Category Manager

Nottinghamshire County Council; East Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 49,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Generous leave

Professional development

Supportive environment

Job summary

Nottinghamshire County Council is seeking a Category Manager to lead our Place and Chief Executives procurement portfolio. You will drive category strategies, manage a multi-million-pound spend, and provide expert advice to senior stakeholders while ensuring regulatory compliance and value for money.

Join a forward-thinking public sector team offering hybrid working, professional development, and a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusion.

Qualifications

• Experience in public sector procurement and complex tenders.
• Up-to-date knowledge of procurement regulations and best practices.
• A recognised qualification in procurement, such as MCIPS or equivalent.
• Comprehensive understanding of local government procurement laws and financial regulations.

Responsibilities

• Leading the management of a procurement category with a multi-million-pound annual spend.
• Developing and implementing category plans to achieve objectives from the Procurement Strategy.
• Providing expert advice and support to senior stakeholders, ensuring compliance with procurement regulations.
• Driving cost efficiencies and continuous improvement in procurement practices.
• Building strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including service directors and external suppliers.
• Managing a dedicated category team to meet service standards and foster best practices.

Skills

Public sector procurement

Multi-million spend management

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic planning

Negotiation

Education

MCIPS or equivalent qualification

Job description

Salary £48,738 - £54,143 per annum

Market Factor Supplement £5605 per annum

Type of vacancy Permanent

Work pattern Full Time

Hours per week 37

Work Base County Hall, West Bridgford, NG2 7QP

Working Arrangements Hybrid

Job Description / Person Specification: JDPS.pdf - 273KB Opens in a new window

Competency Framework Tier 5

Number of posts 1

Interview date 10 November 2026

Closing Date 27 October 2026 23:55

At Nottinghamshire County Council, we are committed to serving our community with care and compassion. As a forward-thinking local authority, we pride ourselves on creating a supportive and inclusive workplace where everyone is valued. Join us in making a difference!

A fantastic opportunity has arisen to join our Procurement Management Team as a Category Manager. In this strategic role, you will lead and manage the Place and Chief Executives department within our award-winning procurement team. If you have a positive 'can do' attitude and a passion for public sector procurement, this role is for you!

As a Category Manager, Your Key Responsibilities Will Include

• Leading the management of a procurement category with a multi-million-pound annual spend.
• Developing and implementing category plans to achieve objectives from the Procurement Strategy.
• Providing expert advice and support to senior stakeholders, ensuring compliance with procurement regulations.
• Driving cost efficiencies and continuous improvement in procurement practices.
• Building strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including service directors and external suppliers.
• Managing a dedicated category team to meet service standards and foster best practices.

To Thrive In This Role, You Will Need

• A strong background in public sector procurement, with experience in managing complex tenders.
• Up-to-date knowledge of procurement regulations and best practices.
• A recognised qualification in procurement, such as MCIPS or equivalent.
• A comprehensive understanding of local government procurement laws and financial regulations.

We Are Looking For Candidates Who Demonstrate

• Excellent interpersonal skills to engage and influence stakeholders effectively.
• Strong problem-solving abilities to navigate complex procurement challenges.
• Leadership qualities to inspire and empower your team towards achieving high performance.
• A commitment to delivering exceptional customer service and value for money.

At Nottinghamshire County Council, We Offer

• A place to belong: A friendly, inclusive workplace where everyone is valued.
• Flexible working arrangements to support your work-life balance.
• Professional development opportunities to help you grow in your career.
• Generous leave and a supportive environment that prioritises your well-being.

For an informal discussion about this opportunity please contact Kaj Ghattaora on 01159773267 or by email [e-mail].

Nottinghamshire County Council strives to ensure that it goes beyond the requirements of the Equalities Act and prides itself on being accredited as a Disability Confident Leader Organisation.

Under the Disability Confident scheme (formerly known as the Guaranteed Interview Scheme) we would like to ensure applicants with disabilities are offered an interview if they meet the minimum criteria for a job. Please let us know if this is something you would like to be considered for.

A job share scheme is available for all full-time posts: both permanent and temporary, unless otherwise stated.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we expect all staff to share this commitment and undergo appropriate checks.

Nottinghamshire County Council strongly encourages applications from all candidates from different walks of life, irrespective of gender, marital status, disability, race, religion, belief, pregnancy and maternity status, age or sexual orientation.