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- Tasks: Lead and deliver category strategy for public sector organisations, driving collaboration and innovation.
- Company: Dynamic shared procurement service with a focus on regional collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in public sector procurement while shaping strategic initiatives.
- Qualifications: Senior commercial experience in public sector procurement and strong stakeholder management skills.
- Other info: Opportunity to manage and develop high-performing teams in a politically complex environment.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
This is an excellent senior procurement role that sits within a regional shared procurement service, operating on behalf of multiple public sector organisations across the South West. The role leads a complex, high value category portfolio and plays a key part in shaping regional and national collaboration. It offers genuine strategic influence, senior stakeholder exposure, and responsibility for delivering best value across a politically and commercially complex environment.
Responsibilities
- Lead and deliver category strategy on behalf of multiple public sector organisations, driving collaboration, innovation and best value.
- Provide expert commercial, category and procurement advice, applying public procurement law within a complex political, economic and legislative landscape.
- Lead complex, high value and high risk procurements end to end, including sourcing strategy, commercial models, evaluation and contract award.
- Manage and influence multi-organisation contractual and stakeholder relationships at senior level.
- Represent the shared procurement service on regional and national strategic and operational delivery groups.
- Line manage and develop senior procurement professionals, embedding a strong learning, performance and quality culture.
- Own category strategies, savings targets and performance outcomes, ensuring compliance and continuous improvement.
- Drive supplier performance management, insight and data-led decision making across the category portfolio.
- Challenge existing approaches and ways of working where improvements to value, performance or outcomes can be achieved.
Requirements
- Senior commercial experience, with strong knowledge of public sector procurement.
- Strong background in category management and strategic sourcing - ICT especially of interest.
- Demonstrable experience leading, developing and motivating high performing teams.
- Excellent stakeholder management, negotiation and influencing skills.
- Project or programme management qualifications such as PRINCE2 or MSP desirable.
Interim Category Manager (ICT) employer: 1st Executive
Contact Detail:
1st Executive Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Category Manager (ICT)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the public sector and let them know you're on the hunt for an Interim Category Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of public procurement law and category management strategies. We want you to be able to showcase your expertise and how you can drive collaboration and best value in a complex environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to highlight your experience with stakeholder management and negotiation skills during conversations. These are key in this role, so make sure you’ve got some solid examples ready to share that demonstrate your ability to influence at a senior level.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Category Manager (ICT)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Interim Category Manager (ICT). Highlight your experience in public sector procurement and category management, especially in ICT. We want to see how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific examples of how you've led complex procurements or managed stakeholder relationships in the past. We love a good story that showcases your expertise!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on your achievements rather than just listing duties. Quantify your successes where possible, like savings targets met or improvements made. This helps us see the impact you've had in previous roles and how you can bring that to StudySmarter.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application directly and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come through our own platform!
How to prepare for a job interview at 1st Executive
✨Know Your Category Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid understanding of ICT procurement and category management. Brush up on the latest trends, challenges, and innovations in the sector. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Scenarios
Given the emphasis on stakeholder management, think of examples where you've successfully influenced or negotiated with senior stakeholders. Prepare to discuss how you navigated complex relationships and delivered value in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As this role involves managing and developing senior procurement professionals, be ready to share your leadership experiences. Highlight specific instances where you've motivated teams, driven performance, and fostered a culture of continuous improvement.
✨Understand Public Procurement Law
Familiarise yourself with public procurement law and its implications in a politically complex environment. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied this knowledge in past roles, especially in high-value procurements, to demonstrate your expertise.
