Category Manager

Your new role

As Category Manager, you will play a key role in leading and delivering complex and regulated procurement activities across a diverse portfolio of goods, works and services within a multi-site organisation. Operating within a highly regulated public sector environment, you will be responsible for end-to-end procurement processes, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation while achieving value for money, managing risk, and driving innovation.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading procurement projects from strategy development through to tender, evaluation and contract award
• Developing and implementing category management strategies aligned to organisational objectives
• Managing supplier relationships and supporting the development of contract management practices across the business
• Ensuring compliance with public sector procurement regulations and internal governance policies
• Line managing and developing a small team of Procurement Specialists
• Supporting organisational efficiency and cost-saving initiatives through strategic sourcing and continuous improvement
• Advising stakeholders across operational, corporate, and infrastructure functions on procurement best practice
• Supporting audit processes and contributing to procurement governance and reporting
• Embedding sustainable procurement practices, including social value, environmental impact and community benefits
• Analysing spend data to inform procurement decisions and strategy development
• Representing the procurement function internally and externally, including engagement with suppliers and stakeholders

This is a highly visible role that requires strong stakeholder engagement, influencing skills, and the ability to operate both strategically and operationally within a fast-paced environment.

What you'll need to succeed

To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate:

• Significant experience within a professional procurement role, ideally within the public sector
• Strong working knowledge of procurement regulations and best practice
• Experience of developing and delivering category management strategies
• Proven ability to manage complex procurement projects end-to-end
• Experience in stakeholder engagement and influencing across multiple business areas
• Previous line management or team leadership experience
• Strong analytical and IT skills, particularly across Microsoft Office tools
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach with strong attention to detail

Ideally, you will also hold (or be working towards) MCIPS qualification and have experience in a regulated or multi-site environment.

What you'll get in return

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• 35-hour working week (Monday to Friday)
• Hybrid working model with flexibility
• Opportunity to work within a large, complex and regulated environment
• Exposure to high-value and strategic procurement projects
• Leadership responsibilities with scope to develop and mentor a team
• Ongoing professional development and career progression opportunities

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

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