Category Manager

WMJobs; Worcester; Hybrid; GBP 46,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Great Holiday Entitlement

Brilliant Pension Scheme

Professional Learning & Development

Flexible Working

Job summary

Worcestershire County Council is seeking a Category Manager to lead procurement and category management across Adult Social Care services, with possible work across other areas within People and Corporate Category. The role is based in hybrid working arrangements including Wildwood and home working, with 35 hours per week.

The post holder will lead complex tendering, contract negotiations and drive savings and value for money, while ensuring compliance with procurement legislation.

Qualifications

• Procurement and contract management experience, ideally within social care or public sector.
• Experience leading end-to-end procurement exercises and complex negotiations.
• Strong stakeholder management, influencing and communication skills.
• Knowledge of public sector procurement legislation and category management principles.

Responsibilities

• Lead procurement projects and contract management across key People service areas.
• Develop category and sourcing strategies that deliver value, quality and innovation.
• Manage supplier relationships and performance.
• Ensure compliance with procurement legislation and Council procedures.
• Provide commercial advice and support to commissioners and service managers.
• Deliver savings, efficiencies and improved outcomes through effective procurement and contract management.

Skills

Procurement and contract management

Stakeholder management

Influencing and communication

Public sector procurement knowledge

Education

CIPS Level 4 qualification (or equivalent)

Job description

Worcestershire County Council,

Job Title: Category Manager (2 vacancies)

Salary: £46,104 - £49,121 per annum

35 Hours per Week

Location: Hybrid, Wildwood and Home working

Team: Commercial Team

Permanent

The Role:

As a Category Manager you will lead procurement and category management activity across Adult Social Care services and potentially working across other areas within this the People and Corporate Category. Working closely with stakeholders to deliver value for money, improve supplier performance, manage risk and support service transformation. The post holder will develop and implement procurement strategies, lead complex tendering and contract negotiations, and identify opportunities for efficiencies, savings and service improvements.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading procurement projects and contract management activities across key People service areas.
• Developing category and sourcing strategies that deliver value, quality and innovation.
• Managing supplier relationships and performance.
• Ensuring compliance with procurement legislation and Council procedures.
• Providing commercial advice and support to commissioners and service managers.
• Delivering savings, efficiencies and improved outcomes through effective procurement and contract management.

We're looking for someone with:

• Procurement and contract management experience, ideally within social care, health or other complex public sector environments.
• Experience of leading end-to-end procurement exercises and complex negotiations.
• Strong stakeholder management, influencing and communication skills.
• Knowledge of public sector procurement legislation and category management principles.
• A CIPS Level 4 qualification (or equivalent management/business qualification) and a commitment to continuous professional development.

For further information please contact: Samantha Davey, Head of Commercial, [e-mail] or Beth Wilkinson, Strategic Category Lead, [e-mail]

Benefits:

You’ll find an overview of the benefits Worcestershire County Council have to offer on our webpage

Some of these offers include:

• Great Holiday Entitlement: As well as bank holidays, you'll get 26 days paid holiday (pro rata for part-time staff). This goes up to 31 days when you have been with us for 5 years. If you get more than 26 days where you work now, dont worry because if you join us without a break, we’ll match your holiday up to 31 days. If you’re successful and want to take advantage of this do let us know!
• Brilliant Pension Scheme: The Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) is a nationwide, career average pension scheme and is a valuable part of the pay and reward package for employees working in local government.
• Professional Learning & Development: We actively encourage learning and development for all our staff should they want to progress further or explore other areas within the organisation.
• Flexible Working: We are proud to offer hybrid working to provide a better work/life balance where possible.

Equality & Diversity:

The County Council is committed to equality of opportunity for all citizens and celebrates the diversity of all its residents.

Application Closing Date: 9th December 2026

Anticipated Interview Date: 16th December 2026

Attached documents

Category Manager (People)_JD PS_Final.docx