Category Manager

University of Exeter; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A major UK university is seeking a Category Manager to lead its Facilities Management procurement efforts. The role focuses on sourcing innovative solutions while enhancing sustainability goals. Candidates should have experience in category management and public sector procurement. This full-time position entails developing procurement strategies and collaborating with stakeholders, with hybrid working options available. A competitive salary starting from £50,253 is offered, alongside excellent benefits including flexible working and generous leave policies.

Benefits

41 days annual leave

Flexible working opportunities

Onsite gyms

Health and wellbeing initiatives

Qualifications

• Experience in managing procurement processes for works, goods, and services.
• Knowledge of public sector procurement regulations.
• Ability to influence procurement strategies for sustainability.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage the Facilities Management Category Plan.
• Line manage procurement staff.
• Deliver savings in line with university targets.
• Collaborate with stakeholders on procurement strategies.

Skills

Category management

Procurement experience

Stakeholder communication

Data analysis

Project management

Education

Relevant degree or equivalent experience

Tools

AI tools for procurement

Job description

PS Connect – Strategic Procurement

This role offers the opportunity for hybrid working – some time on campus and some from home.

This new full-time (1.0FTE) role is available from 19th January 2026 on a permanent basis within PS Connect.

Summary of the role

Looking for a new opportunity? As a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and ranked 155 in the world according to the https://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings, your procurement skills, sustainability and commercial knowledge could empower you to make a significant impact by managing the procurement of various works, goods and services across the Facilities Management category.

We are seeking an experienced, creative and solution-driven Category Manager to lead our Facilities Management category. The role will be responsible for helping to drive value from procurement of works, goods and services whilst realising the university’s responsible procurement ambitions.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate experience in category management and have a good level of experience in works procurement, preferably including public sector procurement experience. This is an exciting opportunity to influence and deliver procurement solutions for our bought works, goods and services in line with the University’s sustainable goals.

The successful candidate will be able to:

• Develop and manage the Facilities Management Category Plan.
• Line manage and develop a Senior Procurement Officer and Procurement Officer.
• Source solutions that support the University responsible procurement strategy whilst also realising value for money.
• Deliver Cashable and Non-cashable savings to support the University’s savings targets.
• Develop procurement strategies that are both innovative and compliant with the Procurement Act 2023.
• Collaboratively work with multiple stakeholder on multiple procurements at any one time.
• Communicate and present to senior stakeholders on category strategy and procurement projects.
• Use AI and other tools to enhance the procurement function.
• Undertake spend data analysis & research using a range of sources to support proposed strategies.

To apply, please submit your CV, salary expectations and a covering letter stating why you should be appointed to this post.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.

Why our staff love working here

• Flexible working opportunities
• 41 days annual leave(including bank holidays)
• Actively inclusive organisation ensuring equality and fairness for all
• Sector leading policies around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay) and a Fertility Treatment Policy
• Multiple wellbeing and health initiatives for staff
• Onsite gyms on all of our campus’ and a cycle to work scheme
• Sustainability and the environment being at the heart of what we do
• Beautiful campus environment when working from either Exeter or Penryn
• Inspiring research that really makes a difference to the world

Further information

Please contact Dave Burchill ([e-mail]) Head of Strategic Procurement for any further information.

The starting salary will be from £50,253 on Grade G, depending on qualifications and experience.

The deadline for applications is 23:59 on 11 January 2026.