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- Tasks: Lead strategic procurement activities and drive value for money in public transport projects.
- Company: Join Nexus, a key player in transforming public transport across Tyne and Wear.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension scheme, and 28 days annual leave.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community transport while developing your procurement expertise.
- Qualifications: Degree or 2+ years in procurement; Level 4 qualification preferred.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 ÂŁ per year.
Nexus has an ambitious programme of projects to improve public transport across Tyne and Wear, from our annual ÂŁ50m asset renewal programme, strategic projects to extend the network and replace our aging signalling system through to customer enhancements for bus, ferry and our ticketing offers. Effective and agile procurement is fundamental to the success of these projects and our wider business and delivering great outcomes for the communities we serve.
Nexus Procurement function is undergoing a transformation and we have a great opportunity for two new Procurement Category Managers within the function. We are seeking dynamic proactive and experienced procurement professionals. This is a unique opportunity to join the function in delivering the new Target Operating Model and progression of the Procurement Maturity Model. You will be part of a team delivering strategic procurement change, focusing on agile, pragmatic and proportional procurement for all goods and services delivering value for money. You will be focused on being part of a change to build capability, capacity and credibility, minimise risk and ensure a high-quality delivery for internal and external customers.
Typical Day
- Leading end-to-end procurement activity for your category, from developing sourcing strategies through to tendering, negotiation, contract award and contract management.
- Meeting with internal customers and stakeholders to understand requirements, provide commercial advice and shape procurement approaches that deliver value for money.
- Coaching and supporting Procurement Category Specialists, reviewing their work, setting objectives and helping them develop pragmatic, innovative approaches.
- Analysing supplier markets, spend data and performance information to identify opportunities for savings, innovation, consolidation and improved commercial outcomes.
- Engaging with suppliers and wider industry partners to explore new commercial models, strengthen relationships and drive continuous improvement.
- Preparing procurement strategies, dashboards and executive updates, highlighting progress, risks, constraints and opportunities for enhanced value.
- Overseeing procurement activity for complex contract renewals, extensions or terminations, ensuring compliance and effective outcomes.
- Applying category‑management methodologies to drive improvements in supply performance, cost, quality, innovation and risk.
- Ensuring all procurement activity complies with Public Procurement Law and Regulations, escalating any conflicts or risks as needed.
- Collaborating with project managers and programme teams to align procurement activity with organisational project‑management and assurance frameworks.
- Reviewing, drafting and managing procurement documentation, including contracts, agreements and supporting materials.
About You
- You will be educated to degree level in a relevant subject area, or have at least 2 years’ experience in a relevant Procurement role.
- You will hold a relevant Procurement Professional Qualification at Level 4 or above.
- You will have in-depth knowledge and experience of delivering procurement within key categories such as Engineering, Construction, Estates & Facilities Management, Professional Services, IT & Digital, Utilities, raw materials or infrastructure support services.
- You will have a strong understanding of procurement best practice, category‑management principles and value‑for‑money methodologies.
- You will have awareness of current public procurement legislation and regulations.
- You will understand contract‑management principles, whole‑life costing, costing models and commercial evaluation approaches.
- You will be able to influence, negotiate and build effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- You will have strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare senior‑level reports, business cases and Senior Leadership Team papers.
- You will have excellent organisational and planning skills, with the ability to prioritise your own workload and that of direct reports.
- You will have experience completing procurement processes, contracts, agreements and framework call‑offs, ideally using NEC or JCT.
- You will have experience constructing or contributing to complex commercial terms and conditions and supporting documentation, including framework awards, schedules and annexes.
- You will have experience delivering end‑to‑end sourcing strategies and routes to market.
Who we are looking for
You must be passionate about engaging with stakeholders and have a flair for building excellent working relationships and communicating effectively. As a manager within Nexus, you will foster inclusion, respect others and work towards team goals through collaboration and agility.
What we offer
This is a Monday to Friday job. You’ll work a 36‑hour week. You’ll be part of a generous pension scheme (Local Government Pension Scheme). 28 days annual leave per year plus.
Procurement Category Manager employer: North East Ambition
Contact Detail:
North East Ambition Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the procurement field. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Nexus and its procurement strategies. Understand their projects and how your skills can contribute to their goals. Tailor your responses to show how you can deliver value for money and drive improvements in supply performance.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Procurement Category Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to influence and build relationships. Role-play scenarios with friends or colleagues to get comfortable with different negotiation tactics.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining Nexus and being part of their exciting transformation in procurement.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Procurement Category Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in procurement, especially in areas like Engineering or IT, and show how you can contribute to Nexus's ambitious projects.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills align with the job description. Use specific examples of how you've successfully managed procurement processes or built relationships with stakeholders in the past.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it's relevant to the role. This will help us quickly see your fit for the position.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes tracking your application easier!
How to prepare for a job interview at North East Ambition
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially around category management and public procurement legislation. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these principles in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
Prepare examples of how you've built relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Highlight your ability to influence and negotiate effectively, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Strategies
Think about the sourcing strategies you've developed in the past. Be prepared to explain your thought process and how you achieved value for money in your procurement activities.
✨Demonstrate Your Coaching Ability
Since you'll be coaching Procurement Category Specialists, come equipped with examples of how you've supported team members in their development. This will show your leadership skills and commitment to building capability within the team.