Category Manager

University of Reading; Reading; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Professional development opportunities

Impactful role in collaborative org

Job summary

The University of Reading seeks an experienced Category Manager / Assistant Director of Procurement to lead strategic procurement activity across spend categories. You will deliver value for money, drive efficiencies, and support the University’s objectives.

You will develop category strategies, lead procurement projects, negotiate contracts, manage supplier relationships and identify opportunities for savings, innovation and improvement.

Qualifications

• Significant procurement and category management experience.
• Ability to influence relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience negotiating contracts and delivering procurement projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop category strategies and lead complex procurement projects.
• Negotiate contracts and manage supplier relationships to secure savings.
• Ensure compliance with policies and manage procurement risk.
• Lead Deputy Category Manager(s) and foster a high performing team.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across the institution to deliver value.

Skills

Procurement

Category management

Stakeholder management

Education

CIPS (or equivalent professional qualification)

Job description

The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.

The Further Particulars for each job are in PDF format, which can be read by Adobe Acrobat or Acrobat Reader. To download a free version of Acrobat Reader, please click on the link below:

Closing date: 23:59 on Tuesday 13th October 2026

By reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship may be possible under the Skilled Worker Route. Applicants wishing to consider the SWR must ensure that they are able to meet the points requirement before applying. There is further information about this on the UK Visas and Immigration Website .

There may be costs associated with a visa application, including the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which are not paid for by the University of Reading and cannot be claimed back. For further information on potential costs please visit: Healthcare Surcharge Information GOV.UK

The University of Reading operates from award-winning campuses, including the renowned Whiteknights campus, as well as London Road, Greenlands and an international campus in Malaysia. It is widely recognised for its commitment to sustainability and environmental leadership, regularly featuring among the UK's leading universities for sustainable development.

We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Category Manager to lead strategic procurement activity across assigned spend categories. Reporting to a Assistant Director of Procurement, you will deliver value for money, drive efficiencies, and support the University’s strategic objectives.

You will have:

• A passion for Procurement
• Category Management experience
• Ability to deal with stakeholders at all levels and build relationships.

Working closely with stakeholders across the institution, you will develop category strategies, lead complex procurement projects, negotiate contract, and manage supplier relationships and identify opportunities for savings, innovation and continuous improvement. You will also ensure compliance with procurement policies and best practice while effectively managing risk.

You will bring significant procurement and category management experience, strong commercial and negotiation skills, and the ability to influence and build effective relationships with diverse stakeholders. Experience of delivering procurement projects, contract management , and business improvements initiatives is essential. Membership of or progress towards CIPS (or equivalent professional qualification) is required.

This role also includes line management responsibility for Deputy Category Manager(s), supporting their development and helping to foster a high-performing procurement team.

In return, we offer

• flexible working arrangements
• excellent professional development opportunities
• the chance to make a significant impact within a collaborative organisation

Job Title: Assistant Director of Procurement

and Email address: [e-mail]

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.