Category Manager

1st Executive; England; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading procurement company in the United Kingdom seeks an experienced procurement professional to join a new team. Your role will involve leading compliant end-to-end procurement activities, negotiating contracts, and managing supplier relationships. The ideal candidate will have 5+ years of experience in public sector procurement and a solid understanding of public procurement regulations. This position offers a chance to drive sustainability and social value within public sector projects.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in public sector procurement.
• Knowledgeable in public procurement regulations.
• Experience managing various procurement categories.

Responsibilities

• Lead compliant end-to-end procurement activities.
• Design competitive tendering processes.
• Negotiate contracts for optimal outcomes.
• Manage supplier relationships and contracts.
• Establish and monitor KPIs and SLAs.

Skills

Public sector category management

Strategic sourcing

Negotiation skills

Contract management

Analytical skills

Education

CIPS qualification or studying

Job description

Do you have procurement experience gained within the housing sector either in a housing association or local authority or similar.

Are you looking for a new challenge and want to be part of a newly created team.

They business has a real passion for social value, sustainability, and ESG objectives in sourcing and contract management activity as well as supporting local economic growth, SME participation, and responsible procurement objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead compliant end‑to‑end procurement activities in line with public sector procurement regulations and internal standing orders (e.g. PCR, PA23).
• Design and run competitive tendering processes (RFQ, ITT, DPS, Frameworks, Call‑offs).
• Negotiate contracts within governance constraints to achieve optimal commercial and service outcomes.
• Ensure contracts are robust, auditable, and compliant with legal, regulatory, and policy requirements.
• Manage strategic supplier relationships and key contracts to ensure performance, value, and compliance.
• Establish and monitor KPIs, SLAs, and contract management frameworks.
• Manage supplier risk, continuity, and performance issues, escalating where necessary.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong public sector category management and strategic sourcing experience.
• In‑depth knowledge of public procurement regulations and governance.
• Advanced negotiation skills within regulated frameworks.
• Contract and supplier management expertise.
• Strong analytical and financial skills, including business case development.

Experience required

• Circa 5+ years' experience in public sector procurement
• Solid knowledge of the public sector regs
• Experience managing various categories
• CIPS qualified or studier preferred