Strategic Procurement Category Manager (Hybrid)

Central Bedfordshire Council; Shefford; Hybrid; GBP 47,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Central Bedfordshire Council is seeking a Category Manager in Procurement – Commercial and Procurement Service. You will own the procurement pipeline, lead high-value, complex procurements, and provide strategic commercial leadership to assets, facilities management, and capital contracts portfolios.

You will develop category strategies, drive value for money, ensure compliance with PCR15/PA23, and collaborate with service areas to strengthen partnerships.

Qualifications

• Experience in procurement or commercial environment.
• Understanding of PCR15/PA23 and public sector governance.
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement Category Strategies delivering value for money in line with council policies and regulations.
• Provide market intelligence and guidance on competition processes and routes to market.
• Lead high-value, high-risk complex procurement initiatives to achieve value for money.
• Apply detailed analysis and evaluation techniques to support decision making with cost and quality weighting.
• Regular communication with Senior Managers and attendance at DMTs.
• Assist contract managers to assess service delivery and work with providers to improve efficiencies.
• Develop and embed social value opportunities.

Skills

Procurement experience

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical skills

Education

CIPS Level 4 qualification

Degree desirable

Job description

Central Bedfordshire Council is seeking a Category Manager in Procurement – Commercial and Procurement Service. You will own the procurement pipeline, lead high-value, complex procurements, and provide strategic commercial leadership to assets, facilities management, and capital contracts portfolios.

You will develop category strategies, drive value for money, ensure compliance with PCR15/PA23, and collaborate with service areas to strengthen partnerships.