At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive cost efficiencies and influence strategic decisions for the Council's procurement.
- Company: Merton United, a community-focused organisation making a real difference.
- Benefits: Flexible working, diverse environment, and opportunities for career development.
- Other info: Join a supportive workplace that values diversity and encourages personal growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that impacts local lives and shapes community services.
- Qualifications: Commercially motivated with expertise in procurement and strong relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
About The Organisation
We are Merton United, One Borough one Team at an exciting point in our journey. Working for Merton means that you will be making a difference to the lives of local residents and businesses. Together we are finding new ways to work more efficiently to serve our community.
About The Role
The Procurement at Merton continues to evolve. The role will be pivotal in driving forward and challenging the Council’s approach to Category Management and its Make or Buy agenda. We are looking for a skilled, commercially motivated Category Advisor to help us achieve significant savings and cost efficiencies. The role will also be integral in assisting the Council deliver its strategic priorities and its Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS), in line with the changes brought about by the new Public Procurement Act.
As one of two Category Advisors, you will bring commercial and procurement expertise and acumen to senior level business planning and decision‑making. It is essential that the post holder fosters strong and effective working relationships with the directorates, including the Corporate Leadership Team (CLT) and Members. The post holder will influence, advise and constructively challenge to achieve best possible outcomes for our residents through the Council’s considerable external spend.
Why Work for Merton
We are an excellent and fair employer that celebrates and values diversity. A place where you can be your best self at work, where you are listened to and supported to flourish and develop your career. Please see our why work for us page on our website for more information about a great range of benefits that go beyond salary and offer flexibility to suit you.
Closing date: 27 May 2026
Category Advisor employer: London Borough of Merton
Merton United is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a positive impact in the community, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment where employees can thrive. As a Category Advisor, you will play a crucial role in shaping procurement strategies that benefit local residents while enjoying a range of benefits and opportunities for professional growth. Join us in our mission to serve the borough effectively and make a meaningful difference in people's lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Advisor
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Merton United on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Merton's recent projects and initiatives. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role but also in how you can contribute to our community and strategic goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills align with the Category Advisor role. We want to hear about your commercial acumen and how you can help us drive efficiencies and savings.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Merton.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Advisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff:Before you start writing, make sure you understand the role of a Category Advisor. Brush up on your procurement knowledge and think about how your skills can help Merton achieve its goals. This will show us that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with Merton's mission. We want to see how you can contribute to our community and drive cost efficiencies.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless it's necessary. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm.
Show Your Personality:Let your personality shine through in your application! We’re looking for someone who can build strong relationships and influence others. A bit of your unique voice can help us see how you'd fit into our team at Merton. Don’t forget to apply through our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Merton
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the ins and outs of category management and procurement. Brush up on the latest trends, especially around the new Public Procurement Act. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but are also knowledgeable about the field.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully driven savings or efficiencies. Be ready to discuss how you can apply this expertise to Merton's strategic priorities and financial strategies.
✨Build Relationships
Since the role involves working closely with various directorates and the Corporate Leadership Team, think about how you can demonstrate your ability to foster strong relationships. Share examples of how you've influenced stakeholders in previous roles.
✨Be Ready to Challenge
The job requires someone who can constructively challenge existing processes. Prepare to discuss how you've approached similar situations in the past and how you can bring a fresh perspective to Merton's approach to category management.
