At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement projects in housing and construction, ensuring value for money and compliance.
- Company: Join a dynamic Procurement and Commercial team focused on impactful projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Great chance to build connections and advance your career in procurement.
- Why this job: Make a difference in housing and construction while developing your procurement expertise.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and knowledge of public sector legislation.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
We are currently looking for an experienced Category Specialist to join a busy Procurement and Commercial team. This is an excellent opportunity for a procurement professional to lead end-to-end procurement activity across housing and place-related projects, with a particular focus on construction, housing and associated service contracts. The successful candidate will support procurement activity across housing and place programmes, managing procurement projects from inception to contract award while working closely with stakeholders to deliver value for money and ensure full compliance with procurement legislation.
The Role
- Leading end-to-end procurement activity across housing, place and construction-related categories.
- Managing procurement projects for housing works, construction and associated service contracts.
- Developing category plans that deliver value for money and support strategic service objectives.
- Providing professional procurement advice to commissioners and stakeholders across housing and place services.
- Developing compliant procurement strategies in line with procurement legislation and Council regulations.
- Managing supplier and contract performance to maximise commercial value.
- Undertaking market analysis and supplier engagement to inform procurement decisions.
- Preparing tender documentation, evaluating submissions and leading commercial negotiations.
- Building strong working relationships with internal stakeholders, suppliers and external partners.
- Supporting larger and more complex procurement projects alongside the Category Lead.
- Promoting continuous improvement, innovation and sustainable procurement practices.
- Delivering procurement training and guidance to support intelligent purchasing across the organisation.
Key Requirements
- Previous experience working as a Category Specialist, Procurement Specialist, Category Manager or Procurement Officer.
- Experience delivering end-to-end procurement exercises within the public sector.
- Experience procuring housing, construction, place-based works or property-related contracts.
- Strong knowledge of public procurement legislation and governance requirements.
- CIPS qualification or equivalent procurement experience, with a willingness to work towards professional accreditation if required.
- Experience developing category strategies and sourcing plans.
- Strong commercial awareness and supplier negotiation skills.
- Experience managing supplier performance and contract management activities.
- Ability to analyse commercial, financial and market information to support procurement decisions.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills with experience working across multiple service areas.
- Experience using eProcurement systems and procurement management software.
What You Need to Do Now
If you are interested in this Category Specialist role and meet the criteria above, please click APPLY NOW and send us your application today. If you do not hear from us within 48 hours of applying, your application has been unsuccessful.
Footnote
If you feel that this role matches your skills but not the rate, location or seniority, please feel free to send us your CV anyway. We regularly recruit for Category Specialists, Procurement Specialists, Category Managers, Procurement Officers and Commercial Officers across the UK and would be pleased to speak with you confidentially. Even if you are currently satisfied in your role, we welcome calls from procurement professionals looking to build future connections.
For more information, call Zubair at Carrington West on (phone number removed). By applying for this position, you agree for Carrington West to hold and process your personal data in accordance with our Data Protection Policy. Your data will only be shared with third-party clients for roles relevant to your application. You may withdraw consent at any time by contacting us.
Category Specialist employer: Carrington West
Carrington West is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises employee growth and development. With a strong focus on improving residential environments in Harlow, team members benefit from competitive daily rates and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects that positively impact the community. The collaborative culture fosters innovation and supports professional advancement, making it an attractive place for experienced project managers looking to make a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Specialist
✨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 West.
✨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 Specialist
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 West:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Carrington West. 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 West.
How to prepare for a job interview at Carrington West
✨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 West!
✨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 West. 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 West's culture.
