At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic procurement projects and provide expert commercial advice to the Council.
- Company: Join a local authority committed to value-driven procurement solutions.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive pay, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with a focus on social value and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community services while developing your procurement expertise.
- Qualifications: Experience in public sector procurement and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
- 5 Month Contract With A Local Authority
- Job Purpose
To provide strategic commercial leadership and expert procurement support across the Council, ensuring the delivery of compliant, efficient, and value-driven procurement solutions.
The Category Manager will act as a trusted adviser to departmental stakeholders, leading complex procurement projects, driving value for money and social value outcomes, managing commercial risks, and fostering effective relationships with internal and external partners.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide senior-level commercial advice and strategic procurement expertise to support the Council in achieving its corporate objectives.
- Act as a key strategic adviser to departments on complex procurement and contract management matters.
- Lead and manage high-value, high-risk, and complex procurement projects from inception through to contract award and implementation.
- Deliver procurement solutions that achieve value for money, social value, and service improvement objectives.
- Provide expert guidance, challenge, and support to internal stakeholders on procurement legislation, policies, procedures, and best practice.
- Develop effective procurement strategies that align with organisational priorities and market conditions.
- Ensure all procurement activities comply with relevant legislation, public procurement regulations, governance requirements, and Council policies.
- Identify, assess, and manage procurement and commercial risks throughout the procurement lifecycle.
- Build and maintain productive relationships with suppliers, contractors, strategic partners, and key stakeholders.
- Support contract mobilisation and implementation to ensure successful delivery of intended outcomes.
- Analyse expenditure, market trends, and supplier performance to identify opportunities for efficiencies and service improvements.
- Lead negotiations with suppliers and stakeholders to secure the best commercial outcomes for the Council.
- Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of procurement processes, policies, and commercial practices.
- Prepare and present procurement reports, recommendations, and business cases to senior management and governance panels.
Requirements
- Significant experience in public sector procurement, commercial management, or category management.
- Proven track record of managing complex, high-value procurement projects and tenders.
- Strong knowledge of public procurement legislation, regulations, and best practice.
- Experience providing strategic commercial advice to senior stakeholders and operational teams.
- Demonstrable experience managing procurement-related risks and delivering successful commercial outcomes.
- Excellent stakeholder management, negotiation, and influencing skills.
- Strong analytical, financial, and problem-solving abilities.
- Experience developing procurement strategies and delivering value for money and social value outcomes.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively within a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and presentation skills.
- MCIPS qualification (or working towards) is desirable.
- Experience within a local authority or public sector environment is desirable.
- Additional Information
Location
Royal Borough Of Greenwich - Hybrid / Council Offices
Working Hours
37 hours per week
Payment Frequency
Bi-Weekly Payments
Category Lead in Greenwich employer: Civic Recruitment Limited
Civic Recruitment Limited is an exceptional employer that prioritises meaningful impact in the community, particularly for children and families. With a strong commitment to professional development and a collaborative work culture, employees are empowered to drive positive change while enjoying the benefits of flexible working arrangements and a supportive team environment in Ipswich. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead significant projects that align with national reforms, making a real difference in the lives of those served.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Lead in Greenwich
✨Get Involved in Local Procurement Meetups
Join local procurement and purchasing groups on platforms like Meetup or Eventbrite. These gatherings are great for networking with industry professionals, sharing insights, and potentially hearing about temporary roles that might not be widely advertised!
✨Seasonal Hiring Cycles are Your Friend!
Keep an eye on seasonal trends in procurement, as many companies ramp up hiring during certain times of the year – especially around end-of-financial-year periods when budgets are being utilised. Be proactive and reach out to companies directly during these windows.
✨Leverage Online Platforms for Temporary Roles
Don’t forget to browse specific job boards dedicated to temporary positions, such as Reed or Indeed. You can filter your search for procurement roles and set up alerts for when new jobs pop up, so you can apply immediately!
✨Showcase Your Skills on Professional Networks
Create short case studies or posts on LinkedIn showcasing your procurement experience or interesting projects you've tackled. This not only builds your visibility but can also attract recruiters looking for temporary talent like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Lead in Greenwich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Relevant Experience:When applying for a temporary role in procurement-purchasing, it's crucial to highlight any relevant experience you have. Mention specific tasks like negotiating contracts, managing supplier relationships, or optimising inventory. This will show Civic Recruitment Limited that you can hit the ground running!
Keep it Concise and Impactful:For a temporary role, we recommend keeping your CV and cover letter concise. Focus on key achievements that showcase your procurement skills and any immediate impact you’ve made in past roles. Use bullet points for clarity—this way, Civic Recruitment Limited can quickly grasp your capabilities!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any certifications that are relevant to procurement, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply), don’t forget to mention them! This adds extra weight to your application and shows Civic Recruitment Limited that you're serious about your professional development.
Emphasise Flexibility and Availability:Since this is a temporary position, make sure to emphasise your availability and flexibility in your cover letter. Let Civic Recruitment Limited know when you can start and that you’re ready to adapt to their needs, making your application even more appealing!
How to prepare for a job interview at Civic Recruitment Limited
✨Know Your Procurement Basics
Brush up on key procurement concepts and terms, like 'total cost of ownership' and 'supplier relationships'. We want to impress them with our knowledge! Being able to talk fluently about relevant techniques and tools specific to the procurement field will definitely lend credibility.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In a purchasing role, you might get thrown some real-world scenarios to assess how you’d handle supplier negotiations or cost-saving strategies. Be ready to demonstrate your problem-solving skills! Practising how you'd tackle these situations in advance will help us shine during the interview.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility and Adaptability
Since it’s a temporary role, emphasise how you can quickly adapt to new processes and environments. Share examples of past experiences where you’ve tackled new challenges with ease, showing they can rely on us to hit the ground running and contribute immediately!
✨Show Off Your Tech Savvy
Being well-versed in procurement software like SAP or Coupa can set us apart from other candidates. If you've got experience with these tools, be sure to mention it! Having a handle on data analysis and reporting will also demonstrate our capability to leverage technology effectively in procurement.
