Strategic Procurement Leader - Category Manager

Sefton Council; Ellesmere Port; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Sefton Council seeks an experienced Procurement Category Manager to lead high-value procurement across goods, services, works, and ICT. You will work within the Corporate Procurement Service to shape strategies, deliver compliant, value-driven procurement and drive social and commercial value for local communities.

You will engage with senior leaders, commissioning teams, and external partners, ensuring alignment with the Procurement Act 2023 and Contract Procedure Rules, while delivering

Qualifications

• Qualified procurement professional with experience in public sector procurement.
• Strong knowledge of procurement law and contract procedure rules.
• Ability to communicate with senior leaders and external partners.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert procurement advice 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 planning and market engagement through to contract award and implementation.
• Challenge existing practices and champion innovative approaches to improve processes and deliver savings.
• Influence strategic commissioning by developing procurement strategies that maximise value for money while managing risk.
• Collaborate with commissioners, contract lawyers, project teams, and external partners to deliver procurement outcomes.
• Support early market engagement activities to inform market opportunities and effective procurement solutions.
• Develop and implement modern procurement and contract management systems to improve visibility and efficiency.
• Prepare and present reports to senior leaders, Cabinet, and committees with procurement recommendations.
• Build networks and represent the Council in regional and national forums on procurement initiatives.
• Deputise for the Head of Procurement when required.

Skills

Procurement expertise

Strategic thinking

Relationship building

Education

Public sector procurement qualification

Job description

Sefton Council seeks an experienced Procurement Category Manager to lead high-value procurement across goods, services, works, and ICT. You will work within the Corporate Procurement Service to shape strategies, deliver compliant, value-driven procurement and drive social and commercial value for local communities.

You will engage with senior leaders, commissioning teams, and external partners, ensuring alignment with the Procurement Act 2023 and Contract Procedure Rules, while delivering