Category Manager

Worcestershire County Council; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 46,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Excellent pension scheme

Professional development

Private holidays

Job summary

Worcestershire County Council is seeking a Category Manager to lead procurement and category management for Adult Social Care and related services. The role emphasizes delivering value for money, improving supplier performance, and managing complex negotiations across the People and Corporate Category.

You will work with stakeholders to implement strategies, drive efficiencies, and support service transformation with a focus on compliance and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Procurement and category management experience, ideally within social care or complex public sector environments.
• Experience leading end-to-end procurement exercises and complex negotiations.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Knowledge of public sector procurement legislation and category management principles.

Responsibilities

• Lead procurement projects and contract management activities across key People service areas.
• Develop category and sourcing strategies that deliver value, quality and innovation.
• Manage supplier relationships and performance.
• Ensure compliance with procurement legislation and Council procedures.
• Provide commercial advice and support to commissioners and service managers.
• Deliver savings, efficiencies and improved outcomes through procurement and contract management.

Skills

Procurement expertise

Stakeholder management

Negotiations

Education

CIPS Level 4 or equivalent

Job description

Job Title: Category Manager (2 vacancies) Salary: £46,104 - £49,121 per annum 35 Hours per Week Location: Hybrid, Wildwood and Home working Team: Commercial TeamPermanent

The Role:

As a Category Manager you will lead procurement and category management activity across Adult Social Care services and potentially working across other areas within this the People and Corporate Category. Working closely with stakeholders to deliver value for money, improve supplier performance, manage risk and support service transformation. The post holder will develop and implement procurement strategies, lead complex tendering and contract negotiations, and identify opportunities for efficiencies, savings and service improvements.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading procurement projects and contract management activities across key People service areas.
• Developing category and sourcing strategies that deliver value, quality and innovation.
• Managing supplier relationships and performance.
• Ensuring compliance with procurement legislation and Council procedures.
• Providing commercial advice and support to commissioners and service managers.
• Delivering savings, efficiencies and improved outcomes through effective procurement and contract management.

We're looking for someone with:

• Procurement and contract management experience, ideally within social care, health or other complex public sector environments.
• Experience of leading end-to-end procurement exercises and complex negotiations.
• Strong stakeholder management, influencing and communication skills.
• Knowledge of public sector procurement legislation and category management principles.
• A CIPS Level 4 qualification (or equivalent management/business qualification) and a commitment to continuous professional development.

Benefits:

• You’ll find an overview of the benefits Worcestershire County Council have to offer on our webpage Worcestershire County Council - Why work for us?
• Great Holiday Entitlement: As well as bank holidays, you'll get 26 days paid holiday (pro rata for part-time staff). This goes up to 31 days when you have been with us for 5 years. If you get more than 26 days where you work now, don't worry because if you join us without a break, we’ll match your holiday up to 31 days. If you’re successful and want to take advantage of this do let us know!
• Brilliant Pension Scheme: The Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) is a nationwide, career average pension scheme and is a valuable part of the pay and reward package for employees working in local government.
• Professional Learning & Development: We actively encourage learning and development for all our staff should they want to progress further or explore other areas within the organisation.
• Flexible Working: We are proud to offer hybrid working to provide a better work/life balance where possible.
• Equality & Diversity: The County Council is committed to equality of opportunity for all citizens and celebrates the diversity of all its residents.

For further information please contact: Samantha Davey, Head of Commercial, [e-mail] or Beth Wilkinson, Strategic Category Lead, [e-mail]

Application Closing Date: 9th December 2026

Anticipated Interview Date: 16th December 2026