Category Manager in Birmingham

Are you a procurement professional looking to be part of a dynamic team? Want the opportunity to get stuck into region-shaping procurement projects? We have recently created a new position for a Procurement Lead Officer, working closely with the Senior PLOs and Business Partners. You'll work towards the common goal of enhancing, developing and growing the procurement function by providing a proactive and solutions-focused service across WMCA.

What you will be doing:

• Provide innovative strategic advice and develop and implement appropriate procurement sourcing strategies.
• Develop and maintain relationships with internal customers, key stakeholders and public, private and third sector suppliers.
• Raise the profile of procurement through the increase of cross-functional team working and networking.
• Management of the procurement portfolio for allocated support areas.
• Lead on specific contract management processes alongside performance management and specific contract implementation meetings (including grant funding processes).
• Maintain and update contract databases, ensuring KPIs are measured along with other performance management tools.
• Work with key stakeholders to develop an understanding of the need of the business to enable you to develop tender documentation.

What's essential:

• Proven experience of purchasing alongside the ability to develop procurement strategies.
• Demonstrable experience of working with stakeholders to understand business needs.
• Strategic sourcing knowledge and experience.
• Demonstrable experience of stakeholder management.
• Track record of delivering against targets.
• Previous experience of influencing and working with senior management and stakeholders to endorse proposals, procedures and systems.
• Previous experience of working with Public Sector procurement regulations.

The location for this role is 16 Summer Lane, Birmingham, B19 3SD with at least 2 days a week spent in the office.

How to apply:

• Create your Careers Account. Register with your name, email address, and a password.
• Build your Profile.
• Upload your CV to help populate your career and education details.
• Write your Supporting Statement. Make sure to address each of the required essential criteria.
• Submit your application. Do one final check and once complete, click submit.

Anonymised Applications:

Your uploaded CV won't be visible after submission. Our process is anonymised, and only the information in your profile is used for shortlisting. Be thorough in each section; it's your chance to showcase your skills and experience.

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We cannot stop anyone from using AI help write application content. Used right, it can be a great tool. If you choose to use AI, then use it as a helper rather than relying on it wholly to write your application. Applications that rely too heavily on AI may be rejected during shortlisting.

Reasonable adjustments:

If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process, please get in touch with our Recruitment Team.

Salary and benefits:

We advertise salary ranges, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees. Requests for salaries above the maximum advertised range will not be considered.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
• 28 days paid annual leave (with an option to purchase more), giving you ample time to relax.
• Ethical saving options and healthcare plans.
• Discounted gym membership.
• An option to buy a bicycle, including e-bikes and adapted pedal cycles, at a discounted rate.
• 3 days of paid leave each year to volunteer.
• Interest-free financing through SmartTech to buy the latest technology.
• Discounted shopping with over 2,000 big-name retailers, and more.

Why join WMCA?

WMCA is laser-focused on improving the West Midlands, bringing economic growth, jobs, homes, and better journeys to the region. We target local needs where it matters most, ensuring everyone has a job that pays well and has access to safe and affordable places they can call home. We put people and place at the heart of everything we do, working hand in hand with our partners to direct funding where it's needed most. What you do really matters. Your expertise will help make a big difference, improving people's lives every day.

Creating an inclusive workplace:

WMCA holds diversity accreditations, such as the RACE Code Quality Mark, Armed Forces Covenant (Gold status) and has been recognised as one of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. We're a Disability Confident Employer with Leader status, committed to interviewing applicants with disabilities who meet all the essential role criteria. We recognise that certain groups, such as women and people of colour, may be less likely to apply for roles if they feel they do not meet all the requirements. However, we encourage individuals who are passionate about the role and want to make a difference to still apply. We value potential and encourage applicants to highlight their skills, including transferable ones, even if they don't fit the traditional 'perfect candidate' mould. We gladly consider part-time, flexible, and job share arrangements, so please don't let these factors deter you from applying.

Right to Work in the UK:

Proof of Right to Work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed. Non-UK applicants (excluding Ireland) would be required to hold a relevant Visa from the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).