Strategic Procurement Category Lead

Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Sefton Council is seeking a Procurement Category Manager to shape procurement strategies across goods, services, works and ICT projects. You will work with senior leaders, commissioners, and legal professionals to deliver compliant, value-driven procurement activity and champion contract management.

The role offers opportunities for professional development within the Corporate Procurement Service, with responsibilities from market engagement to contract award and supplier performance management.

Qualifications

• Qualified procurement professional with experience in public sector procurement.
• Ability to work with senior leaders, commissioners, and legal professionals.
• Strong analytical and market engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert procurement advice and guidance to services across the Council, ensuring compliance with the Procurement Act 2023 and the Council's Contract Procedure Rules.
• Lead and support complex, high-value procurement projects from initial planning and market engagement through to contract award and implementation.
• Challenge existing practices and champion innovative approaches, identifying opportunities to improve processes, embrace new technology, and enhance service delivery and deliver savings.
• Influence strategic commissioning and spending decisions by developing procurement strategies that maximise value for money while managing risk.
• Work collaboratively with commissioners, contract lawyers, project teams, and external partners to deliver successful procurement outcomes.
• Support early market engagement activities, helping services understand market opportunities and deliver effective procurement solutions.
• Play a key role in the development and implementation of modern procurement and contract management systems that improve visibility, efficiency, and compliance.
• Prepare and present reports to senior leaders, Cabinet, and committees, clearly communicating procurement recommendations and outcomes.
• Build strong internal and external networks, representing the Council at regional and national forums and contributing to collaborative procurement initiatives.
• Deputise for the Head of Procurement when required, demonstrating leadership and professional expertise.

Job description

Sefton Council is seeking a Procurement Category Manager to shape procurement strategies across goods, services, works and ICT projects. You will work with senior leaders, commissioners, and legal professionals to deliver compliant, value-driven procurement activity and champion contract management.

The role offers opportunities for professional development within the Corporate Procurement Service, with responsibilities from market engagement to contract award and supplier performance management.