At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies to enhance community services and drive value for money.
- Company: Join Derbyshire County Council, dedicated to serving local communities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, flexitime, generous holiday, and pension scheme.
- Other info: Great opportunities for professional growth and CIPS/MCIPS training.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your career in procurement.
- Qualifications: Experience in public sector procurement and strong stakeholder collaboration skills.
We have partnered exclusively with Derbyshire County Council to recruit 4 Category Managers as part of the growth of their large procurement team.
Derbyshire County Council services reach everyone who lives in or visits Derbyshire, which is why we work with our communities to make sure we meet their needs and expectations. This includes their families, their environment, their education, their job prospects and their social needs.
The council is divided into 4 strategic directorates, responsible for the following areas:
- Adult Care: Preventative and wellbeing services; assessment of care needs; home care and day opportunities for older, disabled and vulnerable people; disability equipment and home adaptations; support for carers; hospital discharge services; short term specialist community beds; reablement; falls prevention; in-house residential care homes; community care centres; quality and safeguarding across all residential homes; specialist dementia care; benefits and debt advice; strategic planning and resourcing public services; stakeholder engagement and consultation; care market shaping; commissioning care services; contract management, and performance monitoring.
- Public Health: Reducing health inequalities; promoting healthier lifestyles; improving the health of the population by sharing information and expertise; preparing for future health challenges; providing protection from public health hazards.
- Children's Services: Support for vulnerable families and disabled children; teenage and careers services; children's centres; sports and outdoor learning; school improvement services; school meals; school place planning and building; special educational needs; adult community education; services traded with schools; pre-school and childcare support; safeguarding and child protection; fostering and adoption, and the youth offending service.
- Corporate Services and Transformation: Property; finance; Digital Services; corporate HR; legal and democratic services; libraries and heritage; community safety; refugee resettlement; trading standards; 'Trusted Trader'; policy; research; performance; communications including digital and web development, and Call Derbyshire; innovation; strategic commissioning; procurement; strategic partnerships; member and management services; registrar and coroner services.
- Place: Roads; footpaths; public and community transport; road safety; economic development and regeneration; broadband expansion; minerals; transport and strategic planning; emergency planning; household waste recycling centres; waste planning and management; building and landscape conservation; countryside sites; strategic economic partnerships; inward investment; tourism; rail policy; HS2; employment and skills; flooding, and environmental policy.
Description:
- Deliver the Council's directorate procurement strategy via actionable procurement activity, ensuring alignment with service objectives and operational delivery.
- Develop and deliver project-specific procurement strategies that incorporate best value principles, regulatory requirements, market conditions, and service needs.
- Conduct effective pre-market engagement to inform sourcing approaches, shape specifications, understand supplier capability, and promote innovation and competition.
- Identify and mitigate procurement-stage risks that could impact contract performance or service outcomes.
- Lead and manage end-to-end, (non-complex) procurement processes, including tendering, evaluation, contract award, and mobilisation.
- Utilise public sector frameworks where appropriate to ensure efficient and compliant routes to market.
- Drive value for money through robust commercial practices and ensure that social value is embedded into procurement processes in line with Council priorities.
- Work in close partnership with service areas to co-develop procurement solutions, while building procurement capability and understanding across the organisation.
- Identify and address areas of procurement non-compliance by promoting consistent processes, improving guidance and increasing awareness across departments.
- Collaborate with contract managers to ensure smooth transition from procurement to contract delivery, offering continued contract support throughout the lifetime of a contract.
- Ensure all procurement projects are supported by completed conflict of interest assessments and that any potential conflicts are appropriately managed and recorded.
Profile:
- Experience or exposure to managing end-to-end procurement processes within a public sector or regulated environment.
- Proven track record of developing and delivering procurement strategies aligned with organisational objectives.
- Demonstrable experience of undertaking pre-market engagement and using market intelligence to inform sourcing approaches.
- Experience of delivering value for money, securing social value outcomes, and working with public sector frameworks.
- Experience of advising internal stakeholders on procurement legislation, policies, and compliance matters.
- Experience in building positive relationships with stakeholders and working collaboratively across departments to meet operational goals.
- Experience using eTendering systems and ERP solutions.
Job Offer:
- Salary £35,422 - £38,730 depending on experience.
- Hybrid working - 1 day per week in the office (Matlock).
- Flexitime - can condense hours to give yourself an extra 2 days off per month.
- 27 days holiday rising to 32 with service.
- Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Opportunity to join a large procurement team with excellent opportunities for growth and progression.
- Opportunities for CIPS/MCIPS training with time off to study/exams.
Category Manager x 4 in Derby employer: Michael Page
At Michael Page, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that champions community impact through our Social Value Lead role. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, providing employees with ample opportunities for professional growth while making a meaningful difference in the property industry. Located in a vibrant area, we offer competitive salaries and a commitment to employee well-being, ensuring that you thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager x 4 in Derby
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Michael Page.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager x 4 in Derby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Michael Page:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Michael Page. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Michael Page.
How to prepare for a job interview at Michael Page
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Michael Page!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Michael Page. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Michael Page's culture.
