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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support category plans and sourcing strategies in a dynamic procurement role.
- Company: Join a reputable Housing Association making a difference in the Midlands.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 28 days leave, a generous pension, and exclusive discounts.
- Why this job: Be part of impactful projects while working remotely with occasional travel.
- Qualifications: Experience in public sector procurement and knowledge of the Procurement Act 2023 required.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal growth and a supportive work culture.
The predicted salary is between 29900 - 32700 £ per year.
Job Description
We are currently working in partnership with a Housing Association based in the Midlands, who are recruiting for a Category Specialist on a two year fixed term contract. The position is due to start as soon as possible, dependent on notice and offers a salary of £34,977 – £38,863 (DOE).
The ideal candidate will have a background in public sector procurement, be familiar with the Procurement Act 2023 and be confident dealing with the end to end procurement process.
While available on a predominantly remote basis, occasional travel across the Midlands will be required for this role.
Duties will include (but are not limited to):
- Supporting the Category Manager in the implementation of category plans and sourcing strategies by contributing to project delivery, market research, and documentation development
- Supporting the delivery of sourcing activity from initiation through to award, including pre-market engagement, preparation of tender documentation, bid evaluation, moderation coordination, and supplier award communications
- Assisting in the application of compliant procurement procedures in line with the Procurement Act 2023, including documentation of exclusion grounds checks, transparency notices, and records of decision-making
- Drafting and maintaining procurement documentation such as specifications, evaluation criteria, terms and conditions, and scoring matrices in collaboration with the Category Manager and internal stakeholders
- Coordinating clarification questions during live tenders, logging all communication through Proactis, and supporting timely and consistent supplier engagement
- Supporting the development and accuracy of the Group’s contract register and procurement pipeline by maintaining records and highlighting upcoming sourcing activity
- Accurately record contract values, durations, and financial commitments in Proactis and ensure consistency with approved budgets and savings forecasts
Experience required:
- Experience required in Social Housing
Skills, knowledge and expertise required:
- Understanding of the regulations imposed by the Procurement Act 2023
Rewards and benefits:
- Up to 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) with the opportunity to buy and sell leave
- Up to 12% employer pension contribution
- Family friendly policies
- Employee assistance programme, discounted gym membership and exclusive discounts
- Health Cash Plan worth up to £1700 per annum
Working hours:
- 35 hours per week
- Monday – Friday, 9am-5pm
Please note that you require recent experience to apply for this role.
James Andrews is acting as an employment agency and business in relation to this role.
At James Andrews Recruitment Solutions we try to respond to all applications personally, however, due to the high volume of applications this is not always possible. If you have not heard back from us within 72 hours, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.
Don’t forget our recommendation scheme: Recommend a friend or colleague to us and receive up to £100 each once they have completed 20 days in a role via James Andrews! Terms and conditions apply, contact us for details.
Category Specialist employer: James Andrews Recruitment Solutions Ltd
Contact Detail:
James Andrews Recruitment Solutions Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Procurement Act 2023. Understanding the regulations and compliance requirements will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment to the role during any discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the public sector procurement field. Attend relevant events or join online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even refer you to opportunities within their organisations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with end-to-end procurement processes. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've contributed to sourcing strategies or managed supplier communications, as this will be crucial in showcasing your suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the Housing Association you're applying to. Understanding their mission, values, and recent projects will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Category Specialist position. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities and required skills, especially those related to public sector procurement and the Procurement Act 2023.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in social housing and procurement. Emphasise your familiarity with the end-to-end procurement process and any specific achievements that demonstrate your capability in this area.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that directly addresses the requirements of the role. Mention your understanding of the Procurement Act 2023 and how your background aligns with the duties outlined in the job description. Be sure to convey your enthusiasm for the position and the organisation.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects attention to detail, which is crucial for a role involving documentation and compliance.
How to prepare for a job interview at James Andrews Recruitment Solutions Ltd
✨Know Your Procurement Legislation
Familiarise yourself with the Procurement Act 2023, as this is crucial for the role. Be prepared to discuss how you have applied these regulations in your previous roles and how they impact the procurement process.
✨Demonstrate End-to-End Procurement Experience
Be ready to share specific examples of your experience with the entire procurement cycle. Highlight your involvement in market research, tender documentation, and supplier engagement to showcase your comprehensive understanding of the process.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world procurement scenarios. Think about challenges you've faced in past roles and how you overcame them, particularly in relation to compliance and stakeholder engagement.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As the role involves coordinating with various stakeholders, emphasise your ability to communicate effectively. Prepare to discuss how you manage supplier relationships and ensure clarity during the tender process.
