Category Manager

Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS); Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading organization as a Category Manager in Birmingham, where you'll shape and deliver procurement solutions across a defined category portfolio. This role offers a chance to drive value for money and enhance supply chain performance in a supportive environment with excellent benefits.

Benefits

Up to 28 days annual leave

Family-friendly policies

Medicash membership

Health Cash Plan

Pension scheme with employer contributions

Learning and Development opportunities

Employee reward and recognition schemes

Qualifications

• Proven experience delivering end-to-end procurement in a regulated environment.
• Strong background in developing and executing category strategies.
• Competent user of procurement and contract systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead the creation and execution of category strategies.
• Oversee tendering processes and support contract implementation.
• Plan and deliver end-to-end sourcing activities.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Communication

Influencing skills

Data analysis

Education

Experience in procurement

Knowledge of the Procurement Act 2024

Tools

Procurement systems

Job description

The Vacancy

Join our growing Procurement team and help us make a difference!

We are currently looking for a commercially minded Category Manager to join our team on a permanent basis.

Now is an exciting time to join Platform Housing Group, a dynamic, forward-thinking social housing business offering an inclusive and supportive environment with excellent benefits and family-friendly policies.

In this role, you'll shape and deliver commercially driven, compliant procurement solutions across a defined category portfolio. You'll lead the creation and execution of category strategies that support our strategic ambitions, driving value for money, strengthening governance, and enhancing supply chain performance.

You will be responsible for planning and delivering end-to-end sourcing activities in line with the Procurement Act 2024 and internal financial standing orders. This includes overseeing tendering processes, supporting contract implementation, and working closely with business leads to ensure contracts are actively managed and meet expected outcomes.

Some of the qualities we are looking for:

• Proven experience delivering end-to-end procurement in a regulated environment, with strong knowledge of the Procurement Act 2024 and public procurement regulations.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and influencing skills able to engage with operational and strategic leads.
• Experience within procurement within the Housing and/or Public Sector.
• Strong background in developing and executing category strategies, including pre-market engagement, tendering, contract award, and post-award management.
• Competent user of procurement and contract systems, with the ability to analyze and present procurement data.

While this role offers the flexibility of being home-based, occasional travel to Group offices and other locations, including Birmingham Business Park Solihull and Central Park, Worcester, is required.

Benefits we offer:

• Up to 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) with options to buy and sell leave.
• Family-friendly policies including generous Paternity, Maternity, Shared Parental, and Adoption leave, plus 3 days paid Urgent Domestic Leave.
• Medicash membership providing access to an employee assistance programme, discounted gym memberships, and discounts.
• Health Cash Plan worth up to £1700 annually with cashback for dental, optical, physio, and therapies.
• Pension scheme with employee contributions up to 3% and employer contributions up to 12%.
• Learning and Development opportunities.
• Employee reward and recognition schemes, wellbeing hub, and retailer discounts.

How to apply:

If you're seeking a role where your expertise is valued and your ideas are welcomed, helping shape the future of procurement, we'd love to hear from you. Click Apply Now to submit your CV and complete the online application.

For more details, refer to the attached job description or contact Hannah McArthur (Senior Category Manager) at [e-mail].

Interviews:

First-stage virtual interviews are planned. We will contact shortlisted candidates to arrange a suitable time. Early applications are encouraged as the vacancy may close early if filled.

The Company

Join us and find your purpose at Platform! We are more than just a housing provider; we build homes, strong communities, and make a positive difference in people's lives.

We value diversity and offer flexible working arrangements. This is an exciting time to join us and contribute to our 5-year strategic plan.

If interested but need different working arrangements, mention this in your application or discuss during interview. We want the best people for our team.

Apply early to avoid missing out.

Platform Housing Group is committed to inclusivity, respect, and creating opportunities for all.

Why work here? Benefits include:

• Opportunities for development and training.
• Up to 28 days holiday plus bank holidays.
• Workplace pension with up to 12% employer contributions.
• Company van and uniform (role dependent).
• Flexible, remote working options.
• Provided iPad and mobile phone (role dependent).

Our Values

• People Matter: Valuing colleagues and customers, fostering honesty and openness.
• Own It: Taking responsibility, making decisions, and learning.
• One Team: Collaboration, support, and collective potential.
• Be Brave: Curiosity, courage, innovation, and celebrating successes.