Strategic Procurement Category Manager

East Midlands Councils/East Midlands Jobs; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

East Midlands Councils is seeking motivated Category Managers to join our growing Procurement team. You will lead end-to-end procurement activity across a diverse portfolio of goods, services and works, collaborating with stakeholders to deliver value for money, social value, innovation and service improvement.

You will provide expert procurement guidance, ensure compliance with procurement legislation, and support services in achieving operational and strategic objectives in a fast-paced

Qualifications

• Experience delivering end-to-end procurement exercises and sourcing activities.
• Knowledge of public sector procurement regulations, including the Procurement Act and Public Contracts Regulations.
• Experience developing procurement strategies and delivering value for money outcomes.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
• Experience using market intelligence and supplier engagement to inform procurement decisions.
• Strong analytical and commercial skills, with the ability to evaluate financial, procurement and market data.
• A proactive and solutions-focused approach to problem-solving.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Delivering directorate procurement strategies through effective procurement planning and sourcing activity.
• Developing project-specific procurement strategies that achieve value for money and support service objectives.
• Leading end-to-end procurement processes, including tendering, evaluation, contract award and mobilisation.
• Conducting market engagement activities to understand supplier capability, identify innovation and inform procurement approaches.
• Working with service areas to develop outcome-focused specifications and robust evaluation methodologies.
• Leading and facilitating supplier evaluations and moderation sessions to support transparent and compliant decision-making.
• Managing procurement pipelines and ensuring projects are delivered in line with service priorities and timescales.
• Providing expert advice on procurement legislation, policies and best practice.
• Supporting the delivery of social value outcomes and sustainable procurement objectives.
• Working collaboratively with contract managers to support effective contract mobilisation and ongoing contract performance.
• Building positive relationships with suppliers, stakeholders and regional procurement partners to promote collaboration and continuous improvement.

Skills

End-to-end procurement

Stakeholder management

Market intelligence

Analytical skills

Commercial acumen

Education

CIPS Level 4 or equivalent

Job description

East Midlands Councils is seeking motivated Category Managers to join our growing Procurement team. You will lead end-to-end procurement activity across a diverse portfolio of goods, services and works, collaborating with stakeholders to deliver value for money, social value, innovation and service improvement.

You will provide expert procurement guidance, ensure compliance with procurement legislation, and support services in achieving operational and strategic objectives in a fast-paced