At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic procurement projects and develop category strategies for impactful outcomes.
- Company: Join a purpose-led organisation with a collaborative procurement team.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and strong career development opportunities.
- Other info: Work-life balance with a supportive team and diverse project portfolios.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in high-value procurement projects while enhancing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement or category management, especially in construction or public sector.
Are you an experienced Procurement Manager or Category Manager with expertise in construction, asset management, property services, hard FM, or development procurement within a public sector environment? We are supporting a large, purpose-led organisation with the appointment of two Category Managers to join an established procurement team. These roles offer the opportunity to lead strategic sourcing activity across high-profile spend areas, influencing organisational outcomes while delivering commercial value and procurement best practice.
This is an excellent opportunity for procurement professionals who enjoy stakeholder engagement, supplier management, strategic sourcing, and working within a regulated procurement environment.
As a Category Manager, you will be responsible for delivering a portfolio of strategic procurement projects, working closely with stakeholders to develop category strategies, identify opportunities, manage risk, and drive value for money across your area of responsibility. You will support one of the following categories:
- Property Services
- Development
Working as part of a collaborative procurement function, you will lead sourcing activities from market engagement through to contract award and supplier performance management, ensuring procurement activity supports wider business objectives.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and deliver end-to-end procurement and sourcing projects across designated category areas.
- Develop and implement category strategies that align with organisational priorities and stakeholder needs.
- Manage supplier engagement, tender exercises, negotiations, contract award and supplier performance activities.
- Ensure compliance with public sector procurement regulations and governance requirements.
- Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders to understand future requirements, challenges and opportunities.
- Conduct market analysis and supplier research to support procurement decision-making.
- Identify opportunities to deliver efficiencies, cost savings, value creation and service improvements.
- Support supplier relationship management activities and ongoing contract life cycle management.
- Monitor expenditure and ensure appropriate routes to market are adopted.
- Promote procurement best practice, compliance, and continuous improvement across the organisation.
What you'll need to succeed
We are keen to speak with procurement professionals who can demonstrate:
- Experience in a Category Manager, Procurement Manager or Strategic Sourcing role.
- Strong procurement expertise within construction, development, property services, asset management, repairs and maintenance, hard FM or related categories.
- Proven experience leading complex sourcing exercises and delivering commercial outcomes.
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.
- Strong supplier relationship management and contract management experience.
- Experience managing multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
- Strong analytical and commercial decision-making skills.
- Knowledge of public sector procurement regulations, including Procurement Act 2023 and/or PCR 2015.
- Experience within housing, local government, wider public sector, facilities management, construction or infrastructure environments would be highly advantageous.
What you'll get in return
Hybrid working model with an excellent work-life balance - 2 days a week in Basingstoke. Opportunity to work on high-value, strategically important procurement projects. Diverse and interesting category portfolios. Supportive and collaborative procurement team. Strong commitment to professional development and career progression. Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially focused procurement professional looking to play a key role in delivering strategic procurement initiatives within a complex and evolving organisation.
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Procurement Category Manager in Basingstoke employer: Hays Business Support
Join a leading professional services organisation that values its employees and fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture. As a Business Support Manager, you will have the opportunity to lead a dynamic team of Executive Assistants while benefiting from a hybrid working model, strong focus on learning and development, and a comprehensive benefits package. This role not only offers competitive salary but also provides a platform for meaningful career progression within a highly respected firm.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Category Manager in Basingstoke
✨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 Hays Business Support.
✨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 Procurement Category Manager in Basingstoke
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 Hays Business Support:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Hays Business Support. 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 Hays Business Support.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Business Support
✨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 Hays Business Support!
✨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 Hays Business Support. 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 Hays Business Support's culture.
