Category Manager – Goods & Services – Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service

National Fire Chiefs Council Limited.; Sefton; Remote; GBP 44,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site gym

Free, secure parking

Canteen on site

Health & wellbeing services

Employee Assistance Programme

Local Government Pension Scheme

Job summary

Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service is seeking a Category Manager to oversee procurement of goods, services and works, including PPE, equipment, works projects and training. You will join during an asset refresh programme and report to the Head of Procurement/NR Lead, with scope for autonomy and development.

You will hold a CIPS Diploma or higher, be a self-starter, and work with minimal supervision, upholding courage, integrity, compassion and accountability in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• CIPS qualification at Diploma level or higher.
• Self-starter with ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated professional/technical skills and willingness to develop others.
• Display courage, integrity, compassion, flexibility and accountability.

Responsibilities

• Procure a portfolio of goods, services and works including PPE and equipment.
• Manage procurement activities to meet tight timeframes during asset refresh programmes.
• Support and develop others within the procurement team and ensure service continuity.

Education

CIPS Diploma or higher

Job description

Category Manager – Goods & Services – Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service

Salary: Grade 12 (£44,253 – £47,665 per annum)
Hours: 35 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Location: Service Headquarters, Bridle Road, Bootle, Merseyside, L30 4YD

This is an exciting opportunity for a talented Category Manager to join Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service’s (MFRS) Procurement team. As well as being a busy team operating within a metropolitan fire and rescue service, MFRS has a leading regional role for North West Fire and Rescue Services. The Service collaborates nationally and is also the lead authority for the Long Term Capability Management contract that facilitates National Resilience (NR) – the UK Government’s Fire and Rescue response to major incidents.

Being responsible for the procurement a portfolio of goods, services and works including personal protective equipment, operational equipment, works projects and training services, you will join the team during an extensive asset refresh programme.

Reporting to and supported by the Head of Procurement or the Procurement Lead NR, the role includes all procurement aspects to ensure successful delivery against challenging timeframes. This position has many opportunities for autonomy and responsibility, to ensure service continuity and new assets’ integration. You will be encouraged and supported in your professional development.

If you are interested in this role, it is essential that:

• You will already possess a CIPS qualification at Diploma level or higher
• You will be keen to continue to hone your judgement and professional/technical skills, taking pride in your work whilst supporting and developing others.
• You will be a self-starter who requires minimal supervision and oversight from senior colleagues.
• You will need to fulfil this role in a way that is reflective of our values: courage, integrity, compassion, and display a high degree of flexibility, accountability and initiative.

The full list of qualifications, experience, knowledge and skills required for this role and more information about the role can be found in the job profile / person specification.

What can we offer you?

• Full flexible working arrangements with a 35 hour working week
• 23 days’ holiday, (rising to 28 days after 5 years’ service) plus Bank holidays and additional extra statutory days added to the holiday entitlement
• Contributory pension by both the employee and by MFRS to a Local Government Pension Scheme
• Access to free on-site gym
• Free, secure parking
• On-site canteen
• Excellent health & wellbeing services and Employee Assistance Programme

Interviews: to be held during week commencing 30th November 2026

**Please note should we receive a sufficient number of applications, we reserve the right to close the advert early**

Contract type: Full Time