Category Manager

Gill Cooke Personnel Ltd T/A The Recruitment Group; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Gill Cooke Personnel Ltd T/A The Recruitment Group in Oxford is seeking a skilled Category Manager (Generalist) to join a procurement team in a hybrid role. The position involves developing and delivering procurement strategies, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring compliance with procurement legislation while driving value for money across diverse categories.

Key responsibilities include leading sourcing strategies, complex procurement activities, and reporting to senior stakeholders.

Qualifications

• MCIPS qualification (or working towards Levels 5 & 6).
• Experience leading complex procurement projects.
• Knowledge of procurement within public and/or commercial sectors.
• Strong understanding of procurement legislation and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category and sourcing strategies.
• Lead complex procurement activities from planning through to contract award.
• Manage supplier relationships to achieve quality, value, and performance.
• Analyse market data and identify opportunities for cost savings and continuous improvement.
• Monitor contract performance and ensure compliance with procurement regulations.
• Produce reports and present procurement updates to senior stakeholders.
• Support wider procurement initiatives and deputise for the Head of Procurement when required.

Skills

Procurement leadership

Stakeholder management

Supplier negotiation

Data analysis

Education

MCIPS Level 5/6

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Category Manager (Generalist)

Location: Oxford (Hybrid)

Are you an experienced procurement professional looking for your next challenge? We're recruiting on behalf of a well-established organisation for a Category Manager to join their procurement team in a hybrid role based in Oxford.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in developing and delivering procurement strategies, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring compliance with procurement legislation while driving value for money across a diverse range of categories.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category and sourcing strategies.


• Lead complex procurement activities from planning through to contract award.


• Manage supplier relationships to achieve quality, value, and performance.


• Analyse market data and identify opportunities for cost savings and continuous improvement.


• Monitor contract performance and ensure compliance with procurement regulations.


• Produce reports and present procurement updates to senior stakeholders.


• Support wider procurement initiatives and deputise for the Head of Procurement when required.

About You

• MCIPS qualification (or is working towards Levels 5 & 6).


• Experience leading complex procurement projects.


• Knowledge of procurement within the public and/or commercial sectors.


• Strong understanding of procurement legislation and compliance.


• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and supplier negotiation skills.


• The ability to analyse data, produce reports, and present to senior leadership.


• Strong organisational skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office