At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-value procurement projects and develop strategic category strategies.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking Council committed to social value and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for impactful work.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for leadership and mentoring.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community through strategic procurement.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic procurement and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job Description – Category Manager (Procurement)
- Department: Finance
- Service Area: Procurement
- Grade: PO7
- Reporting to: Category Lead
- Role Purpose
The Category Manager is responsible for providing strategic procurement and commercial expertise to support the Council in achieving its corporate objectives.
Working as a trusted adviser to senior stakeholders, the post holder will lead complex, high-value and high-risk procurement projects, ensuring the delivery of value for money, social value, sustainability objectives and improved outcomes for residents.
The role will manage end-to-end procurement activity, develop category strategies, provide expert guidance on procurement legislation and best practice, and build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, suppliers and external partners.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Procurement & Category Management
- Develop and implement category procurement strategies aligned to Council priorities, financial objectives and service requirements.
- Lead forward procurement planning and identify opportunities for improved value, efficiency and service outcomes.
- Apply strategic sourcing techniques, market analysis and commercial insight to deliver savings and wider benefits.
- Provide challenge and advice to services to ensure procurement approaches meet business needs.
- Procurement Leadership & Delivery
- Lead complex procurement exercises from strategy through to contract award and mobilisation.
- Provide expert advice on procurement routes, tender processes, evaluation, contract terms and governance requirements.
- Ensure procurement activity complies with relevant legislation, including the Procurement Act, Provider Selection Regime (where applicable), Social Value Act and Council policies.
- Manage procurement risks and ensure appropriate controls are in place throughout the procurement lifecycle.
- Commercial & Contract Management
- Provide strategic commercial advice to senior managers and service leads.
- Support effective contract management to maximise supplier performance, value for money and social value outcomes.
- Develop strong supplier relationship management practices to minimise risk and improve delivery.
- Identify and address supplier performance issues, commercial risks and opportunities for improvement.
- Stakeholder & Relationship Management
- Act as a key procurement adviser and business partner to Council departments.
- Build effective working relationships with senior officers, project teams, suppliers, consultants and external partners.
- Represent the Council at meetings with contractors, suppliers, other local authorities and professional networks.
- Deliver workshops and guidance sessions to promote procurement best practice and compliance.
- Leadership & Development
- Provide guidance, supervision and support to procurement officers and project team members.
- Manage resources effectively across key procurement projects.
- Support the development of junior colleagues through coaching and mentoring.
Experience & Skills Required
The successful candidate will have
- Significant experience working in strategic procurement, category management or commercial management.
- Experience leading complex, high-value procurement projects from planning through to contract award.
- Strong knowledge of public sector procurement processes, legislation and governance requirements.
- Experience developing procurement strategies, managing tenders and delivering commercial outcomes.
- Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence senior leaders.
- Experience managing supplier relationships and contract performance.
- Ability to analyse markets, identify opportunities and deliver value for money.
- Strong communication, negotiation and problem-solving skills.
Desirable Experience
- Experience within local government, NHS, central government or another public sector organisation.
- Experience managing procurement categories such as People Services, Place, Resources, IT, professional services, housing, social care or corporate services.
- Knowledge of social value, sustainability and wider public sector objectives.
- Key Competencies
- Strategic commercial thinking
- Procurement and contract management expertise
- Stakeholder influence and collaboration
- Risk management
- Leadership and mentoring
- Ability to deliver measurable outcomes
- Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
About the Role
This is a senior procurement role requiring an experienced commercial professional who can operate strategically, influence decision-making and deliver high-quality procurement solutions that support the Council’s priorities and improve outcomes for residents.
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Contact Details:
Carrington Blake Recruitment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager – AR in London
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Carrington Blake Recruitment.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager – AR in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Carrington Blake Recruitment:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Carrington Blake Recruitment. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Carrington Blake Recruitment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Carrington Blake Recruitment
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Carrington Blake Recruitment!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Carrington Blake Recruitment. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Carrington Blake Recruitment's culture.
