Senior Category Manager

Baltimore Consulting; West Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading consulting firm is seeking a Senior Category Manager for a 3-month contract in the Midlands. The role involves leading procurement operations and supporting strategic savings initiatives for a local authority. Candidates should have strong public sector procurement experience and excellent stakeholder engagement skills. The position offers a competitive rate of £500 per day with hybrid working opportunities.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in category management or public sector procurement.
• Knowledge of procurement legislation, frameworks, and best practice.
• Experience using e-procurement systems and maintaining contract registers.

Responsibilities

• Lead procurement operations including tenders and framework agreements.
• Support the delivery of the Forward Procurement Plan.
• Ensure compliance with procurement legislation and council policies.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Public sector procurement knowledge

Project management skills

Communication skills

E-procurement system experience

Job description

Senior Category Manager

3 month initial contract
Midlands
£500 per day
Inside IR35 (via umbrella)
Hybrid working, 2-3 days a week on-site
CVs are being reviewed immediately and interviews will be taking place ASAP.

As Senior Category Manager, you will play a pivotal role in delivering strategic and operational procurement services for a dynamic Midlands local authority. This high-impact role will support the delivery of savings, efficiencies, and social value across a range of directorates, ensuring best value for residents and compliance with national and local procurement regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead procurement operations including tenders, mini-competitions, and framework agreements.
• Support the delivery of the Forward Procurement Plan and contribute to strategic savings targets.
• Advise on procurement strategies and develop robust contract documentation.
• Ensure contracts are accurately recorded and stored digitally.
• Promote the use of national frameworks to deliver best value.
• Maintain and update procurement templates and systems.
• Champion SME engagement, particularly within the Midlands region.
• Support contract management and post-award reviews to inform future procurement.
• Ensure compliance with procurement legislation and council policies.
• Contribute to social value initiatives and transparency reporting.
• Represent the Council professionally with internal and external stakeholders.

Previous Experience

The ideal candidate will be an experienced procurement professional with a strong understanding of public sector processes. You’ll bring:

• Proven experience in category management or public sector procurement.
• Knowledge of procurement legislation, frameworks, and best practice.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Experience using e-procurement systems and maintaining contract registers.
• A commitment to continuous professional development and public value.
• Confidence in advising elected members and senior stakeholders.

This is an excellent opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a forward-thinking local authority. If you’re ready to take the next step in your procurement career, we want to hear from you! Please contact Sarah Williams or James Withington on 0117 3137110 or apply today.

(We offer a senior referral scheme upon successful placement of your recommendation so please do get in contact).

Our clients are passionate about creating and evolving a diverse workforce and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant. Recruiting decisions are based on your experience and skills. Any reasonable adjustments in the workplace will be fully supported during the application and hiring process.