Senior Category Manager (FTC)

Michael Page; Manchester; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Michael Page is recruiting for an experienced procurement professional to join a leading public sector organisation in the Northwest on a 9-month FTC, delivering Digital & IT category procurement initiatives.

The role requires substantial public sector experience, PA23 expertise, and the ability to lead complex tenders with senior stakeholder influence. Salary expectations reach up to 65,000 for candidates with leadership experience.

Qualifications

• Significant public sector procurement experience, ideally within the NHS.
• Strong understanding and practical application of the Procurement Act 2023 (PA23).
• Proven experience managing procurement activity across Digital, IT or Technology categories.
• Experience leading complex tenders, frameworks or strategic procurement programmes.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence senior audiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex procurement projects and framework activities across Digital and IT categories.
• Manage procurement activity through the full lifecycle, including tender management, governance, stakeholder engagement and implementation.
• Support the delivery and go-live of strategic digital procurement initiatives.
• Work closely with key stakeholders to identify procurement solutions that deliver value, efficiencies and service improvements.
• Provide commercial and procurement guidance to senior leaders and procurement teams across a national footprint.
• Develop and maintain effective supplier relationships, leading negotiations and ensuring successful contract outcomes.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring delivery against agreed objectives and timescales.
• Support and mentor colleagues within the procurement function, helping to develop capability and best practice.
• For leaders, provide line management and strategic direction to a high-performing procurement team.

Skills

Public sector procurement

NHS procurement experience

PA23 knowledge

Leadership experience

Stakeholder management

Job description

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced procurement professional to join a leading organisation on a 9-month FTC, leading high-profile Digital & IT procurement projects with a focus on innovative technology solutions. We're looking for candidates with strong Procurement Act 2023 knowledge and proven digital category experience, with salaries of up to 65,000 available for those with leadership experience.

Client Details

National public sector organisation based in North West.

Description

• Lead complex procurement projects and framework activities across Digital and IT categories.
• Manage procurement activity through the full lifecycle, including tender management, governance, stakeholder engagement and implementation.
• Support the delivery and go-live of strategic digital procurement initiatives.
• Work closely with key stakeholders to identify procurement solutions that deliver value, efficiencies and service improvements.
• Provide commercial and procurement guidance to senior leaders and procurement teams across a national footprint.
• Develop and maintain effective supplier relationships, leading negotiations and ensuring successful contract outcomes.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring delivery against agreed objectives and timescales.
• Support and mentor colleagues within the procurement function, helping to develop capability and best practice.
• For candidates with leadership experience, provide line management and strategic direction to a high-performing procurement team.

Profile

• Significant public sector procurement experience, ideally within the NHS.
• Strong understanding and practical application of the Procurement Act 2023 (PA23).
• Proven experience managing procurement activity across Digital, IT or Technology categories.
• Experience leading complex tenders, frameworks or strategic procurement programmes.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence senior audiences.
• Experience working with suppliers across technology and digital services markets.
• Ability to manage multiple projects within a fast-paced environment.
• Previous team leadership, mentoring or line management experience is highly desirable and will attract the upper end of the salary band.

Job Offer

This opportunity would suit an experienced Senior Category Manager, Procurement Manager or Commercial Manager with a strong background in NHS procurement, Procurement Act 2023 compliance and Digital/IT category management. Paying up to 65,000 for the right candidate that also has proven leadership experience, this role is a 9 month FTC with occasional travel to Salford.