Senior Category Manager - Estates and Campus Services

University of Portsmouth; England; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university is seeking a Senior Category Manager to lead high-impact procurement initiatives. The successful candidate will manage a talented team, drive category plans, and ensure value-for-money solutions. This role offers hybrid working with a focus on strategic procurement within a collaborative and supportive environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Generous pension scheme

Generous leave entitlement of 32–35 days

Family-friendly policies

Excellent training and development opportunities

Discounted gym membership

Qualifications

• Experience in public sector or complex environments is a plus.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing and motivating teams.
• Passion for making procurement smarter, faster, and better.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic, multi-year procurement plans.
• Manage and mentor a team of Procurement Managers and Officers.
• Engage senior stakeholders across Estates and Campus Services.

Skills

Strong procurement experience

Team leadership skills

Stakeholder management

Excellent communication

Contract management capabilities

Education

Degree or equivalent experience

MCIPS or equivalent

Job description

Job description

The University of Portsmouth is a global employer of choice where exceptional people create, share and apply knowledge that makes a difference.

Experience the pride of being part of a select group – one of only four universities in the south-east of England to achieve a prestigious Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework. Additionally,weproudly rank among the top 140 universities globally in the Times Higher Young University World Rankings.

Ambition, Responsibility and Openness drive our every endeavour. Join our esteemed institution with a proven track record of success, and where dedication to excellence is key. We want people to make their mark in a professional community that truly values people, innovation, and achievement.

The Role:

Ready to lead high-impact procurement that shapes the future of a top UK university?

We’re looking for a strategic and driven Senior Category Manager to join our fantastic Procurement team at the University of Portsmouth. You’ll lead a team of talented professionals, drive category plans, and deliver value-for-money solutions that make a real difference.

Hybrid working is offered with 2 days in the office and the rest remotely.

What you’ll do:

• Lead strategic, multi-year procurement plans
• Manage and mentor a team of Procurement Managers and Officers
• Engage senior stakeholders across Estates and Campus Services Navigate complex procurement landscapes with confidence and creativity
• Be the go-to expert for procurement strategy and compliance

What you’ll bring:

• Strong procurement experience (public sector or complex environments a plus)
• Team leadership and stakeholder management skills
• MCIPS or working towards (or equivalent experience)
• A passion for making procurement smarter, faster, better
• A degree or equivalent experience, ideally supported by MCIPS or similar professional accreditation.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing and motivating teams.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and contract management capabilities.

This is a brilliant opportunity to shape procurement at scale, influence change, and grow your career.

Why Join Us?

We are committed to delivering excellence and innovation, and our Procurement team plays a critical role in supporting this vision. You’ll be part of a collaborative team that values openness, responsibility, and ambition, working in an environment that supports professional development and work-life balance.

Location

Whilst there is a need to be in Portsmouth, hybrid working is offered with 2 days in the office and the rest remotely.

Should you have any queries in relation to the role please contact Celine Machola-Rogers [e-mail]

Employer, External Only: University of Portsmouth Academic Services Ltd (UASL)

Discover the advantages of joining our university. We offer a range of attractive benefits and opportunities to enhance your work experience:

• Competitive salary, including incremental progression within your scale.
• Generous pension scheme.
• Generous leave entitlement of 32–35 days a year, plus bank holidays, and an additional Christmas closure.
• Family-friendly policies supporting flexible working.
• Staff discounts and loyalty schemes.
• Staff car parking and discounted public travel.
• Excellent training and development opportunities.
• Staff wellbeing programmes.
• Recreation facilities, including discounted gym membership, food on campus schemes, use of the Library and staff social activities.
• Discounted learning.
• Start-up business mentoring from expert entrepreneurs via our Entrepreneurs in Residence programme.
• The perks don’t stop there - click ‘apply’ for further information on My Reward and Benefits

UKVI Statement

Prior to submitting your application, kindly ensure that you can either demonstrate or acquire the necessary right to work in the UK. If you currently do not possess the right to work in the UK, please be aware that our offer of employment is conditional upon you obtaining it.

ED&I Statement:

We are strongly dedicated to embedding equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) within our community. As an Athena SWAN and Race Equality Charter award holder, a member of Stonewall and a Disability Confident Employer we are passionate about creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, regardless of your background. We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills, perspectives and experiences. In addition, we want our workforce to be representative of our diverse student population. Please see our EDI Framework and objectives.

Please note that this vacancy may be closed earlier than advertised, so early applications are advised.