Procurement Category Manager

ZipRecruiter; London; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in higher education is seeking a proactive Procurement Category Manager to drive value-driven procurement strategies. In this high-impact role, you will lead end-to-end procurement processes, collaborate with internal stakeholders, and ensure compliance with procurement legislation. Your expertise in public sector procurement will be crucial in developing strategies that align with sustainability and social value goals. Join a supportive and inclusive culture that values your contributions and offers excellent benefits, including generous leave and a strong pension scheme.

Benefits

30 days annual leave + 8 public holidays + 4 extra days over Christmas

Excellent pension scheme (USS)

Hybrid working (minimum 60% on campus)

Season ticket loan

Fitness facilities

Staff discounts

Supportive and inclusive working culture

Qualifications

• Proven procurement experience within public or education sector.
• Strong knowledge of Public Contracts Regulations and Procurement Act.
• Skilled in supplier negotiation and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver category strategies aligned to institutional priorities.
• Lead end-to-end procurement processes including tendering and contract management.
• Manage supplier relationships ensuring performance and value for money.

Skills

Procurement Experience

Public Contracts Regulations 2015

Procurement Act 2023/24

Supplier Negotiation

Stakeholder Engagement

Contract Management

Analytical Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Education

CIPS Qualification

Tools

eTendering Platforms (e.g., BiP Delta)

Procurement Frameworks (e.g., CCS, ESPO, SUPC)

Job description

Job Description

£45-55k

London - 3 day on site a week

A well-regarded higher education institution in central London is seeking a proactive and strategic Procurement Category Manager to join its Finance department. This is a high-impact role supporting the institution's long-term objectives through value-driven, customer-focused procurement across a broad range of categories, with a particular focus on goods, services, and technology that support staff and student needs.

Public sector and/or HE experience is required, knowledge of Procurement Act 2023 too.

The Role

As a Category Manager, you will take ownership of end-to-end procurement for your category, defining and implementing strategies that drive efficiency, quality, and compliance. You’ll work closely with internal stakeholders, suppliers, and senior leadership to embed best practice procurement and support broader organisational goals such as sustainability, social value, and carbon reduction.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver category strategies aligned to institutional priorities
• Lead end-to-end procurement processes including tendering, supplier evaluation, and contract management
• Embed best practice tools and techniques (e.g., benchmarking, sourcing plans, market analysis)
• Manage supplier relationships, ensuring performance, value for money, and appropriate risk controls
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of procurement strategy, policies, and systems
• Support and mentor junior team members and collaborate with external procurement consortia
• Ensure accurate documentation, reporting of benefits, and compliance with procurement legislation

About You

Essential:

• Proven procurement experience, ideally within the public or education sector
• Strong knowledge of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and the new Procurement Act 2023/24
• Familiarity with eTendering platforms (e.g., BiP Delta) and procurement frameworks (e.g., CCS, ESPO, SUPC)
• Skilled in supplier negotiation, stakeholder engagement, and contract management
• Ability to balance competing priorities and manage multiple projects effectively
• Strong communication, analytical, and interpersonal skills

Desirable:

• CIPS qualification or working towards it
• Experience in relevant categories such as HR, marketing, or travel
• Understanding of the regulatory landscape surrounding procurement (e.g., GDPR, information security)
• Familiarity with sustainability and social value frameworks

Benefits

• 30 days annual leave + 8 public holidays + 4 extra days over Christmas
• Excellent pension scheme (USS)
• Hybrid working (minimum 60% on campus)
• Season ticket loan, fitness facilities, and staff discounts
• Supportive and inclusive working culture