At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage end-to-end procurement processes and support cost-saving initiatives.
- Company: Join a dynamic public sector organisation focused on compliant procurement solutions.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in category management and stakeholder engagement.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and development in a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by delivering value for money in public procurement.
- Qualifications: Public sector procurement experience and strong stakeholder engagement skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Category Manager - Public Sector Procurement
The opportunity
An established public sector organisation is seeking a Category Manager to join its procurement function, supporting the delivery of compliant, commercially focused procurement solutions across a range of categories.
This is an excellent opportunity for a procurement professional with previous public sector experience who understands the regulatory environment, can manage end-to-end procurement activity and enjoys working collaboratively with stakeholders to achieve value for money.
Reporting to a Senior Category Manager, you will contribute to category strategies, support cost-saving initiatives and help improve procurement processes, governance and supplier performance.
Key responsibilities
- Managing end-to-end procurement processes, from initial requirements through to sourcing, evaluation and contract award.
- Managing procurement activity for contracts valued up to £500,000.
- Ensuring procurement activity complies with relevant legislation, policies, procedures and governance requirements.
- Applying knowledge of the Procurement Act 2023 and relevant public procurement regulations.
- Supporting the development and implementation of category strategies aligned with organisational priorities.
- Working with cross-functional project teams and stakeholders to understand requirements and identify appropriate sourcing solutions.
- Providing procurement advice and guidance to internal stakeholders on processes, compliance and governance.
- Identifying opportunities to deliver value for money, cost savings and continuous improvement.
- Analysing category data and management information to support informed commercial decisions.
- Building effective working relationships with internal customers and external suppliers.
- Supporting stakeholder awareness and training on procurement processes, legislation and governance.
About you
We're looking for a commercially aware procurement professional who can combine technical procurement knowledge with strong stakeholder engagement skills.
Essential experience and knowledge
- Previous experience working in public sector procurement.
- Experience managing end-to-end procurement processes.
- Knowledge of category management principles and techniques.
- Understanding of public procurement legislation, particularly the Procurement Act 2023.
- Experience engaging with stakeholders and managing competing priorities.
- The ability to analyse procurement data, identify opportunities and deliver value for money.
- Strong written and verbal communication, organisational and problem-solving skills.
- The ability to provide clear procurement advice and build positive working relationships.
Qualifications
You should be working towards a CIPS qualification or be able to demonstrate a suitable level of relevant procurement experience.
Knowledge of the Provider Selection Regime for healthcare services, Power BI, negotiation techniques and procure-to-pay processes would be advantageous.
Why consider this opportunity?
- Join a public sector procurement team with a broad and varied workload.
- Manage procurement activity across a range of categories and contract requirements.
- Develop your experience in category management, public procurement legislation and stakeholder engagement.
- Play a role in delivering compliant procurement solutions and measurable value for money.
Interested?
If you have public sector procurement experience and are looking for your next opportunity, we'd welcome a confidential conversation.
Apply today to find out more about the role and the organisation.
Huntress does not discriminate on the grounds of age, race, gender, disability, creed or sexual orientation and complies with all relevant UK legislation.
PLEASE NOTE!
You should make yourself aware of how immigration laws apply to your situation before applying for any jobs.
We are acting as a Recruitment Business in relation to this role.
Category Manager in Peterborough employer: Huntress Careers
Join a highly regarded professional services organisation in Leeds, where you will thrive in a supportive and collaborative work culture that values employee growth and development. With opportunities to work alongside experienced Solicitors in a specialist Housing Management and Property Litigation team, you will gain invaluable experience while enjoying competitive benefits, including a salary of £26,228 plus a billings-based bonus. This is an excellent opportunity for recent Law graduates looking to build a meaningful career in the legal sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in Peterborough
✨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 Huntress Careers.
✨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 in Peterborough
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 Huntress Careers:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Huntress Careers. 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 Huntress Careers.
How to prepare for a job interview at Huntress Careers
✨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 Huntress Careers!
✨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 Huntress Careers. 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 Huntress Careers's culture.
