At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement activities and support stakeholders in a dynamic public sector environment.
- Company: Respected public sector organisation focused on community impact and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hybrid working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Stable environment with varied procurement exposure and ongoing career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while developing your career in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Strong public sector procurement experience and CIPS Level 4 qualification required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 42000 € per year.
This is an opportunity to join a highly respected public sector organisation delivering essential regional services, supporting a growing commercial and procurement function during an important period of development. The organisation has built a strong reputation for collaboration, continuous improvement, and community impact, offering a stable and supportive environment where procurement professionals can make a genuine difference whilst continuing to develop their careers.
Due to maternity leave, the organisation is now seeking an experienced Commercial Category Lead to join the team on a 12 month fixed-term basis.
The Role
As a Commercial Category Lead, you will take ownership of end-to-end procurement and commercial activity across a broad range of spend areas, supporting stakeholders throughout the full procurement lifecycle. This is a highly stakeholder-focused role requiring someone confident working closely with operational teams, providing guidance and support to individuals unfamiliar with procurement processes, whilst ensuring activity remains compliant, commercially effective, and aligned to public sector regulations. You will work closely with internal departments, suppliers, and wider public sector partners to deliver value-for-money procurement solutions in line with Procurement Act legislation and best practice.
Commercial Category Lead Responsibilities:
- Manage the full procurement lifecycle from sourcing strategy through to contract award and management
- Deliver compliant procurement activity in line with Procurement Act 2023 and public sector regulations
- Provide commercial advice and procurement guidance to internal stakeholders
- Identify savings opportunities and support value-for-money initiatives
- Support supplier performance management and commercial risk mitigation
- Utilise e-tendering portals and procurement systems to manage compliant tender activity
- Support collaborative procurement opportunities with wider public sector organisations
- Ensure procurement documentation and contract records remain accurate and audit compliant
- Deliver procurement awareness and guidance sessions to internal teams
Commercial Category Lead Benefits:
- £40,000 - £42,000 salary DOE
- Flexible hybrid working model with strong work-life balance
- Opportunity to work within a stable, purpose-driven public sector organisation delivering essential regional services
- Broad, varied procurement exposure across multiple spend categories and stakeholders
- Supportive and collaborative team environment with ongoing professional development opportunities
Commercial Category Lead Requirements:
This role would suit someone who:
- Has strong public sector procurement experience (essential)
- Holds a minimum CIPS Level 4 qualification
- Has experience managing end-to-end procurement and contract management activity
- Is confident supporting and influencing non-procurement stakeholders
- Has strong knowledge of Procurement Act 2023 and PCR2015 regulations
- Is comfortable operating within a hands-on, operational procurement environment
- Can work autonomously whilst collaborating within a small commercial team
Desirable:
- Experience within local government, healthcare, utilities, housing, or other regulated public sector environments
- Experience using e-tendering platforms such as Delta, Contracts Finder, Find a Tender, or similar systems
- Knowledge of social value, sustainability, and ethical procurement practices
To Be Considered:
Please either apply by clicking online or emailing directly. For further information, call 01244 739 301 or 07736 920 086. By applying for this role, you give express consent for us to process & submit (subject to required skills) your application to our client in conjunction with this vacancy only.
Key Skills: Commercial Category Lead, Procurement Lead, Public Sector Procurement, Category Management, Contract Management, MCIPS, CIPS Level 4, Local Government Procurement, Public Sector Commercial, Hirecracker, HCOperations
Category Manager in Cambridge employer: Hirecracker
Join a highly respected public sector organisation in Cambridgeshire as a Commercial Category Lead, where you will enjoy a flexible hybrid working model and a strong work-life balance. This role offers the chance to make a meaningful impact within a supportive team environment, with ample opportunities for professional development and exposure to diverse procurement challenges across essential regional services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the public sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Category Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of the Procurement Act 2023 and public sector regulations. Show them you’re not just familiar with the rules, but that you can apply them effectively in real-world scenarios.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your professionalism.
✨Tip Number 4
Make sure to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining a supportive and collaborative team in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Commercial Category Lead. Highlight your public sector procurement experience and any relevant qualifications like CIPS Level 4. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements in previous roles. Use specific examples where you’ve delivered value-for-money solutions or managed successful procurement projects. This helps us see the impact you've made!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and concise. Avoid jargon and make sure your points are easy to understand. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially when it comes to procurement processes!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hirecracker
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest regulations, especially the Procurement Act 2023 and PCR2015. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just familiar with procurement but also ready to tackle the challenges of the role.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
This role is all about collaboration, so be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully worked with non-procurement stakeholders in the past. Highlight your ability to guide and influence others, making it clear that you can bridge the gap between procurement and operational teams.
✨Demonstrate Value-for-Money Mindset
Think about specific instances where you've identified savings opportunities or implemented value-for-money initiatives. Be ready to discuss how you approach cost-effectiveness while ensuring compliance and quality in procurement activities.
✨Familiarise Yourself with E-Tendering Platforms
If you've used platforms like Delta or Contracts Finder, make sure to mention this experience. If not, do a bit of research on them so you can speak knowledgeably about how they fit into the procurement process. This shows you're proactive and ready to hit the ground running.
