At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategy and manage high-value projects for the public sector.
- Company: Derbyshire County Council, dedicated to serving local communities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and a local government pension scheme.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth in a supportive and dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your career in procurement.
- Qualifications: Experience in complex procurement and strong knowledge of public procurement legislation.
As a Senior Category Manager - Property, you'll take charge of managing procurement activities across the property category, ensuring efficient and effective delivery. Based in Matlock, your role will play a key part in supporting the public sector by driving value and compliance through strategic sourcing.
Client Details
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.
Description
- Lead the implementation of the procurement strategy for the directorate, aligning commercial activity with service objectives, financial planning, and corporate priorities.
- Work in close partnership with senior managers and budget holders to support procurement delivery across services, identifying opportunities for early engagement, risk reduction, and added value.
- Deliver high-value, high-risk, and complex procurement exercises, ensuring robust governance, market engagement, and compliance with all relevant legislation and Council policies.
- Manage and reduce procurement non-compliance across the directorate by embedding best practice, offering guidance, and implementing corrective actions in partnership with services.
- Provide expert advice and support to stakeholders on all aspects of the procurement lifecycle, including legislation, risk, contract structuring, supplier engagement, and sourcing strategies.
- Embed updates to public procurement legislation including the Procurement Act 2023 and Procurement Regulations 2024.
- Manage procurement and contract-related risk throughout the commissioning and procurement cycle, implementing mitigation strategies and advising services on risk exposure and management.
- Use data and analytics to monitor pipeline progress, evaluate procurement performance, and inform strategic and operational decisions.
- Contribute to the development of corporate procurement policies, tools, and templates, sharing best practice and supporting consistency across the Council.
Profile
- Experience of managing complex, high-value procurement activity in a public sector or similarly regulated environment.
- Experience in supervising, mentoring, and developing procurement professionals, including setting objectives and supporting delivery.
- Demonstrated experience in supporting budget holders and managers in planning and delivering procurement aligned with service delivery and financial targets.
- Experience of embedding and supporting effective contract management practices across services, ensuring performance, compliance, and continuous improvement.
- Experience in risk identification and mitigation in procurement and contract management.
- Experience of embedding procurement compliance and resolving issues of non-compliance across services.
- In-depth knowledge of procurement legislation, including the Public Contracts Regulations (PCRs), Procurement Act 2023, and Procurement Regulations 2024.
- Strong understanding of public procurement principles, sourcing strategy, category management, and contract lifecycle management.
- Commercial awareness and understanding of budgetary and financial processes.
Job Offer
- Salary ranging from £39,865 - £43,270 + £2000 Market Supplement.
- Local Government Pension Scheme.
- 27 days annual leave rising to 32 with service (plus bank holidays).
- Flexitime (can condense hours to allow for 2 days off per month).
- Flexible working.
- Hybrid working (one day per week on site in Matlock).
Senior Category Manager 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 Senior Category Manager 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 Senior Category Manager 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.
