Commercial Category Manager

Commercial Category Manager

Full-Time 35663 - 49928 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead commercial strategies and drive value through effective category management.
  • Company: Join DVSA, a key player in delivering government commercial services.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a generous pension, flexible working, and 25+ days of annual leave.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on public procurement and enhance processes for better efficiency.
  • Qualifications: Experience in the commercial cycle and public sector procurement is essential.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse team with excellent career development opportunities.

The predicted salary is between 35663 - 49928 £ per year.

Location: Birmingham, Bristol, Nottingham, Swansea (Hybrid)

Salary: £35,663 - A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

Contract Type: Permanent – Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time

Join DVSA as a Commercial Category Manager and help deliver best‑practice government commercial services. You’ll lead activity across the full commercial lifecycle, driving value through cost savings, improved processes, and effective category management. Working collaboratively with stakeholders and suppliers, you’ll shape category strategies, influence decision-making, and support the transition to a more efficient, holistic commercial approach. This role offers the chance to develop policy, enhance processes, and contribute to a high‑performing, strategically focused commercial function.

Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Support the Senior Category Manager & leadership team as they work to embed the new DVSA Commercial Strategy and the Category Management approach, delivering year on year improvements. This will include the development, planning, delivery, management, and continuous improvement of their assigned commercial sub-category.
  • Provide advice on the essentials of public procurement regulations and the impact they have on all stages of the procurement process.
  • Support a strong commercial focus and a persuasive future vision based upon the new DVSA commercial strategy.

Benefits

  • Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary.
  • 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave).
  • 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King’s birthday.
  • Access to the staff discount portal.
  • Excellent career development opportunities and the potential to undertake professional qualifications relevant to your role paid for by the department, such as CIPD, Prince2, apprenticeships, etc.
  • Joining a diverse and inclusive workforce with a range of staff communities to support all our colleagues.
  • 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.
  • Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.

About you

To be successful in this role you will need to have the following experience:

  • Experience of the commercial cycle including pre-competitive supplier engagement, supplier selection, tender evaluation, contract award and ongoing contract management.
  • Experience of public sector procurement, e.g., Public Contracting Regulations 2015, The Procurement Act 2023, using Crown Commercial Service frameworks and the Digital Marketplace.

Apply before 11:55 pm on Monday 23rd February 2026.

Commercial Category Manager employer: Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency

Joining DVSA as a Commercial Category Manager offers you the opportunity to be part of a forward-thinking organisation that values collaboration, innovation, and professional growth. With a generous employer pension contribution, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to employee development through funded qualifications, DVSA fosters a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises work-life balance and career advancement. Located in vibrant cities like Birmingham, Bristol, Nottingham, and Swansea, you'll enjoy not only a fulfilling role but also the benefits of living in dynamic communities.
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Contact Detail:

Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Commercial Category Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Commercial Category Manager role.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching DVSA and their commercial strategy. Show them you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can drive value.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience with the commercial cycle and public sector procurement clearly and confidently. We want to hear how you can make a difference!

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.

We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Category Manager

Commercial Lifecycle Management
Category Management
Public Procurement Regulations
Supplier Engagement
Tender Evaluation
Contract Management
Cost Savings Strategies
Stakeholder Collaboration
Process Improvement
Strategic Planning
Decision-Making Influence
Policy Development
Project Management
Analytical Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Commercial Category Manager role. Highlight your experience with the commercial cycle and public sector procurement, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.

Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your skills; give us examples of how you've used them in past roles. Whether it’s driving cost savings or improving processes, we want to see how you’ve made an impact!

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key achievements stand out. This helps us quickly see why you’d be a great fit!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role there!

How to prepare for a job interview at Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency

✨Know Your Commercial Cycle

Make sure you brush up on the entire commercial cycle, from supplier engagement to contract management. Be ready to discuss your experience with public sector procurement and how it aligns with the DVSA's needs.

✨Understand the DVSA Commercial Strategy

Familiarise yourself with the DVSA's new Commercial Strategy. Think about how you can contribute to its implementation and be prepared to share your ideas on driving value and improving processes during the interview.

✨Showcase Your Collaborative Skills

This role involves working closely with stakeholders and suppliers. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past, highlighting your ability to influence decision-making and shape category strategies.

✨Prepare for Regulatory Questions

Expect questions about public procurement regulations like the Public Contracting Regulations 2015 and The Procurement Act 2023. Brush up on these topics so you can confidently discuss their impact on the procurement process.

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