b Overview /b p In this role you will shape strategic procurement for Birmingham, working within a cross-functional team to deliver value through category management. You will develop evidence-based strategies and steer procurement projects from conception to contract award, ensuring governance and compliance. You’ll build strong supplier relationships, identify savings and innovations, and support public outcomes. This is an opportunity to influence spend across goods, works and services in one of the UK’s largest local authorities. /p b Pay / Benefits /b ul li flexible and hybrid working /li li Local Government Pension Scheme /li li generous annual leave entitlement /li li staff wellbeing initiatives /li li career development opportunities /li li supportive team culture /li /ul b Responsibilities /b ul li Develop and implement category strategies using market intelligence, spend analysis and demand profiling /li li Lead medium-scale procurement projects from strategy to contract award with governance compliance /li li Build stakeholder, supplier and partner relationships and provide commercial advice /li li Use supplier performance data and market insights to identify value, innovation, sustainability and social value opportunities /li li Support contract negotiations, mobilisation and supplier performance management /li li Produce procurement guidance, toolkits and best-practice resources and drive tech/AI-enabled improvements /li li Deliver procurement activity in line with governance, assurance and ethical procurement standards /li /ul b Key requirements /b ul li Experience delivering procurement or category management across the full lifecycle in a regulated environment /li li Strong knowledge of category management, strategy development and best practice /li li Experience analysing spend and market data to create evidence-based sourcing strategies /li li Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with ability to influence stakeholders and suppliers /li li Experience operating within complex procurement governance frameworks and applying procurement legislation /li li Strong analytical and problem-solving skills using data and market insight for decisions /li li Willingness to work towards Level 5 CIPS Diploma if not already achieved /li /ul ul li communication /li li relationship-building /li li influencing others /li li category management principles /li li procurement strategy development /li li spend/mkt data analysis /li /ul
Associate Category Lead employer: Birmingham City Council
Birmingham City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work at the heart of one of the UK's largest Commercial and Procurement Services. With a commitment to employee development, flexible working arrangements, and a focus on wellbeing, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping strategic decisions that impact the community. Join us to make a meaningful difference while enjoying competitive benefits and a supportive work culture that values diversity and excellence.
