Interim Category Lead - IT

Interim Category Lead - IT

Full-Time 48000 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and manage a team to enhance supplier performance.
  • Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation committed to excellence in procurement.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, professional development opportunities, and a collaborative work environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in procurement while developing your leadership skills in a dynamic setting.
  • Qualifications: MCIPS qualified or working towards it, with broad procurement experience required.
  • Other info: Ideal for those passionate about responsible procurement and driving transformation.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.

Core Responsibilities

Develop and implement short-, medium-, and long-term category strategies.

Lead complex and high-risk procurement processes in line with the Procurement Act 2023.

Improve contract management practices, supplier performance, and stakeholder experience.

Oversee transformation of procurement systems and processes.

Manage a team of Category Managers and build a high-performance culture.

Represent the organisation at external procurement and professional forums.

MCIPS qualified or working towards it.

Broad procurement experience (CapEx & OpEx), preferably within public sector or higher education.

Proven track record in delivering savings and leading procurement transformation.

Strong leadership, relationship management, and communication skills.

In-depth knowledge of procurement legislation and contract lifecycle management.

Skilled in using e-procurement and financial systems.

Degree or postgraduate qualification.

Familiarity with ESG and responsible procurement practices.

Key Attributes

Results-oriented, with a strategic and customer-focused mindset.

High integrity and a proactive, improvement-driven approach.

Approachable and visible leadership aligned with institutional values.

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Interim Category Lead - IT employer: 1st Executive Ltd

As an Interim Category Lead - IT, you will thrive in a dynamic environment that champions innovation and excellence in procurement. Our organisation prioritises employee growth through continuous professional development and offers a collaborative work culture that values integrity and strategic thinking. Located within the public sector, we provide unique opportunities to engage with external forums and contribute to meaningful transformation in procurement practices.
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Contact Detail:

1st Executive Ltd Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Interim Category Lead - IT

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the procurement field, especially those who have experience in public sector or higher education. Attend relevant industry events or forums where you can meet potential colleagues and learn more about the latest trends and challenges in procurement.

✨Tip Number 2

Familiarise yourself with the Procurement Act 2023 and any recent changes in procurement legislation. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in the field.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your leadership skills by discussing past experiences where you successfully managed teams or led projects. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you built a high-performance culture and improved stakeholder experiences.

✨Tip Number 4

Highlight your understanding of ESG and responsible procurement practices during discussions. This is increasingly important in procurement roles, and demonstrating your knowledge can set you apart from other candidates.

We think you need these skills to ace Interim Category Lead - IT

Category Strategy Development
Procurement Legislation Knowledge
Contract Lifecycle Management
Supplier Performance Improvement
Stakeholder Engagement
Team Leadership
High-Performance Culture Building
Procurement Transformation
Cost Savings Delivery
Relationship Management
Communication Skills
E-Procurement Systems Proficiency
Financial Systems Knowledge
ESG and Responsible Procurement Familiarity
Results-Oriented Mindset
Proactive Improvement Approach

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in procurement, especially in CapEx and OpEx. Emphasise any leadership roles and your familiarity with procurement legislation and contract lifecycle management.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, address how your skills align with the core responsibilities of the role. Mention your MCIPS qualification or progress towards it, and provide examples of your success in leading procurement transformations.

Showcase Your Achievements: Quantify your achievements in previous roles, such as savings delivered or improvements in supplier performance. This will demonstrate your results-oriented mindset and ability to drive change.

Highlight Soft Skills: Given the importance of leadership and relationship management in this role, make sure to highlight your communication skills and approachability. Provide examples of how you've built high-performance cultures in past teams.

How to prepare for a job interview at 1st Executive Ltd

✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking

As an Interim Category Lead, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to develop and implement category strategies. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully created and executed procurement strategies in the past.

✨Highlight Your Leadership Skills

This role involves managing a team of Category Managers, so it's crucial to showcase your leadership experience. Share instances where you've built high-performance teams and fostered a positive culture, as well as how you handle challenges within a team.

✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Procurement Legislation

Given the importance of compliance with the Procurement Act 2023, make sure to brush up on relevant legislation. Be ready to discuss how you've navigated procurement laws in previous roles and how you ensure adherence to these regulations.

✨Prepare for Questions on Stakeholder Management

Strong relationship management is key in this position. Think about how you've engaged with stakeholders in the past, improved their experience, and managed expectations. Prepare to share specific examples that highlight your communication skills and customer-focused mindset.

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