At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and manage a dedicated category team to drive efficiencies.
- Company: Nottinghamshire County Council, a supportive and inclusive local authority.
- Benefits: Flexible working, professional development, generous leave, and a focus on well-being.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equality and safeguarding vulnerable individuals.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public sector procurement while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in public sector procurement and a recognised qualification like MCIPS.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
At Nottinghamshire County Council, we are committed to serving our community with care and compassion. As a forward-thinking local authority, we pride ourselves on creating a supportive and inclusive workplace where everyone is valued. Join us in making a difference!
A fantastic opportunity has arisen to join our Procurement Management Team as a Category Manager. In this strategic role, you will lead and manage the Place and Chief Executives department within our award-winning procurement team. If you have a positive ‘can do’ attitude and a passion for public sector procurement, this role is for you!
As a Category Manager, your key responsibilities will include:
- Leading the management of a procurement category with a multi-million-pound annual spend.
- Developing and implementing category plans to achieve objectives from the Procurement Strategy.
- Providing expert advice and support to senior stakeholders, ensuring compliance with procurement regulations.
- Driving cost efficiencies and continuous improvement in procurement practices.
- Building strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including service directors and external suppliers.
- Managing a dedicated category team to meet service standards and foster best practices.
To thrive in this role, you will need:
- A strong background in public sector procurement, with experience in managing complex tenders.
- Up-to-date knowledge of procurement regulations and best practices.
- A recognised qualification in procurement, such as MCIPS or equivalent.
- A comprehensive understanding of local government procurement laws and financial regulations.
We are looking for candidates who demonstrate:
- Excellent interpersonal skills to engage and influence stakeholders effectively.
- Strong problem-solving abilities to navigate complex procurement challenges.
- Leadership qualities to inspire and empower your team towards achieving high performance.
- A commitment to delivering exceptional customer service and value for money.
At Nottinghamshire County Council, we offer:
- A place to belong: A friendly, inclusive workplace where everyone is valued.
- Flexible working arrangements to support your work-life balance.
- Professional development opportunities to help you grow in your career.
- Generous leave and a supportive environment that prioritises your well-being.
Nottinghamshire County Council strives to ensure that it goes beyond the requirements of the Equalities Act and prides itself on being accredited as a Disability Confident Leader Organisation. Under the Disability Confident scheme (formerly known as the Guaranteed Interview Scheme) we would like to ensure applicants with disabilities are offered an interview if they meet the minimum criteria for a job. Please let us know if this is something you would like to be considered for.
A job share scheme is available for all full-time posts: both permanent and temporary, unless otherwise stated. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we expect all staff to share this commitment and undergo appropriate checks. Nottinghamshire County Council strongly encourages applications from all candidates from different walks of life, irrespective of gender, marital status, disability, race, religion, belief, pregnancy and maternity status, age or sexual orientation.
Category Manager in West Bridgford employer: Nottinghamshire County Council
Nottinghamshire County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values diversity and promotes employee growth. As an Approved Mental Health Professional at Sherwood Oaks Hospital, you will benefit from a hybrid working arrangement, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development, all while making a meaningful impact in the community.
Contact Details:
Nottinghamshire County Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in West Bridgford
✨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 Nottinghamshire County Council.
✨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 Category Manager in West Bridgford
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 Nottinghamshire County Council:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Nottinghamshire County Council. 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 Nottinghamshire County Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Nottinghamshire County Council
✨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 Nottinghamshire County Council!
✨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 Nottinghamshire County Council. 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 Nottinghamshire County Council's culture.
