At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement projects and manage supplier relationships to drive value in education.
- Company: Join a specialist education organisation making a difference for those with Special Educational Needs.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and comprehensive development opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working with travel across London and surrounding areas.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while developing your procurement skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Shape procurement. Drive value. Make a difference.
Location: Hybrid working across London, Surrey, Sussex and Berkshire
Contract: Permanent, Full Time
Are you an experienced Procurement, Category or Contract Management professional looking for a role where you can make a genuine impact? We're seeking a Procurement Category Manager to join a large specialist education organisation supporting children, young people and adults with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) across London and the South.
This is an opportunity to take ownership of a diverse procurement portfolio, influence strategic decision-making and deliver tangible value across a multi-site organisation comprising 14 specialist schools and academies and 7 college centres.
The Role
Working as part of an established Procurement Team, you'll lead end-to-end procurement and contract management activities across a range of categories including:
- ICT
- Professional Services
- Operational and Corporate Services
You'll manage formal tender exercises and further competitions under framework agreements, ensuring compliance with public procurement legislation while delivering value for money, quality and innovation. The role also offers significant exposure to supplier and contract management, including performance monitoring, supplier development, cost-saving initiatives and continuous improvement programmes.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead procurement projects and tender exercises from strategy through to contract award
- Deliver compliant procurement solutions across multiple spend categories
- Develop category knowledge and identify savings and efficiency opportunities
- Manage supplier relationships and contract performance
- Implement supplier action plans and continuous improvement initiatives
- Ensure compliance with procurement legislation, governance requirements and organisational policies
- Build strong relationships with stakeholders across multiple sites
- Support the delivery of strategic procurement objectives
About You
Applications are welcomed from professionals currently working as a:
- Procurement Manager
- Category Manager
- Contract Manager
- Senior Procurement Officer
- Procurement Business Partner
- Commercial Manager
- Strategic Sourcing Specialist
You'll ideally have:
- Experience leading tenders and procurement exercises
- Knowledge of public sector procurement legislation and best practice
- Strong supplier and contract management experience
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills
- A commercial mindset with a focus on delivering value
- The ability to manage multiple projects and priorities
- Experience within education is beneficial but not essential.
Hybrid Working & Travel
This role offers a hybrid working arrangement, with approximately 50% home‐based and 50% site‐based working. Regular travel across London, Surrey, Sussex and Berkshire is required, therefore access to your own transport is essential. An Enhanced DBS check will be required.
Salary & Benefits
Benefits include:
- Teachers' Pension Scheme with life cover and family protection
- Generous annual leave plus bank holidays and Christmas closure
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
- Comprehensive learning and development opportunities
- Enhanced parental leave schemes
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Season Ticket Loans
- Employee Referral Scheme
- Discounted Gym Membership and Digital Fitness Access
- Employee Car Lease Scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Occupational Health Support and Mental Health First Aiders
If you're looking for a varied and rewarding procurement role where your expertise will directly support the delivery of vital education services, we'd love to hear from you.
Procurement Category Manager in Sutton Coldfield employer: Morgan Law
Join a leading specialist education organisation that values your expertise and offers a meaningful opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children and young adults with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. With a strong commitment to employee growth, flexible hybrid working arrangements, and a comprehensive benefits package including generous leave and professional development opportunities, this role as a Procurement Category Manager allows you to thrive in a supportive work culture while driving strategic procurement initiatives across London and the South.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Category Manager in Sutton Coldfield
✨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 Morgan Law.
✨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 Procurement Category Manager in Sutton Coldfield
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 Morgan Law:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Morgan Law. 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 Morgan Law.
How to prepare for a job interview at Morgan Law
✨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 Morgan Law!
✨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 Morgan Law. 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 Morgan Law's culture.