At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic procurement projects and develop innovative sourcing strategies.
- Company: Local authority focused on enhancing value for money.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: 6-month contract with potential for future opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in procurement while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Degree-level qualification and experience in procurement or category management.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
6-Month Contract with a local authority
The Category Manager will play a crucial role in delivering strategic procurement and category management activities that align with organizational objectives and enhance value for money. This position involves providing expert commercial and procurement advice, leading complex and high-value procurement projects, developing sourcing strategies, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring compliance with procurement legislation and organizational policies.
Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement category strategies aligned with organizational priorities and financial objectives.
- Create and maintain category plans to support future procurement requirements.
- Identify opportunities for cost savings, service improvement, innovation, and efficiencies.
- Conduct market analysis and benchmarking to inform procurement strategies and decisions.
- Lead end-to-end procurement exercises, including complex, high-risk, and high-value projects.
- Prepare procurement documentation, tender specifications, evaluation criteria, and contract documentation.
- Manage tender processes from market engagement through to contract award.
- Ensure procurement activities are completed within agreed timescales and budgets.
Requirements:
Essential Experience:
- Significant experience in procurement, category management, strategic sourcing, or commercial management.
- Proven experience leading complex and high-value procurement projects.
- Strong experience in contract and supplier relationship management.
- Experience providing commercial and procurement advice to senior stakeholders.
Essential Qualifications:
- Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience in Procurement, Business, Supply Chain, Commercial Management, or a related discipline.
- Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) Level 4 or above, or equivalent professional qualification.
Additional Information:
Working hours: 35 hours per week. We work on a bi-weekly schedule. The role closes on 6th July 2026, apply ASAP.
Category Manager in Greenwich employer: Civic Recruitment Limited
Civic Recruitment Limited is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where strategic leadership in the Special Educational Needs service can truly make a difference in children's lives. With a strong focus on collaboration and professional development, employees are encouraged to grow their skills while contributing to meaningful outcomes in the Bromley community. The supportive culture and commitment to high-quality services make this an attractive opportunity for those looking to lead impactful change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager 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 Manager 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.