At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic procurement for ICT, HR, and Financial Services at Wakefield Council.
- Company: Join a successful Commercial Services Team with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Earn £26.62 per hour with hybrid working and temp to perm opportunities.
- Other info: Develop your leadership skills while managing a team of procurement professionals.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on procurement activities worth £45m-£75m annually.
- Qualifications: CIPS Level 6 or equivalent experience in public sector procurement required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 60000 £ per year.
Wakefield (WF1) | Hybrid Working £26.62 per hour Temp to Perm Opportunity
Lynx Employment Services are recruiting for an experienced Senior Category Manager to join a successful Commercial Services Team supporting Wakefield Council. This is an exciting opportunity for a procurement professional to lead strategic procurement activity across key corporate categories including ICT, HR and Financial Services, helping to deliver value for money, efficiencies and innovative sourcing solutions that support council priorities.
The Role
You will provide a professional, customer-focused procurement service for the acquisition of goods, services and works within a category management framework. You will lead a team of procurement professionals, manage significant third-party spend and deliver complex procurement projects from inception through to contract award and management.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage procurement activity across ICT, HR and Financial Services categories.
- Develop and implement category strategies and procurement plans.
- Manage end-to-end procurement exercises, including tendering, evaluation and contract award.
- Build strong relationships with stakeholders across the Council and external suppliers.
- Provide procurement advice, guidance and training to Council officers and elected members.
- Lead on supplier performance management and contract management activities.
- Develop business cases, market analysis, spend reviews and sourcing strategies.
- Ensure compliance with procurement legislation, Council procedures and governance requirements.
- Line manage and develop a team of procurement professionals.
Essential Requirements
- CIPS Level 6 qualification or equivalent professional procurement experience.
- Significant public sector procurement experience.
- Strong knowledge of UK public procurement legislation and regulatory frameworks.
- Experience managing complex, high-value procurement projects.
- Contract management and supplier relationship management experience.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement, negotiation and communication skills.
- Experience leading, coaching and developing procurement teams.
- Strong analytical, commercial and project management skills.
What's on Offer?
- £26.62 per hour
- Hybrid working arrangement
- Temp to perm opportunity
- Strategic leadership role within a high-profile procurement team
- Opportunity to influence procurement activity worth £45m - £75m annually and deliver meaningful value across the Council.
To apply, please send your CV to Lynx Employment Services or contact our recruitment team for further information.
Locations
Senior Category Manager in Wakefield, Yorkshire employer: Lynx Employment Services Ltd
Lynx Employment Services is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Wakefield that promotes hybrid working and values employee contributions. As a Senior Category Manager, you will not only lead strategic procurement initiatives but also benefit from professional development opportunities within a supportive team culture, all while making a significant impact on the community through your work with Wakefield Council.
Contact Details:
Lynx Employment Services Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Category Manager in Wakefield, Yorkshire
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement field, especially those who have experience with public sector roles. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the council's current procurement strategies and challenges. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute right away. Plus, it gives you great talking points during the interview!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Senior Category Manager role. We love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Category Manager in Wakefield, Yorkshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in procurement, especially in ICT, HR, and Financial Services. We want to see how your skills align with the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your duties; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you’ve led procurement projects or improved processes. We love seeing quantifiable results that demonstrate your impact in previous roles.
Keep It Professional Yet Engaging:While we appreciate a friendly tone, remember to keep it professional. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We want to get a sense of your personality, but also your professionalism in the written application.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lynx Employment Services Ltd
✨Know Your Categories Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the key corporate categories you'll be managing, like ICT, HR, and Financial Services. Research recent trends and challenges in these areas so you can discuss how you would approach strategic procurement effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Category Manager, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on coaching and developing your team members. Highlight any specific achievements that demonstrate your leadership style.
✨Master Stakeholder Engagement
Building strong relationships is crucial in this role. Think of instances where you've successfully engaged with stakeholders, both internal and external. Be ready to discuss your communication strategies and how you’ve navigated complex negotiations.
✨Demonstrate Compliance Knowledge
Familiarise yourself with UK public procurement legislation and governance requirements. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance in your procurement processes and share examples of how you've handled compliance challenges in previous roles.
