Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and implement improvements in a dynamic housing association.
- Company: Award-winning Housing Association with a focus on community impact.
- Benefits: Up to 28 days annual leave, flexible working, and generous pension contributions.
- Why this job: Make a difference in social housing while developing your career in procurement.
- Qualifications: Experience in category management and knowledge of PA23 regulations.
- Other info: Full-time remote role with potential for permanent position and excellent growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 45644 - 50715 £ per year.
We are proud to be partnering with an award-winning Housing Association operating across the Midlands, who are looking to appoint 2x Category Managers on 12 and 18 month FTCs respectively. This will be a full-time, predominantly remote position with occasional travel to the West Midlands, offering a salary of £45,644 - £50,715. Other benefits include up to 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), generous family friendly policies, up to 12% pension contribution and more.
The 12 month vacancy is maternity cover and will focus on Corporate Resources including Recruitment, Insurance and Indirects. The 18 month vacancy will focus on Responsive Repairs, Maintenance, Fleet etc and will potentially go permanent upon successful completion of the initial contract.
The successful candidate will have a working knowledge of PA23 regulations and ideally have a background within Social Housing.
Duties will include (but are not limited to):
- Ensuring the effective and efficient implementation of the Group Procurement strategy
- Leading, designing and implementing category strategies across complex areas of spend to deliver measurable procurement improvements, understanding and applying whole life cost principles as well as lowest cost to source
- Working with all business areas to secure a simplified supplier landscape and implement wider Category plans coupled with appropriate contract solutions and controls for the Group
- Developing reforms to deliver efficiencies and improvements, by introducing agreed Category plans for goods and services
- Continuing the review of existing contracts and introducing changes appropriate for a modern housing association, including realising the benefits of digital transformation
- Managing high-risk contracts, financial thresholds, or regulated procurements requiring external publication
Skills, knowledge and expertise required:
- Working knowledge of PA23, ideally within a social housing setting
- Proven experience in a category manager role
Rewards and benefits:
- Up to 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)
- Study Support
- Generous family friendly policies
- Up to 12% pension contribution
- Medicash memberships
- Healthcare cash plan
Working hours: 37 hours per week Monday - Friday, 9am-5pm (flexible)
Please note that you require recent experience to apply for this role.
Category Manager employer: James Andrews Recruitment Solutions
Contact Detail:
James Andrews Recruitment Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the housing sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Category Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its procurement strategies. Show them you understand their needs and how your experience with PA23 regulations can make a difference. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply through job boards; head over to our website and submit your application directly. It shows initiative and gives you a better chance of standing out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interviews! A quick thank-you email can keep you fresh in their minds and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great way to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Manager role. Highlight your experience with PA23 regulations and any relevant social housing background. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your achievements in category management and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Knowledge: Demonstrate your understanding of procurement strategies and how you've implemented them in past roles. We love candidates who can show they've thought about how to improve processes and deliver efficiencies!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at James Andrews Recruitment Solutions
✨Know Your Regulations
Make sure you brush up on PA23 regulations before the interview. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you have the necessary knowledge for the role and understand the compliance aspects of procurement in social housing.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your previous roles where you've successfully implemented category strategies or managed high-risk contracts. This will help demonstrate your proven experience as a Category Manager and how you can bring value to the organisation.
✨Understand the Company’s Needs
Research the Housing Association and their current procurement challenges. Tailor your responses to show how your skills can address their specific needs, especially in areas like Corporate Resources or Responsive Repairs, depending on which position you're applying for.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company’s procurement strategy and future plans. This not only shows your interest in the role but also gives you a chance to assess if the company aligns with your career goals and values.
