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- Tasks: Support the Category Manager in procurement processes and documentation.
- Company: Join a reputable Housing Association in the Midlands focused on social impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 28 days leave, pension contributions, and exclusive discounts.
- Why this job: Make a difference in social housing while gaining valuable procurement experience.
- Qualifications: Recent experience in public sector procurement and knowledge of the Procurement Act 2023 required.
- Other info: Flexible remote work with occasional travel across the Midlands.
The predicted salary is between 29900 - 32700 £ per year.
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 its nuances will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to compliance and best practices in procurement.
✨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 the industry.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in social housing during interviews. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated procurement processes in this sector, as it will be a key focus for the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to work remotely while being flexible for occasional travel. Highlight any previous remote work experiences and your strategies for maintaining productivity and communication in such settings.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Category Specialist position. Familiarise yourself with the Procurement Act 2023 and how it relates to public sector procurement.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in social housing and public sector procurement. Emphasise your familiarity with the end-to-end procurement process and any specific achievements that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the organisation. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your skills in market research, documentation development, and compliance with procurement procedures.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a role in procurement.
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, especially in public sector procurement.
✨Demonstrate Your End-to-End Process Knowledge
Be ready to explain your experience with the entire procurement process, from initiation to award. Use specific examples to illustrate your involvement in each stage, highlighting any challenges you overcame.
✨Showcase Your Social Housing Experience
Since the role requires experience in social housing, prepare to discuss relevant projects you've worked on. Highlight your understanding of the unique challenges and requirements within this sector.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in procurement situations. Think of examples where you had to coordinate with stakeholders or manage supplier communications effectively.
