Category Manager (Operational Equipment and Fleet)

Networking Women in the Fire Service; Rivenhall End; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

A public service organization in Rivenhall End is seeking a Category Manager (Operational Equipment and Fleet) to oversee procurement strategies and tender processes. The successful candidate will have extensive category management experience and knowledge of public procurement regulations. The role offers hybrid working arrangements, ensuring flexibility in hours and location, with a salary range of £50,269.00 to £55,501.00.

Qualifications

• Experience in category management and running tenders across varied categories.
• Experience developing and maintaining effective relationships internally and externally.
• Knowledge of Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and Procurement Act 2023.

Responsibilities

• Create category strategies and deliver procurement advice.
• Run tender processes from requirement identification to execution.
• Ensure compliance with internal and public procurement regulations.

Skills

Category management

Public procurement knowledge

Relationship management

Education

MCIPS or working towards

Job description

JobTitle

Category Manager (Operational Equipment and Fleet)

Contract

Permanent

Working Hours

37*

Salary

£50,269.00 – £55,501.00

Location

Kelvedon Park and Lexden*

Closing Date

7th December 2025

*We are open to discuss working arrangements including flexibility over hours and location; as a hybrid role your work will be balanced between home and service facilities, and you will be expected to attend the service premises for at least 3 days of a 5‑day working week.

The Role

An opportunity has arisen for a Category Manager in our procurement team for operational equipment and fleet.

You should have MCIPS, or be working towards, and have experience in category management and running tenders across a varied category both above and below the procurement regulations threshold.

You will deliver the full sourcing life cycle, from strategy creation and execution (supplier qualification, assessment, selection and contract award) through to implementation (supplier mobilisation and transition) and contract and supplier management.

You will have a proven experience developing and maintaining effective relationships internally, with other organisation areas and externally with suppliers. Experience of working within, and knowledge of the public procurement regulations is a prerequisite of the role.

What You Will Be Working On

• Creating category strategies
• Delivering procurement advice and guidance
• Ensuring compliance with our internal financial regulations and the public procurement regulations
• Running tender processes, at various values, from identification of requirement through to contract execution
• Achieving value for money for the service

What Are We Looking For?

We are looking for someone with knowledge and experience of working in category management. Public sector procurement experience is essential with knowledge of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and the Procurement Act 2023.

We require an individual who can build effective relationships across all levels of the service and provide advice and guidance on procurement.

How to Apply

You will be required to submit a CV detailing a minimum of five years employment and/or education history. Your CV should include any experience that meets the Person Specification for the role. You may attach separate documents (such as qualifications) – they will be referred to in shortlisting to confirm eligibility.

Assessment and Selection

Stage 1: Application & shortlisting (assessment of your CV against the essential criteria of the Person Specification). Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an initial virtual interview.

Stage 2: Formal in‑person interview at service headquarters and an on‑site exercise.

For an informal discussion, please contact Sarah Smith, Head of Procurement at [e-mail].

Our Culture and Benefits

Here at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service we are committed to prioritising and promoting the wellbeing of our employees. You can find out more about our benefits at https://www.essex-fire.gov.uk/recruitment/benefits.

Important Information for Firefighter Pension Scheme Pensioners – if you are currently receiving a pension from the Firefighter Pension Scheme, note that taking up this role may affect your pension under abatement rules.

Safeguarding

All applicants must disclose if currently investigated by any regulatory body or have any decisions or sanctions pending that may affect suitability to work with the service. You agree to inform the service within 24 hours if subsequently investigated.

Disability Confident

We are an equal opportunities, Disability‑Confident employer welcoming applications from everyone. We support diversity through various employee groups and the Digital Accessibility Inclusion Group. For support, contact [e-mail].

Contact

Questions or support requests may be emailed to [e-mail].