At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the development of Category Plans and Procurement Strategies in Facilities Management.
- Company: Local Authority in London with a focus on community impact.
- Benefits: Salary up to £54,000, Local Government Pension Scheme, and 40 days annual leave.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a difference in public sector procurement while enjoying hybrid work flexibility.
- Qualifications: Experience in UK Public Sector Procurement and understanding of PA23 required.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 54000 £ per year.
Cedar are supporting a Local Authority, based in London, who are looking to hire a Category Specialist for their FM category. This is a permanent job opportunity offering a salary ranged from £44,000 up to £54,000 per annum (depending on experience) and includes a Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and c40 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays). This role will operate on a hybrid working basis with the expectation to be on-site set to 1 day per week.
Reporting into the Category Manager, the successful candidate will be responsible for supporting the development of Category Plans and Procurement Strategies to develop a pipeline of activity within the areas of spend within their assigned category i.e. Facilities Management (FM), Construction, Refurbishment and Repairs. Your role will be to continually ensure compliance with PA23 and wider Council requirements, achieve value for money and ensure appropriate routes to market are considered for all procurements undertaken and ensuring effective communication with key stakeholders, both internal and external, throughout the process.
Candidates applying MUST HAVE:
- Experience working a similar role in the UK Public Sector Procurement marketplace i.e. a role in Procurement, Commercial, Category or Contract Management
- Experience working in Local Government would be advantageous but is not required (wider Public Sector experience is accepted)
- Understanding of PA23 along with completion of PA23 training is required
- Experience in the FM category would be advantageous
- Experience using a range of Frameworks in the Public Sector marketplace
- Completion of CIPS Level 4 would be advantageous
Category Specialist – FM in London employer: Cedar
Cedar is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the field of major rail infrastructure projects. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide ample opportunities for career progression alongside competitive benefits such as private medical insurance. Join us in a vibrant location where your expertise in M&E construction will be valued and rewarded.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Specialist – FM 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 Cedar.
✨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 – FM 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 Cedar:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Cedar. 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 Cedar.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cedar
✨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 Cedar!
✨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 Cedar. 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 Cedar's culture.
