Head of Category - Construction & Estates

ZipRecruiter; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a Head of Category - Construction & Estates to oversee strategic procurement initiatives. This role requires a dynamic leader with expertise in public sector procurement and a strong commercial focus. Responsibilities include managing a high-performing team, driving supplier management, and ensuring compliance with procurement regulations. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in the NHS or public sector, excellent negotiation skills, and the ability to deliver measurable results.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in NHS and/or wider public sector procurement.
• In-depth knowledge of UK Public Contracts Regulations and The Procurement Act.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement commercial strategies for high-value procurement.
• Lead and develop a high-performing Construction & Estates category team.
• Contribute to the development of a progressive procurement strategy.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Stakeholder Engagement

Problem Solving

Project Management

Time Management

Education

CIPS Level 6 Diploma in Procurement and Supply

Degree

Job description

Job Description

Location:North West, England with Hybrid Working 1-2 days per week in the office.

Salary:£70,000 - £85,000

Contract Type:Permanent

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic procurement leader to join our client as the Head of Category - Construction & Estates. This pivotal role is responsible for setting the strategic direction and overseeing the delivery of the Construction & Estates category team. You will serve as the subject matter expert, developing and executing innovative and robust category strategies that drive excellence and value across the procurement lifecycle.

This is a high-impact position ideal for a strategic thinker with exceptional leadership abilities, capable of building strong, collaborative relationships with both clients and suppliers. You will ensure the efficient management of a comprehensive framework portfolio, leading sourcing programmes and major projects that support the transformation of healthcare procurement services.

Key Responsibilities

Category Management

• Design and implement commercial strategies for complex, high-value procurement and common goods and services.
• Deliver measurable commercial results through category planning and strategic sourcing.
• Drive supplier and contract management best practice across the marketplace.
• Support cross-sector public procurement initiatives in partnership with other government bodies.

Leadership

• Lead and develop a high-performing Construction & Estates category team, championing a positive and collaborative working culture.
• Play an active role within the Procurement Solutions Leadership Team (PSLT).
• Promote continuous improvement and challenge conventional practices to achieve better outcomes.
• Engage with key internal stakeholders including Heads of Category and Legal Counsel to ensure seamless delivery.

Procurement Vision & Strategy

• Contribute to the development and execution of a progressive procurement strategy.
• Create an operational environment that delivers procurement excellence, value for money, and measurable customer savings.
• Guide the team towards a unified vision that enhances revenue and increases spend under management.
• Ensure compliance with commercial principles and legal standards.

Commercial Focus & Business Insight

• Identify and implement service delivery improvements and value-adding initiatives.
• Meet financial and performance KPIs through sound commercial judgement and strategic thinking.

Managing Complexity

• Deliver robust procurement and contract management processes.
• Maintain category workplans and ensure business continuity through effective planning.
• Innovate through the development of frameworks and dynamic procurement markets.

Governance & Risk Management

• Achieve cost savings and value targets through efficient procurement delivery.
• Act as a thought leader, offering expertise and insight to clients across the sector.

Public Procurement Compliance

• Lead complex sourcing exercises in line with public sector legislation.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of procurement regulations, market trends, and legislative changes.

Framework Management

• Identify growth opportunities and manage risk within the framework portfolio.
• Collaborate closely with colleagues to embed framework management strategies.

About You

Knowledge & Experience

• Proven experience in NHS and/or wider public sector procurement.
• In-depth knowledge of UK Public Contracts Regulations and The Procurement Act.
• Expertise in the construction, estates, or built environment market.
• Strong commercial acumen and procurement lifecycle knowledge.
• Demonstrable experience leading high-performing teams.

Skills & Attributes

• Outstanding leadership, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Excellent time management, project management, and risk assessment capabilities.
• Effective communicator and problem-solver with a collaborative mindset.

Qualifications

• MCIPS or equivalent (CIPS Level 6 Diploma in Procurement and Supply).
• Degree educated or equivalent professional experience.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your CV to Stu Donald at Value Match who are acting as an employment business for this position.