RQ1792134 – Category Manager

Work Pattern: 37 hours per week

PAYE Pay Rate: £322.85 per day

Main Purpose of the Role

To lead and support the development and delivery of procurement, commercial and contract management strategies across a designated category of spend. The role will work closely with stakeholders to deliver value for money, ensure compliance with procurement legislation and Council policies, and identify opportunities for cost savings, improved supplier performance and service efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Procurement and Category Management

• Develop and implement category procurement plans and sourcing strategies aligned with Council priorities.
• Analyse expenditure, supplier performance and market intelligence to identify commercial opportunities and deliver cost savings.
• Lead complex tendering exercises and support the development of procurement and contracting strategies.
• Research markets and engage with suppliers to understand future requirements and improve procurement outcomes.
• Promote early market engagement and effective contract planning with stakeholders.

Contract Management and Compliance

• Ensure procurement activities comply with Council Contract Rules, Financial Regulations and applicable UK public procurement legislation.
• Provide specialist procurement advice and guidance to stakeholders across the organisation.
• Prepare and review procurement documentation, contracts, tender reports and gateway papers.
• Promote consistent procurement procedures, governance and best practice.
• Work closely with the Contract Management team to improve supplier performance and contract delivery.

Stakeholder Engagement and Commercial Improvement

• Build effective working relationships with service directors, heads of service and other key stakeholders.
• Support the identification and delivery of cost-saving initiatives, spend consolidation and improved supplier management.
• Provide advice on contract packaging, social value, sustainability and opportunities for local SMEs, voluntary organisations and community enterprises.
• Participate in regional procurement groups to share knowledge, improve efficiency and promote best practice.

Team Leadership and Development

• Supervise and coordinate the workload of Category Specialists, Assistant Category Specialists and apprentices, where applicable.
• Provide coaching, mentoring and training to support team development and succession planning.
• Encourage collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement across the procurement function.

Reporting and Performance Management

• Analyse complex financial, commercial and supplier data to inform procurement decisions.
• Prepare and present reports, business cases, action plans and procurement recommendations to a range of audiences.
• Monitor category plans, procurement performance and delivery against agreed objectives.
• Identify and manage procurement risks while ensuring value for money and high-quality outcomes.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Extensive experience in strategic procurement and category management across a range of expenditure areas.
• Strong knowledge of public sector procurement legislation, regulations and compliant routes to market, including frameworks and Find a Tender Service (FTS) routes.
• Experience developing and delivering procurement strategies, annual category plans and complex tendering exercises.
• Knowledge of contract development, procurement documentation and contract management processes.
• Strong commercial awareness, negotiation and influencing skills.
• Ability to analyse complex data, benchmark costs and identify savings and added-value opportunities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the preparation and presentation of reports.
• Experience working with senior stakeholders and cross-functional teams.
• Experience supervising, mentoring or supporting the development of colleagues.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet tight deadlines.
• Competence in Microsoft Office applications and electronic tendering systems.

Qualifications and Professional Development

• Level 5 professional qualification in a relevant field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Evidence of continuing professional development.
• Project management qualification, such as PRINCE2, desirable.
• Willingness to undertake leadership and supervisory training where required.
• Government Commercial Function Foundation Contract Management training, or willingness to complete within six months of starting the role.