Category Specialist

Category Specialist (L7)Government contract role6 months, possible extension$57.57 p/h plus superPerth CBD

Our Government client is responsible for providing procurement and supply chain services across the WA health system, covering ICT, clinical and other health care-related business contracts. The services it provides include supply chain and distribution, supplier relationship management, contract management, and broader category management across procurement for the WA health system, as well as procurement analytics and oversight.

The Category Specialist is responsible for:
• Managing the end to end procurement and contract management processes for categories including ICT/health technologies, clinical or other health care related goods and services.
• Providing strategy development, sourcing and supplier relationship management services to elicit best value for money for the organisation

Role Specific Responsibilities and Key Outcomes:
Strategic
• Maintains a current strategic overview of the relevant commercial attributes of the categories under management such as industry trends, demand trends, supply market, economic and social factors, benchmark information etc.
• Provides specialist advice and support regarding the monitoring and review of contract performance, including but not limited to Key Performance Indicator monitoring and reporting.
• Leads the strategic planning process, particularly regarding complex contract requirements and participates in the preparation of business cases, procurement plans, risk management strategies and other relevant procurement and/or technical documentation.

Contract Development
• Consults with contract stakeholders and leads the process of development of procurement strategies, contract objectives, scope, procurement timeframes, benchmarks for evaluation, and other contractual terms.
• Oversees and develops complex contracts, ensuring stakeholder management is maintained throughout the various stages of the procurement process, and in accordance with the WA health system’s relevant Authorisation Schedules and WA Government procurement policies and guidelines.

Contract Management
• Manages contracts under assigned categories as per the current Contract management guidelines and/or as directed by the Manager, Category.
• Coordinates and manages contract life cycle, i.e. initiates reviews and liaises with stakeholders regarding the contract’s effectiveness; both cost and performance.
• Ensures purchases under the respective contract reflect agreed contract terms.
• Undertakes or participates in discussions with vendors and internal stakeholders to resolve problems associated with the execution and/or management of contracts.
• Monitors and evaluates vendor performance against contract deliverables and agreed service levels to ensure contract compliance.
• Evaluates variation proposals and interpretations of contract terms and provides appropriate recommendations to the relevant stakeholders.

Risk Management
• Identifies risks or issues arising from contracts and assists with mitigation and dispute resolution where required.
• Assist internal and external stakeholders with the evaluation of contracts.
• Assist with ongoing budget requirements with respect to contract expenditure.
• Liaise with the Office of the Chief Procurement Officer (OCPO), as required, on the implementation of policies regarding the procurement process.
• Provide advice and assistance regarding procurement and contract management.

Essential Skills or Experience
1. Demonstrated experience in Procurement category management.
2. Demonstrated extensive experience in the planning, development and/or management of contracts to meet the strategic and operational business needs within a complex organisation.
3. Well-developed written communication skills with demonstrated ability to prepare and present complex procurement and technical documentation.
4. Demonstrated analytical, research and conceptual skills with the ability to provide appropriate solutions to complex problems and issues.
5. Demonstrated verbal, interpersonal, relationship management and negotiation skills with the ability to liaise, consult and negotiate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
6. Well-developed organisational skills with the ability to manage a large workload and achieve desired outcomes within required timeframes.

Desirable Skills or Experience
1. Formal qualifications in an appropriate discipline.
2. Appropriate knowledge of the WA Procurement Rules.
3. Current knowledge of legislative obligations for Equal Opportunity, Disability Services and Work Health and Safety, and how these impact on employment and service delivery.

NB: A current National Police Clearance will be required prior to commencement