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- Tasks: Lead diverse procurement projects and secure high-quality contracts for the Council.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking Council committed to social value and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, and flexible hybrid working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: MCIPS part qualified with a commitment to achieving full MCIPS status.
- Other info: Diverse workforce welcomed; excellent career growth opportunities available.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Council’s Procurement Team as a Procurement Category Specialist. If you’re passionate about procurement and motivated by delivering meaningful social value, this role offers the chance to lead a diverse portfolio of procurement projects while developing your skills in a supportive and forward-thinking service.
WHAT IS INVOLVED?
- Manage category spend across a range of goods, works, and services to secure high-quality contracts that deliver demonstrable value for money.
- Provide professional procurement advice and support to Council service areas and partner organisations.
- Lead on the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the Council’s procurement strategy, policies, systems, and processes.
- Deliver compliant, commercially effective procurement exercises in line with the Procurement Act 2023.
- Work as part of a collaborative procurement team, reporting directly to the Procurement Manager for FM and Digital Services.
This role is ideal for someone who is proactive, commercially aware, and committed to supporting strong governance, innovation, and social value outcomes.
WHAT WILL I NEED?
You should be MCIPS part qualified to Diploma Level 4 or Advanced Diploma Level 5 standard with a firm commitment to achieving full MCIPS level 6 status within a mutually agreed timescale. Please refer to the attached Person Specification for the full criteria.
INTERVIEWS
Interviews will be held week commencing 23rd February 2026. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.
OUR OFFER TO YOU
We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years’ continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website. Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.
HOW TO APPLY
Please note, we do not accept CVs. All applications must be submitted online via the Northeast Jobs portal. Use the Person Specification section of the form to clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential (and where possible, desirable) criteria. Applications that do not evidence the essential requirements will not be shortlisted. For guidance on completing your application, visit our website. If you require assistance when applying for this role, please contact our Recruitment Helpdesk on 03000 26 27 27, or via email RecruitmentResources@durham.gov.uk. All correspondence relating to your application will be sent from donotreply@northeastjobs.org.uk. Kindly check your spam/junk folder regularly to ensure you don’t miss any updates.
CONNECT WITH US
Follow us on Instagram, Like us on Facebook, Visit our website.
Procurement Category Specialist in North East employer: North East Ambition
Contact Detail:
North East Ambition Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Category Specialist in North East
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research their procurement strategies and values. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how your skills align with the role and be ready to share examples of your past successes in procurement. Practice makes perfect, so get a friend to help you out!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll find all the resources you need to make your application shine!
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Category Specialist in North East
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your procurement skills and experience in your application. Use specific examples that demonstrate how you've delivered value for money in past projects, as this is key for us.
Follow the Guidelines: Remember, we don’t accept CVs! Stick to the online application form and use the Person Specification section to clearly show how you meet the essential criteria. This is your chance to shine!
Be Authentic: Let your personality come through in your application. We’re looking for someone proactive and committed, so don’t be afraid to express your passion for procurement and social value.
Check Your Work: Before hitting submit, give your application a thorough read. Typos and errors can distract from your message, and we want to see your best work. And don’t forget to apply through our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at North East Ambition
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest procurement strategies and policies, especially those relevant to the Procurement Act 2023. Being able to discuss these in detail will show your passion and expertise in the field.
✨Showcase Your Social Value Commitment
Since this role is all about delivering meaningful social value, prepare examples of how you've contributed to social outcomes in previous roles. This could be through innovative procurement practices or community engagement.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Spirit
This position involves working closely with a team, so be ready to share experiences where you've successfully collaborated with others. Highlight your ability to work as part of a team and how you can contribute to a positive team dynamic.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the Council’s procurement strategy and how they measure success. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
