Category Manager – Goods & Services

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service; Sefton; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

23 days' holiday, rising to 28 after 5

Local Government Pension Scheme

Free on-site gym

Free secure parking

On-site canteen

Job summary

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service is seeking a Category Manager to lead procurement across PPE, equipment, works and training, aligned with a major asset refresh. The role emphasizes delivering within tight timeframes and maintaining continuity while integrating new assets.

The post offers flexible working around a 35-hour week, with opportunities to influence national resilience contracts and develop procurement excellence within a supportive leadership framework.

Qualifications

• CIPS qualification at Diploma level or higher.
• Self-starter with minimal supervision and independent working style.
• Ability to develop professional and technical judgement and skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage procurement for PPE, operational equipment, works, and training.
• Carry out procurement activities to meet tight timeframes.
• Ensure service continuity and asset integration during the asset refresh.
• Work autonomously, reporting to Head of Procurement or Procurement Lead NR.

Skills

Self-starter

Professional development

Mentoring / developing others

Education

CIPS Diploma or higher

Job description

This Category Manager post sits in the procurement team of Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, which holds a leading regional role for North West fire and rescue services. The role covers buying personal protective equipment, operational equipment, works and training services during a major asset refresh. The team is also lead authority for a national resilience contract, and the post runs on 35 hours a week with flexible working. Candidates need a CIPS Diploma or higher to be considered.

What the job involves

• Manage procurement of a portfolio of goods, services and works, including PPE, operational equipment, works projects and training
• Carry out all procurement activity needed to deliver within tight timeframes
• Ensure service continuity and the integration of new assets during the asset refresh programme
• Work with autonomy, reporting to the Head of Procurement or the Procurement Lead NR

What’s required

Qualifications

• CIPS qualification at Diploma level or higher

Skills & knowledge

• Self-starter who needs minimal supervision
• Continued development of professional and technical judgement and skills
• Supporting and developing others

Other

• Working in line with MFRS values of courage, integrity and compassion
• High degree of flexibility, accountability and initiative

What’s offered

• Flexible working arrangements on a 35-hour week
• 23 days' holiday, rising to 28 after 5 years' service, plus bank holidays and extra statutory days
• Contributory Local Government Pension Scheme with employer and employee contributions
• Free on-site gym
• Free, secure parking
• On-site canteen
• Health and wellbeing services and Employee Assistance Programme
• Support for professional development