At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic sourcing and procurement activities to drive innovation and sustainability.
- Company: Join a dynamic Public Sector organisation in the North East.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension scheme, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Hybrid working with flexibility and opportunities for continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact during a transformative period in procurement.
- Qualifications: Three years' experience in Procurement or Category Management required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 € per year.
Cedar Recruitment are currently partnering exclusively with a Public Sector organisation in the North East to recruit two Category Managers on a permanent basis. The role will be to join and support a growing Procurement function during a significant period of transformation. These positions offer a salary of £50,000-£60,000 per year alongside an excellent benefits package, including access to the Local Government Pension Scheme and employee discounts. The roles are hybrid working, typically requiring three days on site per week, with flexibility depending on demands and project delivery.
Main Duties:
- Develop and deliver strategic sourcing and category management approaches across a range of goods and services, achieving value for money, innovation and sustainability.
- Lead end-to-end procurement activity including tendering, negotiation, contract award and contract management for significant spend areas.
- Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, providing commercial and procurement advice, guidance and solutions.
- Develop collaborative relationships with external suppliers and industry bodies to share knowledge and best practice.
- Drive supplier engagement and market collaboration to identify innovation, efficiencies and savings opportunities.
- Ensure procurement activities comply with Public Procurement legislation, governance and organisational policies.
- Monitor supplier performance, spend analysis and category risks to deliver commercial benefits and improved outcomes.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across procurement processes, systems and commercial delivery.
Experience Required:
- A minimum of three years experience in Procurement, Commercial, Contract, or Category Management roles within the Public Sector.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and supplier relationship management skills.
- A proven ability to deliver cost savings and manage compliant end to end procurement exercises.
- Previous experience within the UK Public Sector environment would be beneficial.
- Experience of using contract suited NEC/JCT is advantageous.
- Knowledge of, or training in, PA23 regulations would be highly advantageous.
Category Manager employer: Cedar
Joining this Public Sector organisation in the North East as a Category Manager offers a unique opportunity to be part of a transformative procurement function, where your contributions will directly impact the community. With a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package, including access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, you will enjoy a supportive work culture that values innovation and sustainability. The hybrid working model provides flexibility, allowing you to balance your professional and personal life while engaging in meaningful projects that drive efficiency and savings.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager
✨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 a 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 researching the organisation's procurement strategies and recent projects. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your knowledge and how you can contribute to their transformation journey.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your professionalism.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a streamlined process that makes it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience. Plus, it helps us keep track of your application and get back to you quicker!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in procurement and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to deliver cost savings and manage end-to-end procurement exercises.
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 your experience in the Public Sector and how you can contribute to the transformation of the Procurement function.
Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills:Since building strong relationships is key, make sure to include examples of how you've successfully engaged with stakeholders in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to provide commercial and procurement advice effectively.
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 and keep track of all the amazing candidates like you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cedar
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially around strategic sourcing and category management. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in public sector procurement and be ready to discuss how you can bring value for money and sustainability to the role.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with stakeholders in the past. Think about specific situations where you provided commercial advice or built strong relationships. This will demonstrate your ability to navigate the complexities of internal and external partnerships.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask you to solve hypothetical procurement challenges. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making skills. This is your chance to show how you would lead end-to-end procurement activities and manage supplier performance effectively.
✨Understand Compliance and Regulations
Brush up on Public Procurement legislation and any relevant regulations like PA23. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance in your procurement activities. This shows that you’re not just a great negotiator but also someone who understands the importance of governance.
