Interim Category Manager – IT

Cedar; Remote; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A consultancy firm is supporting a Local Authority in the UK to find an Interim Category Manager for their IT category. This home-based role needs immediate action with a day rate of £400 to £445 per day, primarily engaging in contracts valued above £30k. Candidates must possess substantial Public Sector Procurement experience and understand the Procurement Act 2023 to manage a portfolio of contracts effectively, ensuring compliance and strategic alignment.

Qualifications

• Experience in a similar role within the UK Public Sector Procurement.
• Completion of the new Procurement Act 2023 training.
• Proficient in using frameworks for procuring IT Goods and/or Services.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of IT contracts ensuring compliance and value for money.
• Provide decisive recommendations on contract renewals or strategic procurements.
• Engage with stakeholders confidently to manage projects end to end.

Skills

Public Sector Procurement experience

Procurement Act 2023 knowledge

Frameworks for IT procurement

Strong communication skills

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

Cedar are supporting a Local Authority who are looking to hire an Interim Category Manager for their IT category. This role is an immediate start (however likely to be from 5th January 2026) and will operate INSIDE IR35 offering a Day Rate ranged from £400 up to £445 per day. This role will be predominantly home based but may require 1 day per month on-site for team meetings (when required).

The successful candidate will take ownership of a portfolio of IT contracts (valued above £30k and below threshold) and will be responsible for ensuring compliance, value for money, and strategic alignment. The role requires a strong understanding of IT Routes-to-Market, particularly National Framework Agreements, to enable decisive recommendations on whether to pursue annual renewals or multi-year strategic procurements.

Candidates applying MUST HAVE:

• experience working in a similar role in the UK Public Sector Procurement marketplace – candidates without recent experience will not be considered
• understanding of and completion of the new Procurement Act 2023 training – this is a key requirement, candidates without this will not be considered
• experience using a range of frameworks to procure for IT Goods and/or Services i.e. CCS, YPO, ESPO, NEPO, NHS SBS etc.
• strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills – you must be confident managing your own projects end to end