At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop procurement strategies for the public sector, ensuring compliance and value-driven outcomes.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to transparent and socially responsible procurement.
- Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including income protection, private medical insurance, and holiday trading.
- Why this job: Shape the future of public sector procurement while making a real impact in your community.
- Qualifications: Degree-level education, MCIPS qualified or working towards, with strong public sector procurement expertise.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for leadership and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you a strategic procurement leader with a strong understanding of public sector procurement and the Procurement Act 2023? We’re looking for a Category Manager to lead and develop procurement services across key public sector categories, ensuring compliant, value-driven outcomes for our customers. You’ll lead a small team of Buyers, shape category and contract strategies, and work closely with public sector stakeholders and suppliers to deliver robust, transparent, and compliant procurement solutions.
What You’ll Do
- Lead the development and delivery of public sector category strategies, aligned to organisational objectives and the requirements of the Procurement Act 2023.
- Design, implement, and oversee contract and framework management approaches to ensure consistency, transparency, and compliance across public sector customers.
- Monitor contract and supplier performance using KPIs, audits, and compliance reviews, driving continuous improvement.
- Manage strategic supplier relationships, including dispute resolution, performance improvement plans, and enforcement of contractual remedies where required.
- Work collaboratively with procurement teams and stakeholders early in the procurement lifecycle to embed measurable KPIs, social value, and performance outcomes.
- Ensure all procurement activity complies with PA 2023, associated regulations, and internal governance and policy requirements.
- Lead, motivate, and develop a team of Buyers, including performance management, KPI delivery, and identification of training and development needs.
- Act as a subject matter expert on public sector procurement legislation and best practice, supporting internal capability building.
What We’re Looking For
- Degree-level education or equivalent professional experience.
- MCIPS qualified (or working towards) with strong public sector procurement expertise.
- Demonstrable experience delivering large-scale public sector procurement activities, including frameworks or complex contracts.
- Strong working knowledge of the Procurement Act 2023 and its practical application.
- Proven leadership experience with strong stakeholder engagement across public sector organisations.
- A confident communicator and negotiator, able to operate effectively in regulated environments.
- Full driving licence desirable.
What We Offer
- Income Protection – 75% of salary covered if unable to work due to illness (post-probation).
- Life Assurance – 4x basic salary paid as a tax-free lump sum (post-probation).
- Private Medical Insurance (PMI) – Fully funded cover with family extension options (post-probation).
- Health Cash Plan – Reimbursement for medical expenses and discounted gym membership (post-probation).
- Pension Scheme – 5% employer match with salary exchange option.
- Holiday Trading – Buy or sell up to 5 days annually.
- Cycle to Work Scheme – Salary sacrifice bike purchases up to £1,000 (post-probation).
- Electric Vehicle Scheme – Lease an EV via salary sacrifice (eligible after 12 months).
- Employee Support Services – Legal, financial, bereavement, and medical advice (immediate eligibility).
- Exclusive Mobile Deals – Discounted EE contracts for employees and up to 5 friends/family.
Join our team and be part of a forward-thinking organisation committed to delivering compliant, transparent, and socially responsible public sector procurement. Your expertise will be valued, and your leadership will help shape the future of procurement under the Procurement Act 2023.
Category Manager in Warrington employer: Inprova
Contact Detail:
Inprova Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in Warrington
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the public sector procurement space. Attend events, join relevant online groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues or mentors. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your knowledge of the Procurement Act 2023 and how you've applied it in past roles. This will set you apart as a candidate who truly understands the landscape.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about scenarios where you've led teams or managed supplier relationships. Be ready to discuss how you handled challenges and drove improvements. Practising these responses can really boost your confidence when it’s time to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals like you. By applying directly, you’ll ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and you’ll be one step closer to joining our awesome team!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in Warrington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with public sector procurement and the Procurement Act 2023. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Category Manager, you’ll be leading a team of Buyers. Use your application to demonstrate your leadership experience and how you've motivated teams in the past. We love to see examples of how you’ve driven performance and fostered collaboration!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly understand your fit for the role!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Inprova
✨Know Your Procurement Act 2023
Make sure you brush up on the Procurement Act 2023 before your interview. Understand its key principles and how they apply to public sector procurement. Being able to discuss specific examples of how you've navigated compliance in past roles will show you're the right fit for the job.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Category Manager, you'll be leading a team of Buyers. Prepare to share examples of how you've motivated and developed teams in the past. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you resolved them, as this will demonstrate your leadership capabilities.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Stakeholder engagement is crucial in this role. Be ready to discuss how you've built relationships with various stakeholders in previous positions. Highlight any strategies you've used to ensure their needs are met while maintaining compliance and value-driven outcomes.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in procurement situations. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making steps. This will help you convey your strategic thinking and ability to handle complex procurement challenges effectively.