Category Manager

CRA GROUP RECRUITMENT AND PAYROLL LTD; Greenwich; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority recruitment agency is seeking a Senior Procurement Officer to provide commercial advice and lead complex procurement projects. You will collaborate with the Council to achieve value for money and social value while managing significant procurement responsibilities in construction and housing. Applicants should have senior-level public sector experience and knowledge of relevant procurement legislation. A degree in a related field is required, along with MCIPS or equivalent qualifications.

Qualifications

• Senior-level experience in public sector construction or housing repairs.
• Track record of leading procurement over £2M.
• Knowledge of Public Contracts Regulations 2015.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate to develop procurement strategies.
• Provide strategic procurement advice to senior managers.
• Lead end-to-end procurement processes for high-value contracts.
• Advise on procurement processes with expert knowledge.
• Apply strategic sourcing tools for business outcomes.

Skills

Senior-level commercial advice

Procurement legislation knowledge

Strategic sourcing tools

Commercial acumen

Education

Degree-level qualification in Procurement or related field

MCIPS or working towards it

Job description

Job Description

5 Months Contract with a Local Authority

Summary

• This role involves providing senior‑level commercial advice to support the Council in achieving its corporate objectives. The position requires working in partnership with relevant departments, acting as a key strategic adviser on complex procurement matters, managing high‑value, complex, and / or high‑risk procurement projects, and guiding departments to achieve value for money and social value. The role also includes providing expert technical information, advice, guidance, and challenge on all aspects of the procurement process to internal customers and managing relationships with third‑party partners to ensure risks are effectively managed.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Category Lead to develop and implement category procurement strategies and robust forward procurement plans.
• Provide expert strategic procurement and contract management advice to senior managers and officers across the Council.
• Lead end‑to‑end procurement processes for complex and high‑value contracts, acting as a Category Manager.
• Offer quality advice and guidance on procurement processes, supported by expert technical knowledge, including relevant legislation and best practices.
• Apply strategic sourcing tools and techniques to achieve business outcomes through market analysis, commercial acumen, and strategy formulation.

Essential Experience

• Senior‑level experience in a public sector team responsible for construction and / or housing repairs and new build procurements.
• Proven track record of leading significant value procurement in construction or housing (above £2M) from end to end.
• Substantial public sector procurement work history at a mid to senior level (Senior Procurement Officer equivalent or above).
• Detailed knowledge of public sector procurement legislation, including the Public Contracts Regulations 2015, the Procurement Act 2023, and the NHS Provider Selection Regime 2023.

Essential Qualifications

• Degree‑level qualification or equivalent experience in Procurement, Supply Chain, Business, or a related field.
• MCIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) or working towards it (highly desirable).
• Evidence of continuous professional development in procurement and contract management.

Additional Information

• Working hours : 35 hours per week
• The role closes on 2nd Jan 2026, apply ASAP.

Requirements

Working in partnership with the relevant Department, acting as a key strategic adviser on complex procurement matters, managing procurement projects of high value, complexity and / or risk to the council and to guide and advise the relevant department(s) to achieve the twin objectives of value for money and social value.