Strategic Category Lead, Public Sector Procurement

WMJobs; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 67,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

Birmingham City Council is seeking an Associate Category Specialist to lead Strategic Category Management within its newly formed Commercial and Procurement Services. You will shape category strategies, oversee a team of category professionals and drive value for money for Birmingham's residents.

This senior leadership role requires proven experience in regulated procurement, strong stakeholder influence, and a commitment to continuous improvement using technology and data insights.

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading strategic category management across complex procurement environments.
• Excellent knowledge of procurement legislation and governance in public sector contexts.
• Outstanding stakeholder management and influencing skills at senior levels.
• Strong analytical capability using market intelligence and evidence-based insight.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing Strategic Category Management Team.
• Act as the Council's strategic expert for category management and sourcing strategies.
• Build relationships with senior stakeholders to align commercial priorities with service needs.
• Lead market analysis, spend cube analysis and opportunity assessments to identify efficiencies.
• Drive supplier engagement and manage commercial risks across the procurement lifecycle.
• Lead complex procurement activity for mid-range contracts with cross-functional teams.
• Champion continuous improvement through technology and AI to modernise procurement practices.
• Ensure procurement activity complies with legislation and governance standards.

Skills

Strategic category management

Stakeholder management

Spend analysis

Regulated procurement

MCIPS / equivalent

Education

MCIPS membership (or equivalent)

Professional procurement qualifications

Job description

Birmingham City Council is seeking an Associate Category Specialist to lead Strategic Category Management within its newly formed Commercial and Procurement Services. You will shape category strategies, oversee a team of category professionals and drive value for money for Birmingham's residents.

This senior leadership role requires proven experience in regulated procurement, strong stakeholder influence, and a commitment to continuous improvement using technology and data insights.