At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex procurement activities and develop category strategies for better outcomes.
- Company: Join a sustainable procurement team at NCC, driving value and excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, private medical cover, and a generous pension contribution.
- Other info: Hybrid working with opportunities for continuous learning and career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on world-leading research and innovation through strategic procurement.
- Qualifications: Significant procurement experience and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: Bristol Hybrid Working minimum of 2 days on site.
Salary: £45,084 - £55,435 depending on experience + Benefits
Our Sustainable Procurement team provides expert procurement support across NCC, helping teams deliver their objectives through effective category management, supplier engagement and compliant procurement practices. Working in partnership with colleagues across the business, the team is committed to driving value, managing risk and embedding procurement excellence throughout the organisation.
What you'll be doing:
- Leading complex procurement activities and regulated tenders, ensuring compliance and delivering commercial value across the IT estate.
- Developing category strategies using spend analysis, market insight and business priorities to drive better procurement outcomes.
- Building strong relationships across NCC, providing expert procurement advice to stakeholders and project teams.
- Managing supplier and contract performance, identifying opportunities for efficiency, value and continuous improvement.
- Supporting and mentoring colleagues across the procurement function, sharing expertise and promoting best practice.
- Supporting strategic procurement initiatives and deputising for the Head of Sustainable Procurement when required.
- Line managing and developing an Assistant Procurement Officer.
What we're looking for:
- Significant procurement experience with strong category management and commercial skills.
- Knowledge of public sector procurement regulations, including PCR2015 and the Procurement Act.
- CIPS Level 4 qualified (or working towards qualification) with experience delivering complex procurement projects.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and build relationships at all levels.
- A collaborative approach with a passion for supporting others and driving procurement best practice.
- Experience across IT category as Procurement Category Lead would be advantageous.
Why this role matters:
At NCC, procurement plays a vital role in enabling world-leading research and innovation. As our Advanced Procurement Category Lead, you'll help ensure we make informed, compliant and commercially sound procurement decisions that deliver value across the organisation. Your expertise will influence strategic investment decisions, shape procurement best practice and support colleagues in delivering successful outcomes for our customers, partners and stakeholders.
Closing date for applications: 23:59 Thursday 30th July 2026. Please don't wait for the closing deadline if you are interested in this role as we retain the right to close the applications process early depending on the volume of candidates applying.
What we offer in return:
- 12.5% employer pension contribution
- Private medical cover
- Hybrid and flexible working as standard
- Support to keep learning and progressing
- University of Bristol honorary staff status
Locations
Procurement Category Manager in Bath, Somerset employer: Ncc
NCC is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative work culture that fosters innovation and growth within the Defence, Energy, Space, Marine, and Technology sectors. As a medium-sized not-for-profit organisation based in Bristol, we provide our employees with competitive salaries, generous pension contributions, and private medical insurance, alongside opportunities for professional development and involvement in cutting-edge projects. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive environment that values your contributions and encourages career advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Category Manager in Bath, Somerset
✨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 Ncc.
✨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 Bath, Somerset
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 Ncc:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Ncc. 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 Ncc.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ncc
✨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 Ncc!
✨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 Ncc. 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 Ncc's culture.
