Category Manager

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

Benefits offered by this job

LGPS

Wellbeing initiatives

Tax-free childcare

Season ticket loan

Annual leave 26–33 days

Job summary

Slough Borough Council is seeking two experienced Category Managers to drive the procurement strategy and transformation journey. You will lead strategic sourcing across a diverse portfolio, collaborating with senior stakeholders to challenge approaches and identify commercial opportunities.

This role offers high visibility within the Procurement & Commercial Team and the chance to shape how services procure goods and works, delivering measurable commercial benefits for residents of Slough.

Qualifications

• Experience in strategic sourcing and procurement management.
• Ability to engage with senior stakeholders and influence decisions.
• Proven track record in delivering value through procurement projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic sourcing and procurement activity across a diverse spend portfolio.
• Develop and implement procurement strategies and manage high-value projects.
• Partner with senior stakeholders to identify commercial opportunities.
• Deliver measurable commercial benefits and improved service outcomes.

Skills

Procurement strategy

Sourcing

Stakeholder engagement

Contract management

Commercial negotiation

Job description

Directorate: Corporate Resources

Pay Level: 8, £49,868 - £55,273 (fully inclusive of Local Weighting Allowance)

Contract Type: Permanent

Working Hours: 37 hours 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 is midnight on 9th October 2026

Interviews will be held week commencing 19th October 2026

What You’ll Be Doing

We are looking for 2 experienced 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 link HERE to 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 moving Forward Together. Our core skills reflect what we value and will form part of your interview.

Click here to find out more - How we recruit | Slough Borough Council