strategies, as well as establishing, negotiating, and managing commercial and contracting arrangements with suppliers and service providers. Working closely with internal stakeholders, and leading a team of category management professionals you will ensure property, facilities, infrastructure, and construction-related requirements are delivered in line with business objectives, cost, schedule, quality, and safety expectations.

The role reports to the Head of Category Management & Procurement Shared Services, with a strong matrix relationship to the Head of Workplace Solutions, ensuring procurement and category strategies are closely aligned with property and infrastructure priorities.

Through effective supplier relationship management and strategic sourcing activities, you will drive value, mitigate risk, and support the successful delivery of Property & Infrastructure projects and services.

Core Duties:

• Lead, coach and develop the Category Management team to deliver high-performance outcomes.
• Develop and implement Property & Infrastructure category strategies that maximise value, manage risk and support business objectives.
• Analyse spend, market trends and supplier capabilities to identify sourcing opportunities and drive category performance.
• Promote procurement best practice and provide guidance to stakeholders across Property & Infrastructure activities.
• Develop and execute procurement plans and category sourcing strategies across property and infrastructure, including capital projects and equipment, facilities management, construction, architectural services and workplace services.
• Lead end-to-end sourcing activities, including RFx processes, supplier evaluations, negotiations and contract awards.
• Manage strategic supplier relationships and negotiate commercial agreements in accordance with company policies and Delegations of Authority.
• Partner with stakeholders to align procurement activities with project, operational and business requirements.
• Oversee supplier performance and contract compliance, ensuring delivery against cost, schedule, quality and safety objectives.
• Manage contract administration activities, including variations, claims, warranties and dispute resolution.
• Identify and mitigate commercial and supply chain risks while driving continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop and maintain contract management plans and supplier performance frameworks.

Essential Skills:

• Significant experience in Category Management, Strategic Sourcing, Procurement or Commercial Management.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex Property & Infrastructure categories across a national portfolio of strategic sites and assets, including facilities management, construction, capital projects, utilities and maintenance services.
• Demonstrated experience with Australian Standard (AS) construction contracts and managing complex commercial and contractual frameworks, including negotiation, risk allocation and contract performance.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence and build effective relationships across all levels of an organisation.
• Strong leadership capability with experience developing and mentoring high-performing teams.
• Tertiary qualifications in Procurement, Supply Chain, Business, Commerce, Property, Engineering or a related discipline (desirable).

Why BAE Systems?

Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work – this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family – support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.

A place where everyone can thrive

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.

We support our veteran community through VetNet Australia, along with initiatives such as Reserve Service Leave, a Veteran Mentoring Program, and partner-supported programs.

We welcome applications from all candidates and strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply.

We are proud to be recognised as an employer of choice for women by WORK180 and recipients of the Benchmarcx Top Employer for Candidate Experience Excellence 2026. As members of the Circle Back Initiative, we commit to responding to every applicant.

If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact our recruitment team to discuss the support you may need. You can also connect with us via Careers and Employment.

Security statement

Please note, as a defence security clearance is required for this role, applicants must be Australian citizens and either possess or be eligible to obtain and maintain one. Further information regarding security clearances.