Category Manager

James Andrews Recruitment; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 43,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable housing provider is seeking a Category Manager to lead complex sourcing activities on a 24-month FTC. This predominantly home-based role involves developing strategic category plans and collaborating with stakeholders to optimize supplier performance and deliver social value. In addition to strong procurement experience, ideal candidates will possess a deep understanding of the Procurement Act 2024 and have a proactive attitude.

Benefits

Up to 28 days annual leave

Family friendly policies

Employee assistance programme

Discounted gym membership

Health Cash Plan worth up to GBP1700 p/a

Pension scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in public sector or housing procurement.
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders.
• Proactive mindset with strong communication.

Responsibilities

• Leading end-to-end procurement activity across a diverse portfolio.
• Developing category strategies and methodologies.
• Mentoring junior colleagues and driving continuous improvement.

Skills

Strong experience in regulated procurement

Understanding of the Procurement Act 2024

Track record in managing sourcing lifecycles

Commercial acumen

Excellent communication skills

Job description

We are currently partnering with one of the Midlands most reputable housing providers who are looking to appoint a Category Manager on a 24 month FTC, paying up to up to GBP50,715 per annum.

The role will be mainly home based with occasional travel to Midlands offices.

You'll lead complex, compliant sourcing activities and develop strategic category plans that align with both operational needs and long-term goals. Working closely with senior stakeholders, you'll play a critical role in optimising supplier performance, delivering social value, and embedding best-in-class procurement practices.

Daily duties will include (but not limited to):

• Leading end-to-end procurement activity across a diverse portfolio, aligned to the new Procurement Act 2024

• Developing and delivering category strategies using structured methodologies

• Championing compliant, value-for-money outcomes through competitive tendering and strong supplier engagement

• Collaborating with finance and operational teams to ensure budgets, sourcing plans, and contract performance are aligned

• Mentoring junior colleagues and contribute to organisation-wide procurement maturity and innovation

• Driving performance monitoring, contract handovers, and continuous improvement initiatives

Experience required:

• Strong experience in regulated procurement, ideally with exposure to public sector or housing environments

• Excellent understanding of the Procurement Act 2024 and public procurement principles

• Proven track record in managing sourcing lifecycles, developing category strategies, and influencing senior stakeholders

• Commercially astute, with an eye for innovation, risk management, and long-term value

• A collaborative, proactive mindset with excellent communication skills

Rewards and Benefits:

• Up to 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) with the opportunity to buy and sell leave

• Family friendly policies

• Access to an employee assistance programme, discounted gym membership and exclusive discounts

• Health Cash Plan worth up to GBP1700 p/a

• Pension scheme with minimum employee contributions of up to 3% and employer of up to 12%

• Employee reward and recognition scheme with wellbeing hub and discount from a wide range of retailers

Working hours:

• Monday - Friday

• 9.00am - 5.00pm

Please note that you require recent experience to apply for this role.

James Andrews is acting as an employment agency and business in relation to this role.

At James Andrews Recruitment Solutions we try to respond to all applications personally, however, due to the high volume of applications this is not always possible. If you have not heard back from us within 72 hours, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Don't forget our recommendation scheme: Recommend a friend or colleague to us and receive up to GBP100 each once they have completed 20 days in a role via James Andrews! Terms and conditions apply, contact us for details.