Category Officer

Lynx Employment Services Ltd; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A procurement services provider is hiring a Category Officer for Children’s Services in Oxford. This hybrid role requires strong procurement and contract management skills, with a focus on public sector governance. Responsibilities include managing procurement requests, compliance with regulations, and liaising with stakeholders. The ideal candidate has a CIPS Level 4 qualification and experience in Children’s Services. This opportunity offers flexible working, a supportive team, and significant career advancement potential.

Benefits

Flexible hybrid working

Supportive team environment

Opportunity to lead significant procurement projects

Qualifications

• Experience in public sector procurement, particularly within Children’s Services or Education.
• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Completed Procurement Act 2023 assessment.

Responsibilities

• Manage procurement requests and a busy shared inbox.
• Handle RFQs and the full procurement processes.
• Liaise confidently with Commissioners and suppliers.

Skills

Public sector procurement

Contract management

Organisational skills

Communication

Education

CIPS Level 4 (MCIPS) qualification or higher

Tools

Atamis

ProContract

Job description

Category Officer – Children’s Services (Hybrid, Oxfordshire)

Location: Hybrid – 1 day per month Oxford (with potential for one extra day quarterly)

Rate: £20.98 per hour PAYE

Contract: 6 months (15 Dec 2025 – 15 Jun 2026)

Hours: 37 per week (7.4 per day)

About the Role

We’re seeking a proactive and experienced Category Officer to join our clients Procurement and Contract Management team. Reporting to the Category Manager for Children’s Services, you’ll play a key role in delivering end-to-end procurement and contract management activities within the Children’s Services and Education categories. This is a hybrid role with flexible working hours (core hours between 8am – 6pm, Monday to Friday). It’s ideal for someone currently working at an Assistant level who’s ready to step up to an Officer role.

Key Responsibilities

• Respond quickly to procurement requests and manage a busy shared inbox.
• Handle RFQs and carry out full procurement processes from tender to contract award.
• Moderate bids and ensure compliance with the Procurement Act 2023 and local authority governance.
• Manage contract extensions, variations, and framework openings through to contract signature.
• Liaise confidently with Commissioners, Category Managers, and suppliers.
• Use Atamis and ProContract systems to manage procurement activity.
• Deliver excellent value for money and ensure full compliance at every stage.

About You

You’ll be a motivated, detail-oriented procurement professional with strong organisational skills and experience in public sector procurement, particularly within Children’s Services or Education. You’ll be comfortable working independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Essential Requirements

• CIPS Level 4 (MCIPS) qualification or higher.
• Procurement Act 2023 assessment completed.
• Proven experience in public sector procurement and contract management.
• Strong understanding of local authority governance and frameworks.
• Experience using Atamis and ProContract systems.

Desirable

• Experience of programme management.
• Ability to mentor or support junior team members.

Why Apply?

• Flexible hybrid working with only one office day per month.
• Opportunity to lead significant procurement projects within Children’s Services.
• Supportive and collaborative team environment.
• Ideal progression step for someone looking to advance their procurement career.

Start date: 15 December 2025

Location: Oxford (hybrid)

Rate: £20.98 PAYE