Senior Procurement Category Manager

Wakefield Council; Wakefield; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Wakefield Council is looking for a motivated procurement professional to lead their Corporate Procurement Team. This role involves management of procurement activities, ensuring compliance with regulations, and delivering value for money for council services. Generous benefits and commitment to employee wellbeing make this position appealing in a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Generous annual leave entitlement

High-quality training programmes

Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)

Discounted public transport options

Leisure facility memberships discounts

Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of public sector procurement regulations.
• Experience as a procurement professional.
• Ability to share knowledge and train Council Officers.

Responsibilities

• Provide procurement guidance and manage end-to-end procurement activities.
• Ensure understanding of third-party spend in categories.
• Develop a category-led approach to procurement.

Skills

Stakeholder Management

Contract Management

Organizational Skills

Communication

Education

CIPS Level 6 qualification

Job description

Do you want to become a member of a successful Corporate Procurement Team that supports a local authority in making the Wakefield district a better place to live, where people thrive, businesses succeed, and visitors are welcome? If so, then this could be the right opportunity for you here at Wakefield Council.

Over the coming years, the Procurement service will play a key role in enabling the delivery of the Council’s ambitious budget and capital expenditure plans. The Council's Corporate Procurement Service has an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated, experienced procurement professional.

What will be expected from me?

The purpose of this role is to provide a professional, customer-focused service for the procurement of Goods, Services, and Works for Wakefield Council, within a category management framework.
You will have line management responsibility for a team of procurement professionals and for the effective management of several categories of spend for our Places workstream. The portfolio comprises Services such as Property and Construction, Highways, Transport, Regeneration, and Environmental Services. You will provide advice, guidance, and manage the end-to-end procurement activities. You will play an influential part in shaping procurement solutions that deliver value for money and have focused outcomes that help directorates achieve the best possible results for our residents.

With a focus on delivering a best-in-class service, you will have the opportunity to develop a category-led approach to procurement, which will influence spend, understand business needs, and develop innovative sourcing opportunities that will contribute towards a positive legacy within the Council and in the community it serves.

What might I be doing?

• Ensure your team has a full understanding and control of all third-party spend associated with the categories.
• Maintain a planned, proactive approach to improve procurement activity within the category of spend across the Council.
• Provide procurement guidance and deliver training to Council Officers.

Essential requirements:

• CIPS Level 6 qualification
• Experience as a procurement professional with skills in stakeholder management and contract management.
• In-depth knowledge of the legislative and regulatory framework relevant to public sector procurement, including UK Regulations and complex procurement exercises.
• Strong organizational and planning skills, with the ability to share knowledge with colleagues at all levels.
• Excellent communication skills.

Why Wakefield Council?

• We offer a flexible full-time working pattern of 37 hours per week.*
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Support and access to high-quality training programmes to progress your career.
• We are committed to supporting staff wellbeing, recognizing the importance of work-life balance and supportive leadership.
• Access to Wellbeing Coaching, support for Carers, and a sense of belonging.
• Discounted and subsidized public transport options (Arriva Bus Annual Travel Ticket, Northern Trains Limited, MetroCard).
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• A great range of benefits including discounted membership to leisure facilities, free 12-week exercise programs, discounts for retail, entertainment, health, and leisure providers, cycle-to-work schemes, and more.

*Role and Grade specific

Want to Know More?

If you would like to learn more about the role, the recruitment process, or working for Wakefield Council, please contact Zoe Robinson.

Tel: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

To apply, please click the Apply Now link below.