Category Manager

Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS); Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Exeter seeks an experienced Category Manager to oversee Facilities Management procurement. The role requires category management experience and knowledge of public sector procurement. The selected candidate will drive procurement strategies aligned with sustainability goals and manage a team. Competitive benefits include hybrid working, 41 days of leave, and flexible policies.

Benefits

41 days leave per year

Options for flexible working

Discounts at leading retailers

Onsite gyms

Cycle to work scheme

Leading parental leave policies

Qualifications

• Experience in category management required.
• Experience in works procurement, public sector experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage the Facilities Management Category Plan.
• Line manage and develop procurement officers.
• Source solutions that support responsible procurement strategy.
• Deliver cashable and non-cashable savings.
• Develop compliant procurement strategies.
• Collaborate with multiple stakeholders.
• Communicate procurement projects to senior stakeholders.
• Undertake spend data analysis.

Skills

Category management

Works procurement experience

Public sector procurement knowledge

Stakeholder communication

Tools

AI tools

Job description

Overview

PS Connect - Strategic Procurement

This full-time (1.0FTE) role is available from 19 January 2026 on a permanent basis within PS Connect. This role offers the opportunity for hybrid working - some time on campus and some from home.

Summary of the role

Looking for a new opportunity? As a member of the Russell Group of research-intensive universities and ranked 155 in the world, 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.

Responsibilities

• 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 stakeholders 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.

Qualifications and experience

The successful candidate will be able to 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.

About the University

The University of Exeter is a member of the Russell Group of research-intensive universities and is ranked among the world\'s top universities. We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, supported by a strong emphasis on sustainable goals and industry engagement. We encourage proactive engagement with industry, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve student employability. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community can thrive and where diverse voices are heard.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to ensuring reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces. We particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community. We support diverse voices through evidence-based charter frameworks for gender, race equality, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and disability confidence. We are signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant.

Benefits

• 41 days leave per year
• Options for flexible working
• Numerous discounts at leading retailers
• Onsite gyms on all campuses and a cycle to work scheme
• 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
• Stunning campus environments in Exeter and Cornwall, in the South West of England

How to apply

Please include in your application your CV, salary expectations and a covering letter stating why you should be appointed to this post.

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

Contact

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