Senior Category Manager - PART TIME (2.5 days per week) in Matlock

As a Senior Category Manager in Matlock within the public sector, you'll oversee procurement and supply chain activities, ensuring value for money and compliance. This part-time role (2.5 days per week) helps the organisation streamline processes and manage supplier relationships effectively.

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.

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:

• Pro Rata 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) - pro rata.
• Flexitime.
• Flexible working.
• Hybrid working (required at least half a day in the Matlock office on a Tuesday).