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.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk

2 Procurement jobs in Raigmore, Highland