Category Manager

Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service; Clyst St. George; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional fire and rescue service in the UK is looking for an experienced Category Manager to join their Procurement team. In this permanent full-time role, you will manage commercial aspects of non-pay spend and develop category strategies for continuous improvement and efficiencies. The position offers a competitive salary starting at £42,839, flexible working options, and comprehensive benefits, including generous annual leave and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Salary sacrifice Electric Vehicle Scheme

Cycle-to-work scheme

Generous pension scheme

Free gym access

Confidential counselling services

Qualifications

• Experience in managing commercial aspects of non-pay third-party spending.
• Subject-matter expertise in procurement markets and trends.
• Ability to engage both stakeholders and suppliers effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead commercial advisor for third-party spend within the designated category.
• Ensure value for money from all Service expenditure.
• Identify and manage supply chain risks.

Skills

Commercial acumen

Stakeholder management

Procurement expertise

Risk management

Education

MCIPS qualification

Job description

Join our Team as a Category Manager at Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service! Are you an experienced Procurement Professional? Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, the largest non‑metropolitan Fire and Rescue Service in England, is on the lookout for a Category Manager to join our Procurement team at our Service Headquarters in Exeter (flexible working arrangements available, with the possibility of some home working to be agreed with the hiring manager). This is a permanent, full‑time (37 hours per week) position that offers a competitive salary starting £42,839 rising to £46,142 per annum. If you also hold a MCIPS qualification a market supplement of 15 % is payable, increasing the annual salary to £49,265 rising to £53,063. The market supplement is due to be reviewed further in August 2028. You will also receive a generous annual leave allowance of 33 days per annum plus public holidays and the ability to accrue flexi leave.

About us

Are you ready to make a difference to the safety of your community? At Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, our mission is to create a safer world by preventing fire and rescue emergencies. We pride ourselves on our fantastic reputation, built on the dedication and expertise of our skilled workforce. By joining us, you will be a key player in enhancing the services we provide across beautiful Devon and Somerset.

Your role

As a Category Manager, you will be responsible for managing all commercial aspects of allocated non‑pay third‑party spend on behalf of Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service. The role is designed to deliver continuous benefits, savings and efficiencies and improvements to goods and services through the development of category strategies and responsibility for procurement activities including appropriate end‑user, key stakeholder and supplier engagement. Our Category Managers also regularly participate (lead/support) national or collaborative procurements across the Fire and wider Blue Light Sector.

Key responsibilities

• Act as a lead commercial advisor in all commercial and contractual matters relating to the engagement and on‑going management of third‑party spend within the designated Category.
• Ensure the approach for the designated category significantly improves targeted value for money derived from all Service expenditure.
• Provide and continuously maintain subject‑matter expertise regarding commercial and technology market/trends in the supply marketplace.
• Identification and management of supply chain risks and mitigation plans to support corporate business continuity planning.
• Provide a lead role for delivery of national collaborative procurements on behalf of the Service.
• Provide income generation procurement services and advice for other Fire Service and public sector organisations, as allocated.
• Provide a leadership role to key stakeholders/category teams to ensure a structured, measurable performance methodology that reflects Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service corporate programme/project approaches.
• Quality assure activities and processes conducted by stakeholders (non‑procurement staff) in support of the category and procurement plans.
• Develop, review and update the category management plan to deliver a continuous value‑creation programme in light of changing market and business conditions.
• Act as the first point of contact in the event of conflicting issues and ensure appropriate stakeholder management is carried out and maintained.
• Assist in the identification, development and preparation of business cases and report and present to the appropriate internal and external groups.

What We Offer

• Flexible working arrangements to promote work‑life balance.
• Salary sacrifice Electric Vehicle Scheme.
• A cycle‑to‑work scheme.
• A generous pension scheme for your future.
• Ample annual leave to recharge and refresh.
• Family leave policies that support your loved ones.
• Access to Physiotherapy services for your well‑being.
• Opportunities for professional development and progression.
• Free gym access and personalised fitness coaching.
• Support for eye care and wellness programs.
• Exclusive Blue Light Membership discounts.
• Affordable healthcare through Benenden Health.
• Engaging sports and social groups for community building.
• Confidential counselling services and mental health support.
• Access to Firefighters Charity for additional support.

Ready to make a difference?

If you are ready to take the next step in your career while contributing to the safety of our communities, we want to hear from you! Join us in our mission to create a safer world and become an integral part of our outstanding team.

Closing Date: 2359hrs Sunday 18 January 2026.

Please contact Luke Malton – Corporate Procurement Manager via email: [e-mail] if you have any questions regarding the role. The successful candidate must, by commencement of employment, have the right to work in the UK.

How to apply

Please apply directly on the Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue site.