Category Lead

Civic Recruitment Limited; Greenwich; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Civic Recruitment Limited is seeking an experienced Category Manager for Royal Borough Of Greenwich Hybrid role. The position leads strategic procurement, drives value for money and social value, and acts as a trusted adviser to departmental stakeholders on complex contracts and tenders.

You will manage high-value procurement projects, provide expert guidance on legislation and governance, build supplier relationships, and champion continuous improvement across procurement processes and

Qualifications

• Significant experience in public sector procurement or category management.
• Experience advising senior stakeholders and delivering complex procurement projects.
• Knowledge of procurement legislation, regulations and best practice.
• Experience in managing procurement-related risks and delivering value for money.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior-level commercial advice and strategic procurement expertise.
• Lead high-value, high-risk procurement projects from inception to award.
• Deliver procurement solutions that achieve value for money and social value outcomes.
• Provide guidance on procurement legislation, policies and governance.
• Develop procurement strategies aligned with organisational priorities.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Negotiation

Influencing

Analytical thinking

Financial acumen

Problem solving

Report writing

Presentation skills

Multitasking

Public sector procurement

Education

MCIPS qualification (desirable)

Job description

To provide strategic commercial leadership and expert procurement support across the Council, ensuring the delivery of compliant, efficient, and value-driven procurement solutions. The Category Manager will act as a trusted adviser to departmental stakeholders, leading complex procurement projects, driving value for money and social value outcomes, managing commercial risks, and fostering effective relationships with internal and external partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide senior-level commercial advice and strategic procurement expertise to support the Council in achieving its corporate objectives.
• Act as a key strategic adviser to departments on complex procurement and contract management matters.
• Lead and manage high-value, high-risk, and complex procurement projects from inception through to contract award and implementation.
• Deliver procurement solutions that achieve value for money, social value, and service improvement objectives.
• Provide expert guidance, challenge, and support to internal stakeholders on procurement legislation, policies, procedures, and best practice.
• Develop effective procurement strategies that align with organisational priorities and market conditions.
• Ensure all procurement activities comply with relevant legislation, public procurement regulations, governance requirements, and Council policies.
• Identify, assess, and manage procurement and commercial risks throughout the procurement lifecycle.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with suppliers, contractors, strategic partners, and key stakeholders.
• Support contract mobilisation and implementation to ensure successful delivery of intended outcomes.
• Analyse expenditure, market trends, and supplier performance to identify opportunities for efficiencies and service improvements.
• Lead negotiations with suppliers and stakeholders to secure the best commercial outcomes for the Council.
• Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of procurement processes, policies, and commercial practices.
• Prepare and present procurement reports, recommendations, and business cases to senior management and governance panels.

Requirements

• Significant experience in public sector procurement, commercial management, or category management.
• Proven track record of managing complex, high-value procurement projects and tenders.
• Strong knowledge of public procurement legislation, regulations, and best practice.
• Experience providing strategic commercial advice to senior stakeholders and operational teams.
• Demonstrable experience managing procurement-related risks and delivering successful commercial outcomes.
• Excellent stakeholder management, negotiation, and influencing skills.
• Strong analytical, financial, and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience developing procurement strategies and delivering value for money and social value outcomes.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively within a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and presentation skills.
• MCIPS qualification (or working towards) is desirable.
• Experience within a local authority or public sector environment is desirable.

Additional Information

• Location: Royal Borough Of Greenwich - Hybrid / Council Offices