Category Manager

1st Executive Ltd; Essex; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A public sector organisation in the United Kingdom is seeking an experienced Category Manager to develop and implement category strategies that ensure compliance with procurement regulations. In this role, you will drive savings and improve supplier performance while engaging with senior stakeholders. The ideal candidate must have significant experience in procurement within a regulated environment, demonstrating the ability to manage complex categories and deliver value for money.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in procurement or commercial roles within a public sector or regulated environment.
• Proven experience of developing and delivering category strategies.
• Experience working across multiple categories or large, complex organisations.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain category strategies aligned to organisational objectives.
• Analyse spend data, market trends, and demand forecasts to inform sourcing decisions.
• Lead end-to-end procurement activity for assigned categories.
• Deliver measurable savings and non-financial benefits.
• Act as a trusted commercial advisor to senior stakeholders.

Skills

Procurement expertise

Stakeholder engagement

Category strategy development

Data analysis

Negotiation skills

Job description

An opportunity has arisen for an experienced Category Manager to join a public sector organisation at a time of growth. In the role you will be responsible for developing and delivering category strategies that achieve value for money and ensure compliance with public sector procurement regulations. The role provides commercial leadership across assigned spend categories, working collaboratively with stakeholders to drive savings, manage risk, and improve supplier performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain category strategies aligned to organisational and wider public sector objectives
• Analyse spend data, market trends, and demand forecasts to inform sourcing decisions
• Lead end-to-end procurement activity for assigned categories, from strategy through to contract award and implementation
• Deliver measurable savings, cost avoidance, and non-financial benefits (e.g. social value, sustainability)

Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as a trusted commercial advisor to senior stakeholders and service leads
• Challenge demand appropriately and influence stakeholders to adopt best-value solutions
• Facilitate cross-functional working to ensure procurement activity meets service needs
• Lead supplier engagement and market engagement activity in line with public procurement rules
• Support or oversee contract management, including performance management, risk mitigation, and continuous improvement
• Manage supplier relationships to drive innovation, resilience, and value

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure all procurement activity complies with relevant legislation (e.g. PCR 2015 / Procurement Act 2023), internal policies, and audit requirements

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Significant experience in procurement or commercial roles within a public sector or regulated environment
• Proven experience of developing and delivering category strategies
• Experience working across multiple categories or large, complex organisations