Assistant Category Manager

Assistant Category Manager – ProcurementWe are seeking an experienced Assistant Category Manager to join our Procurement team, supporting the delivery of high-quality, compliant procurement across a diverse range of Council services.This is an exciting opportunity for a procurement professional who can confidently manage 6–8 procurement projects simultaneously, develop category strategies, lead end-to-end procurement exercises, and build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and suppliers to deliver value for money and excellent service outcomes.
Key Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver end-to-end procurement exercises in line with public sector procurement legislation and best practice.
• Manage multiple procurement projects across a range of category areas.
• Develop and implement category strategies, supporting commercial negotiations and supplier performance.
• Lead tender evaluations, contract implementation, supplier management and ongoing contract performance.
• Provide commercial advice to stakeholders, ensuring procurement activity is compliant, delivers value for money and supports organisational objectives.
• Contribute to procurement strategies, risk management, continuous improvement initiatives and the development of Service Level Agreements where appropriate.

About YouTo be successful in this role, you will have:

• MCIPS qualification (or equivalent professional procurement experience).
• Proven experience managing procurement projects within Local Government.
• Strong category management experience, including sourcing strategy development, supplier management and stakeholder engagement.
• Experience of contract implementation, negotiation and risk management within complex organisations.
• Extensive knowledge of PCR 2015 and the Procurement Act, with a proven track record of delivering compliant procurement activity.
• Experience independently leading procurement projects and providing commercial advice to senior stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and relationship-building skills, with the ability to manage a varied workload with minimal supervision.

If you're a proactive procurement professional looking to make a real impact within local government procurement, we'd love to hear from you.