Senior Category Manager, Procurement (Regeneration) in Hackney

Location: London (Hybrid working) Rate: £333.93 PAYE / £450 umbrella Contract Type: Interim

About the

Role: We are seeking a Senior Category Manager to provide expert procurement and commercial leadership for the Regeneration, Economy & Housing Development (REHD) division.

You will manage a team of 4 procurement project staff and focus on construction-related procurement, major works contracts, and regeneration capital development projects.

This role involves advising, persuading, and authoring procurement documents while ensuring compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide procurement support to the Housing Regeneration and Delivery service, including strategy development and implementation.
• Oversee contract negotiations and management for major regeneration works and services.
• Lead the development of procurement project plans, ensuring adherence to budget constraints and critical start dates.
• Coordinate the production of tender documents, including terms and conditions, service specifications, and performance standards.
• Act as the primary contact for tender queries, managing the Procardis/Procontract/London Tenders portal.
• Ensure procurement compliance with Council Standing Orders, Public Procurement Legislation, and Sustainable Procurement Strategy.
• Manage risk initiatives to mitigate legal challenges and claims.
• Lead complex contract procurements, including evaluations, contract awards, and feedback to unsuccessful bidders.
• Defend procurement decisions if challenged, preparing documents for legal advisors and attending hearings as necessary.
• Promote cross-authority sourcing and consortium procurement arrangements.
• Monitor and adjust project plans to reflect changing priorities, ensuring all relevant parties are informed.
• Draft Cabinet reports and present progress updates to project teams, management, and Cabinet meetings.
• Ensure accurate record-keeping for audit purposes and maintain the Contracts Register.
• Provide support for Section 20 consultations and TUPE transfers as part of major works procurement.
• Negotiate price variations, contract extensions, and terminations as required.
• Act as a critical friend to ensure value for money and risk mitigation.

Requirements

• Extensive experience in Public Sector Procurement and Commercials, with knowledge of the Public Procurement Act 2023 and Public Contract Regulations 2015.
• Proven experience in Regeneration, Housing, Public Realm, Energy, or Corporate Property at a senior level.
• Knowledge of built environment contracts (e. g., JCT, NEC, PPC2000) and forms of contract such as Design and Build.
• Experience leading major and minor works procurement projects, achieving cost savings and sustainable benefits.
• Strong understanding of contractual principles, contract law, and public procurement regulations.
• Ability to analyse financial information, negotiate effectively, and produce innovative procurement solutions.
• Experience making presentations to management meetings, boards, and committees.
• Proficient in using IT-based systems for decision-making, e-procurement, and contract management (e. g., MS Office, Google Suite).
• Ability to work proactively, engage in corporate collaboration, and influence stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Relevant professional qualification (e. g., MCIPS) or equivalent experience.
• Willingness to work outside normal office hours, attend evening meetings, and visit construction sites as required.

If this sounds suitable for you, or someone you know, please send an updated copy of your CV to Sean Cloherty at Elevate Projects so we can discuss further