Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage sub-categories and collaborate to improve external spending.
- Company: Join West Sussex Council, dedicated to delivering value and transforming services.
- Benefits: Negotiable pay, potential for permanent position, and flexible office requirements.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that champions best practices and makes a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in public procurement and MCIPS qualification preferred.
- Other info: Generous referral fee for recommending suitable candidates.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Good Afternoon, I am currently representing West Sussex Council, who are offering an initial temporary contract for a period of 6 months with a view to be extended or offered a permanent position for the right candidate at a rate which is negotiable dependent upon experience.
The role will involve:
- The purpose of the role is to manage sub-categories across the Place category portfolio and collaborate with Directorates/Services and Category Lead to champion a new best practice commercial approach to external spend in order to deliver value for money outcomes and transform the ways services are delivered.
- You will develop and implement robust sub-category strategies for the Place category that optimises performance for the business in terms of cost, quality, delivery and responsiveness - sharing best practice guidance for the procurement of either Capital, Waste or Highways across WSCC, taking into consideration the full supplier lifecycle.
- You will be the primary interface for your sub-categories with stakeholders, developing your category and procurements and leading stakeholders in best practices.
We require the following:
- Knowledge and experience of public procurement process.
- Experience of identifying and implementing relevant commercial terms.
- MCIPS Qualified procurement professional/Working towards MCIPS with significant experience managing and leading projects.
To discuss this opportunity further please send over an up-to-date CV and give me a call. If you know someone who would be a good fit for the role, please send over their contact details and get in touch, as we do offer a generous referral fee.
If this role is not applicable to you, but you are looking for a role, please send over your CV and I will check what roles I have available. Look forward to speaking with you soon.
Contact Detail:
Belmont Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the public procurement process, as this is crucial for the Category Manager role. Understanding the nuances of public sector procurement will help you engage effectively with stakeholders and demonstrate your expertise during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the procurement field, especially those who have experience in public sector roles. Attend relevant events or join online forums to connect with others who can provide insights and potentially refer you to opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed sub-categories or projects in the past. Highlighting your achievements and the impact of your strategies will showcase your capability to deliver value for money outcomes.
✨Tip Number 4
Research West Sussex Council and their current initiatives related to procurement. Being knowledgeable about their goals and challenges will allow you to tailor your conversation and demonstrate your genuine interest in contributing to their success.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the key responsibilities and requirements for the Category Manager position. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in public procurement and project management.
Craft a Strong CV: Ensure your CV is up-to-date and clearly outlines your qualifications, including your MCIPS status or progress towards it. Emphasise your experience in managing sub-categories and leading projects, as well as any specific achievements in cost optimisation and stakeholder engagement.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the council's mission. Discuss how your skills and experiences align with the needs of the position, particularly in developing sub-category strategies and implementing best practices in procurement.
Follow Up: After submitting your application through our website, consider following up with a polite email or call to express your continued interest in the position. This can help keep your application top of mind for the hiring team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Belmont Recruitment
✨Understand the Public Procurement Process
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the public procurement process. Be prepared to discuss how you've navigated this in previous roles and how it can apply to the Category Manager position.
✨Showcase Your MCIPS Qualifications
If you're MCIPS qualified or working towards it, highlight this during the interview. Discuss how your qualifications have equipped you with the skills necessary to manage sub-categories effectively.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement Questions
Expect questions about how you engage with stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led stakeholders in best practices and how you plan to do this in the new role.
✨Demonstrate Your Strategic Thinking
Be ready to talk about how you would develop and implement robust sub-category strategies. Share specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to optimise performance in terms of cost, quality, and delivery.
