At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement for housing and construction projects, ensuring value for money and compliance.
- Company: Reputable Local Authority with a focus on community impact.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid working, and potential for permanent position.
- Other info: Join a forward-thinking team with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in local communities through impactful procurement.
- Qualifications: Experience in public sector procurement, especially in housing or construction.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
A reputable Local Authority is seeking an experienced Category Specialist to join its Commercial and Procurement team.
Rate: £480 - £500 per day (Inside IR35)
Flexibility: Hybrid Working
Location: London
Contract: Interim with the opportunity to become Permanent
This is an exciting opportunity to lead end-to-end procurement activity across a diverse portfolio, with a particular focus on housing and place-related procurement, including construction, capital works, repairs, maintenance and associated service contracts. The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering compliant, value-for-money procurement solutions, working closely with senior stakeholders to develop procurement strategies, manage complex tender exercises and drive continuous improvement across the procurement function. There is also a strong opportunity for this role to become permanent for the right candidate.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and deliver end-to-end procurement exercises across construction, housing and place-based categories, together with a small number of service contracts.
- Develop procurement strategies and sourcing plans that deliver value for money, manage risk and ensure compliance with procurement legislation.
- Manage the full tender process, including market engagement, specification development, tender documentation, evaluation, contract award and mobilisation.
- Build strong relationships with commissioners, operational managers and senior stakeholders to understand business requirements and deliver commercial solutions.
- Lead supplier negotiations and support effective contract and supplier performance management.
- Ensure procurement activity complies with the Procurement Act, Contract Standing Orders and internal governance requirements.
- Analyse category spend, market intelligence and supplier performance to identify savings, efficiencies and service improvements.
- Promote innovation, sustainability and social value throughout the procurement lifecycle.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives, knowledge sharing and the development of procurement best practice across the organisation.
About You
We're particularly interested in speaking with procurement professionals who have a strong background in construction or housing procurement and can demonstrate experience delivering complex procurement projects within a public sector environment.
- Proven experience delivering end-to-end procurement across construction, housing, capital works, repairs, maintenance or place-based categories.
- Strong knowledge of public sector procurement legislation and governance requirements.
- Experience developing procurement strategies, category plans and commercial sourcing solutions.
- Excellent stakeholder management and supplier negotiation skills.
- Experience managing complex tender exercises from strategy through to contract award.
- Strong commercial awareness with the ability to identify opportunities for savings, efficiencies and improved supplier performance.
- Excellent analytical, communication and report-writing skills.
- CIPS qualification (or working towards) or equivalent procurement experience is desirable.
Essential Experience
- Public Sector Procurement
- Housing or Construction Procurement
- End-to-End Tender Management
- Category Management
- Contract & Supplier Management
- Procurement Strategy
- Stakeholder Management
- Commercial Negotiation
- Procurement Compliance
- CIPS (desirable)
This is an excellent opportunity to join a forward-thinking procurement team delivering high-profile housing and construction projects that have a direct impact on local communities. Alongside a competitive £500 per day Inside IR35 rate, the role offers the potential to transition into a permanent position, making it an ideal opportunity for an experienced procurement professional looking for long-term career progression.
Category Specialist - Construction & Housing employer: Construction
Danny Sullivan Group is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment in the vibrant Burgess Hill area. With a strong emphasis on teamwork and safety, employees benefit from ongoing training and development opportunities, ensuring personal and professional growth while contributing to meaningful projects in the construction industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Specialist - Construction & Housing
✨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 Construction.
✨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 - Construction & Housing
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 Construction:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Construction. 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 Construction.
How to prepare for a job interview at Construction
✨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 Construction!
✨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 Construction. 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 Construction's culture.
