Category Manager in Cheshire, Warrington

Category Manager

Location: Warrington (Hybrid Working Available)

Salary: Competitive Salary + Benefits

Role: Full Time | Permanent

About the Role:

We’re looking for an experienced and commercially driven Category Manager to join our Procurement team. In this role, you’ll take ownership of a defined category of spend, delivering high-quality procurement solutions to both internal stakeholders and external customers.

You’ll play a key role in shaping category strategy, driving value, and building strong supplier and customer relationships—while leading a team of Buyers and Senior Buyers to deliver best-in-class procurement services.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and deliver strategic category plans, driving growth and financial performance
• Lead procurement activities including tendering, benchmarking, and mini-competitions
• Manage supplier relationships, ensuring strong performance and service delivery
• Analyse financial and statistical data to identify opportunities and inform decision-making
• Contribute to thought leadership and innovation within your category
• Oversee contract management, ensuring commercial and operational success
• Engage with customers and stakeholders to promote value and deliver tailored solutions
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of Buyers and Senior Buyers
• Ensure compliance with procurement regulations and internal processes
• Produce reports and insights for senior leadership and external stakeholders

About You:

• You’ll be a confident and influential procurement professional with strong commercial awareness and leadership capability.
• Proven experience in a Category Manager or senior procurement role
• Strong knowledge of procurement frameworks and large-scale projects
• Experience managing and developing teams
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• The ability to communicate complex solutions clearly and effectively
• A proactive, flexible, and results-driven approach

Requirements:

• Degree-level education or equivalent experience
• CIPS membership (or working towards)
• Experience in sectors such as housing, healthcare, or higher education
• Knowledge of public sector procurement regulations (including EU frameworks)
• Full UK driving licence

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Hybrid working options
• Career development and professional training
• Opportunity to work on impactful, large-scale procurement projects
• A collaborative and supportive team environment