Category Manager

inploi; Trafford; Hybrid; GBP 44,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government organization in Trafford is seeking a Category Manager to lead procurement activities across diverse areas. Candidates should have experience in the public sector, strong advisory skills, and a commitment to collaborative work. This full-time position offers flexibility with hybrid working arrangements and a competitive salary ranging from £44,075 to £50,269. The role provides a great opportunity to impact procurement positively and advance your career in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Investment in training and development

Flexible working options

Competitive salary

Qualifications

• Experience in leading procurement activity within the public sector context.
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple clients and projects.
• Strong communication and advisory skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead procurement activity across various subject areas.
• Provide quality procurement advice to customers.
• Manage projects efficiently at pace.

Skills

Procurement leadership

Customer management

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

Category Manager

Location – Trafford Council, Sale Waterside Centre, 1 Waterside, M33 7ZF

Salary range – Band 9 10 SCP 33 39 (£44,075 to £50,269)

Working Pattern – Full time (36.25 hours per week)

Contract type – Permanent

Application deadline – 14 December 2025

Interview date – Week commencing 15 December 2025

Trafford council is a Living Wage Employer.

We will offer flexibility where we can. Many colleagues can work from home for one or more days a week and/or flex the hours they work. We call this SMART working, giving you the option to flex your days and hours to fit your life and work.

About STAR Procurement

Rochdale, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford, Knowsley and St. Helen’s have a ground‑breaking, strategic, shared procurement service, STAR Procurement. Established for over 10 years, STAR delivers exceptional results for its partners. Our Business Plan shows the direction of travel, the importance of collaboration and the key role of procurement in delivering collaborative transformation.

We now have an opening within the team for a Category Manager.

In return, you can expect an excellent package, investment in training and development and the opportunity to shape your career in an environment where the strategic significance and positive impact of procurement are recognised. You will also work across Greater Manchester and other local authorities.

If you can match our enthusiasm to succeed, are looking for a new challenge and want to make a real contribution to our success, we would like to hear from you.

About the Role

• Lead procurement activity across a wide range of subject areas.
• Provide quality procurement advice to customers.
• Work at pace when required and manage multiple clients and projects.

Applicants should submit a CV and covering letter. The CV must demonstrate experience that enables you to meet the role described. The covering letter should detail how specific transferable skills detailed in your CV enable you to meet the main priorities of the role and the ‘About you’ description below.

About you

Your style and approach will reflect STAR’s values and behaviours: you will be committed to continually learning & improving, take ownership of your actions, strive to get things right first time and learn from mistakes, and enjoy taking personal responsibility to resolve issues.

• Empower staff to be confident in decisions through support, training and guidance.
• People‑Centred – value all people within and external to STAR and act with honesty and integrity.
• Inclusive – value and respect diversity and the richness difference brings.
• Collaborate – work equitably and together to get things done.

You’ll also demonstrate experience in leading procurement activity within the public sector context and be prepared to work across multiple clients and projects simultaneously.

About us

Trafford Council and its partners work together to close inequality gaps and maximise Trafford’s potential. Our vision is “Trafford where all our residents, businesses and communities thrive.”

Our council and schools employ around 8,000 people who are central to making the area great. We offer development opportunities, a fair and flexible workplace and are a Living Wage Employer.

Additional Information

Please note the advert may close early if we receive a high number of applications, so do not delay in submitting your application.

You will have flexibility in terms of hybrid working at home and in the office, as well as customer offices when required.

Contact Details

For an informal discussion about the role, contact Michael Crook on 07773578366 or email [e-mail]

About the benefits

You will be welcomed into a friendly environment where your personal and professional development will be encouraged. You will have the opportunity to work and grow in a people‑centred and values‑based organisation that promotes a positive culture. Your opinions matter – you will have the opportunity to shape how we do things at Trafford.

To learn more about Trafford as a place to work, visit Trafford - Benefits (greater.jobs).

If you are applying under the Guaranteed Assessment Scheme, you need to show that you meet the essential requirements of the job as set out in the ‘About You’ section. You may be given the opportunity to demonstrate your skills, talent and abilities at interview or other assessment.

Other relevant information

Greater Manchester Continuous Service Commitment – www.inploi.com

For this opportunity you must prove you have the right to work in the UK. If in doubt, visit the Employer’s right to work checklist – GOV.UK. We are not a licensed sponsor and cannot support with work visas.

Privacy Notice – The Council holds and processes information about employees, workers and other individuals as appropriate. For more detail, Recruitment & Employment Privacy Notice.

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