Category Manager

Slough; Slough; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave 26 days

LGPS

Wellbeing initiatives

Season ticket loan

Job summary

Slough Borough Council is seeking 2 experienced Category Managers to lead strategic sourcing and procurement across a varied portfolio, shaping the council's procurement strategy and contributing to its transformation and financial recovery.

You will work within the Procurement & Commercial Team, collaborating with senior stakeholders to deliver innovative procurement solutions, ensuring value for residents and service improvements.

Job description

• Directorate:Corporate Resources
• Pay Level:8, £49,868 - £55,273 (fully inclusive of Local Weighting Allowance)
• Contract Type:Permanent
• Working Hours:37hours per week
• Location:Observatory House/ Slough Hybrid(minimum 2 days per week in the office)
• DBS requirement:Basic
• Number of Hire:2

The closing date for applications ismidnight on9th October 2026

Interviews will be held week commencing19th October 2026

What you’ll be doing:

We are looking for 2experienced and professional Category Managers. As, you will play a pivotal role in delivering the Council's Procurement Strategy and supporting Slough Borough Council's ambitious transformation and financial recovery journey. This is a highly visible role where you will help shape how the Council procures goods, services and works, ensuring every pound spent delivers maximum value for residents and communities.

Working as part of the Procurement & Commercial Team, you will lead strategic sourcing and procurement activity across a diverse and complex portfolio of spend. Partnering with senior stakeholders across the organisation, you will challenge existing approaches, identify commercial opportunities and deliver innovative procurement solutions that support service transformation, sustainability and social value objectives

You will be responsible for developing and implementing procurement strategies, leading complex and high-value procurement projects, and ensuring contracts deliver measurable commercial benefits and improved service outcomes. This role offers significant exposure to senior leaders and provides an opportunity to influence decision-making across the organisation.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a tangible impact within a council that is undergoing significant transformation. You will have the chance to influence how services are delivered, work on high-profile procurement projects and contribute directly to improving outcomes for residents while helping shape the future of the Procurement Team at Slough Borough Council.

Our Council:

Our vision is to make a difference to our communities and environment. Every employee contributes to services for local people, directly or by supporting colleagues. We celebrate diversity and want residents to enjoy fulfilling, prosperous and healthy lives.

What we offer:

We offer a supportive place to grow your career, where your input is valued and heard. You will join a friendly, collaborative environment where ambition and innovation are encouraged.

We support flexible and hybrid working to help colleagues achieve a positive work-life balance. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, recruit on merit and value a workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Annual increments, where applicable, are usually payable on 1 April, subject to six months’ service and satisfactory performance, until the maximum spinal column point is reached.

Alongside a competitive salary, we provide:

• 26 days’ annual leave, rising to 30 days after 2 years and 33 days after 5 years’ service.
• The Local Government Pension Scheme
• Wellbeing initiatives and employee networks that help us celebrate and promote equality.
• Tax-free childcare and childcare services
• Season ticket loan to help with rail or bus travel to and from work.

Accessibility and Support:

Slough Borough Council is an inclusive employer. If you need support during the application process or reasonable adjustments for interview, please contact our Recruitment Team:[e-mail].

Information shared will be treated confidentially and used only to provide appropriate support throughout recruitment and beyond.

Our staff networks represent diverse colleague groups and help make the Council a place where people feel included and can thrive.

Follow the linkHEREto learn more.

Right to Work and Checks:

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. If you require sponsorship, Please note that we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

We are committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults. Appointments are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks.

How we recruit at Slough Borough Council

Our 8 Core Skills

At Slough Borough Council, we are movingForward Together. Our core skills reflect what we value and will form part of your interview.