Interim Category Lead – Property, Housing, FM (Public Sector)

Cedar; West Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading local authority in the west midlands is seeking an experienced Interim Head of Category to provide strategic leadership across high-value procurement activity. The role requires a PA23 qualification, a proven background in senior management, and strong expertise in property, housing, and facilities management categories. Offering a competitive rate of £550 per day, the position also includes a hybrid working model requiring 2 days on site in Birmingham. This is an opportunity to make a significant impact in the public-sector environment.

Benefits

Hybrid working model

Supportive, collaborative environment

Opportunity to impact public sector

Qualifications

• Proven experience operating at senior management level within procurement.
• Demonstrable track record of leading teams and managing complex workloads.
• Prior experience working within a local authority or wider public-sector environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a category team, providing strategic direction.
• Drive high-impact procurement strategies across categories.
• Ensure compliance with internal governance and public-sector regulations.
• Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders to influence decision-making.
• Oversee end-to-end procurement activity aligned with organisational objectives.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Category management

Procurement strategies

Education

PA23 qualification with all 10 modules completed

Job description

Interim Head of Category

Day Rate: £550 per day (Inside IR35)
Location: Birmingham – 2 days per week on site
Contract: 6 months

A leading local authority in the west midlands is seeking an experienced Interim Head of Category to provide strategic leadership across high-value procurement activity within property, housing, and facilities management (FM). This role is ideal for a senior procurement professional who can operate confidently in a complex governance environment and deliver best‑in‑class category management.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and develop a category team, providing strategic direction, coaching, and senior‑level oversight.

• Drive high‑impact procurement strategies across property, housing, and FM categories.

• Ensure compliance with internal governance, public‑sector regulations, and audit requirements.

• Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders across the authority, influencing decision‑making and ensuring commercial value.

• Oversee end‑to‑end procurement activity, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives and statutory obligations.

• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and support the organisation through change and transformation.

Essential Requirements:

• PA23 qualification with all 10 modules completed – mandatory.

• Proven experience operating at senior management level within procurement.

• Demonstrable track record of leading teams and managing complex workloads.

• Strong category expertise within property, housing, and FM.

• Prior experience working within a local authority or wider public‑sector environment (highly desirable).

• Ability to navigate and work within complex governance frameworks.

• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and influencing skills.

What’s on Offer:

• Competitive daily rate of £550 (Inside IR35).

• Hybrid working model – 2 days per week required on site in Birmingham.

• Opportunity to make a significant impact within a high‑profile public‑sector organisation.

• Supportive, collaborative environment working with senior leadership.