Senior Category Specialist

You’ll connect Queensland. We’ll connect you to an amazing career.

Queensland Rail is built on true connection. And everything we achieve is made possible by you.

For 160 years, our teams have played an important role in connecting people and communities across the state. As a Senior Category Specialist, you’ll contribute to our proud legacy and help us build an even brighter, more sustainable future - and that means incredible things for your career.

Your opportunity

Queensland Rail’s Strategic Procurement team is a strategic function that drives value, reduces risk, and ensures operational efficiency in support of Queensland Rail’s complex network of Travel, Tourism and freight services. Our mission is to partner with our stakeholders to improve business outcomes and provide value for money solutions in our commitment to providing world-class rail services to the public. 

As a member of our Rollingstock and Capital Projects team, the Senior Category Specialist  will procure goods and services of significant value, develop supplier relationships, and drive strategic procurement outcomes. 

The role requires a proactive leader who can problem-solve procurement challenges, work with diverse stakeholder needs, and make commercially sound decisions while maintaining strong business relationships.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and driving procurement strategies for high-value goods and services, including major construction works and rollingstock overhaul programs ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Developing strong relationships with key stakeholders, acting as a trusted advisor and effectively managing competing priorities.
• Owning procurement outcomes, proactively identifying and solving problems to drive commercial value across the business.
• Navigating complex stakeholder interactions, ensuring expectations are managed and procurement best practices are upheld.
• Analysing procurement spend, supplier performance, and market trends to improve commercial outcomes.
• Driving continuous improvement in procurement processes, ensuring compliance and efficiency.
• Managing multiple procurement projects concurrently, ensuring smooth execution and timely decision-making.

What We’re Looking For:

• Strong leadership skills and a desire to drive procurement strategy and influence best commercial outcomes.
• Proven experience with high-volume procurement within a center-led procurement function and expertise in tender processes, contract negotiations, and supplier management.
• Exceptional stakeholder management and high emotional intelligence (EQ) with the ability to build trust and manage expectations across different perspectives.
• Strategic problem-solving skill to interpret business issues and develop commercially sound procurement solutions.
• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and prioritise effectively.
• Confidence in handling challenging conversations with stakeholders and suppliers, ensuring procurement remains a strategic enabler for the business.

Please click  here to view the full position description

Benefits that Count 

All that Queensland Rail achieves each day relies on the hard work and talent of our teams. That’s why we offer a range of attractive benefits designed to help you bring your best, including:   

• Base Salary $135,000 + 12.75% superannuation
• Balance your work and personal life with flexible working options.
• Enjoy free travel to work and discounted rail travel.
• QRI Lifestyle offers members access to over 2,000 exclusive discounts and services.
• Prioritise your physical, emotional and financial wellbeing with our range of free services.
• You and your family can get fit and have fun with access to over 380 gyms and pools with our Fitness Passport.

Your journey matters. Make it with us.

Please apply to Senior Category Specialist (10884) via our website by clicking onto the "Apply" button by 11:59pm (GMT+10:00 Brisbane) Sunday 8th February 2026. 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR CURRENT QUEENSLAND RAIL EMPLOYEES:

You must apply for vacancies via the internal People Connect solution – Click here for more information

External applicants applying for roles within Queensland Rail will be subject to Alcohol and Other Drugs pre-employment testing. The recruitment and selection process for this position might require shortlisted applicants to undertake psychometric assessment, pre-employment health assessment and background checks that might also include criminal history and credit checks.  

Supporting a Diverse Workforce

Queensland Rail is committed to a diverse workforce that is reflective of the customers and communities we serve.
We are inclusive, collaborative, respectful, and value our differences.  We are 1TEAM, where everyone belongs.
If you do require an adjustment during the recruitment process, please contact Kayley Gayton via the phone number or email below.

To learn more about this Queensland Rail career opportunity please contact Kayley Gayton with your specific enquiry to kayley.gayton@qr.com.au . Please do not email your application. We can only accept applications received via our website.