Category Manager

An exciting opportunity has arisen for Category Managers to join our Strategic Procurement team at Hampshire County Council.

The Strategic Procurement Team supports Hampshire County Council and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service as well as providing procurement services to a number of other external clients including other Local Authorities, National Park Authorities, educational establishments and other public sector bodies.

We are currently seeking Procurement Category Managers to plan, drive and deliver collaboration and effective stakeholder management to embed and apply a best practice commercial approach to external and in-house spend, providing support and challenge across the Procurement lifecycle in order to deliver value for money outcomes.

What You'll Do

• As part of the Strategic Procurement team, you will be managing higher value and more complex tenders from strategy stage through to award.
• You will be deployed to lead key initiative by leading tender processes to deliver transformational savings through a commercial best practice approach.
• You will be providing technical advice and guidance to clients and be able to demonstrate the ability to coach and advise team members through the complexities of public sector procurement.

What We're Looking For

• An experienced public sector procurement professional regularly delivering above threshold procurements in compliance with (current and previous) procurement legislation, ideally within a large and multi-disciplinary organisation.
• In-depth working knowledge and understanding of Procurement Act 2023 (and a certified TPP Practitioner), Procurement Regulations 2024 and the UK Public Contract Regulations 2015, and have a wider in-depth understanding of the public sector procurement landscape.
• A positive 'can do' attitude and willingness to work across a variety of categories as needed.
• Strong project management and planning skills and experience and capacity to manage large and complex procurement projects.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills, robust attention to detail skills and be able to comfortably manage and review high volumes of documentation, including contractual documents.
• Demonstrable commercial skills and commercial awareness.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and be to identify, develop and foster key partnerships with customers, stakeholders and other public bodies.
• The ability to apply professional judgement to solve complex problems and/or make procurement recommendations, to achieve outcomes which support directorate and corporate objectives and are compliant with both internal governance and policies and procurement legislation.
• Proficient in the use of Office 365 software including SharePoint, MS Teams, Word, Excel and experienced in the use of e-tendering systems.

The opportunity to become part of a large and high performing Procurement Team supporting a variety of public sector clients. Commitment to professional development via internally delivered targeted training and coaching. Opportunities for progression.

Our benefits package includes details of the holiday entitlement, pension scheme, flexi-time scheme, family friendly policies and interest free travel loans and discounts. We offer a flexible, motivating and inclusive workplace. We have created an environment that you can look forward to being a part of, where you are empowered to be your best and a workplace built on teamwork where people can grow and develop in their roles.

If you think you have what it takes to make a real difference in Hampshire, get in touch!

Hampshire County Council is recognised nationally as one of the highest performing local authorities in the UK. A modern, forward-looking local authority, it offers a pleasant, supportive, and collaborative working environment. Hampshire County Council is also a flexible employer interested in making the most of your skills and offers a great work life balance.

Contact Details For An Informal Discussion

Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.

In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.

We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.