At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic sourcing and category management for Goods and Works.
- Company: Join a respected public sector organisation with a focus on procurement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hybrid working, and strong professional development support.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with excellent career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on procurement strategy and organisational growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in category management and public sector procurement required.
The predicted salary is between 62000 - 62000 £ per year.
We are partnering with a highly regarded public sector organisation to recruit an experienced Procurement Category Manager to lead strategic sourcing and category management activity across a broad portfolio of Goods and Works spend. This is an excellent opportunity to join an organisation where procurement is recognised as a key strategic function. Working within an evolving procurement team, you'll play a pivotal role in delivering value, supporting organisational growth, shaping category strategies, and ensuring compliance with the Procurement Act 2023 (PA23) and wider public procurement requirements. The role is based near Oxford and offers a flexible hybrid working arrangement with just one day per week in the office.
Reporting into the Head of Procurement, you will take ownership of designated category areas, developing and implementing long-term category strategies that drive commercial value, supplier performance, sustainability, and service excellence. You'll work closely with senior stakeholders across the organisation to understand future requirements, analyse spend and market trends, lead complex procurement exercises, and maximise the value delivered through supplier relationships and contracts.
We're keen to speak with procurement professionals who can demonstrate:
- Strong category management experience across Goods, Materials, Works, or related spend categories.
- Experience leading complex public sector procurement exercises.
- Good understanding of the Procurement Act 2023 (PA23), transparency requirements, and wider public procurement regulations.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and supplier relationship management skills.
- Ability to develop procurement strategies that balance compliance, risk management, social value, and commercial outcomes.
- Excellent analytical, reporting, and presentation skills.
- MCIPS qualified or actively working towards CIPS Level 5 or Level 6 qualifications desired.
- A proactive and collaborative approach, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
What you'll get in return:
- Strategic and highly visible procurement role.
- Opportunity to influence procurement strategy and organisational outcomes.
- Broad and varied category portfolio covering Goods and Works.
- Flexible hybrid working with just one day per week on-site near Oxford.
- Supportive and collaborative procurement team.
- Strong focus on professional development and continuous improvement.
- Excellent benefits package and public sector working environment.
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.
Category Manager - Goods and Works in Oxford employer: Hays
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - Goods and Works in Oxford
✨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.
✨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 Manager - Goods and Works in Oxford
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:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Hays. 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.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨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!
✨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. 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's culture.
