Category Manager

Category Manager - Public Sector Procurement

The opportunity

An established public sector organisation is seeking a Category Manager to join its procurement function, supporting the delivery of compliant, commercially focused procurement solutions across a range of categories.

This is an excellent opportunity for a procurement professional with previous public sector experience who understands the regulatory environment, can manage end-to-end procurement activity and enjoys working collaboratively with stakeholders to achieve value for money.

Reporting to a Senior Category Manager, you will contribute to category strategies, support cost-saving initiatives and help improve procurement processes, governance and supplier performance.

Key responsibilities

• Managing end-to-end procurement processes, from initial requirements through to sourcing, evaluation and contract award.
• Managing procurement activity for contracts valued up to 500,000.
• Ensuring procurement activity complies with relevant legislation, policies, procedures and governance requirements.
• Applying knowledge of the Procurement Act 2023 and relevant public procurement regulations.
• Supporting the development and implementation of category strategies aligned with organisational priorities.
• Working with cross-functional project teams and stakeholders to understand requirements and identify appropriate sourcing solutions.
• Providing procurement advice and guidance to internal stakeholders on processes, compliance and governance.
• Identifying opportunities to deliver value for money, cost savings and continuous improvement.
• Analysing category data and management information to support informed commercial decisions.
• Building effective working relationships with internal customers and external suppliers.
• Supporting stakeholder awareness and training on procurement processes, legislation and governance.

About you

We're looking for a commercially aware procurement professional who can combine technical procurement knowledge with strong stakeholder engagement skills.

Essential experience and knowledge:

• Previous experience working in public sector procurement.
• Experience managing end-to-end procurement processes.
• Knowledge of category management principles and techniques.
• Understanding of public procurement legislation, particularly the Procurement Act 2023.
• Experience engaging with stakeholders and managing competing priorities.
• The ability to analyse procurement data, identify opportunities and deliver value for money.
• Strong written and verbal communication, organisational and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to provide clear procurement advice and build positive working relationships.

Qualifications:

You should be working towards a CIPS qualification or be able to demonstrate a suitable level of relevant procurement experience.

Knowledge of the Provider Selection Regime for healthcare services, Power BI, negotiation techniques and procure-to-pay processes would be advantageous.

Why consider this opportunity?

• Join a public sector procurement team with a broad and varied workload.
• Manage procurement activity across a range of categories and contract requirements.
• Develop your experience in category management, public procurement legislation and stakeholder engagement.
• Play a role in delivering compliant procurement solutions and measurable value for money.

Interested?

If you have public sector procurement experience and are looking for your next opportunity, we'd welcome a confidential conversation.

Apply today to find out more about the role and the organisation.

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