At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support innovative procurement activities to drive value for a growing city.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking local authority committed to transformation and community impact.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, hybrid opportunities, and professional development.
- Other info: Supportive environment with opportunities for career growth and a commitment to wellbeing.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping procurement excellence and making a real difference.
- Qualifications: Strong understanding of Category Management and public procurement legislation.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Our client, a local authority, is preparing for an exciting period of transformation. We are looking for a proactive, skilled and collaborative Category Manager to join our clients Procurement team and help shape a best‑in‑class procurement function for the future. If you thrive in a dynamic environment, enjoy building strong relationships, and want to deliver real value for a growing city, this role is for you.
Our client offers a great working environment, including flexible working hours and hybrid opportunities. You will be expected to attend the office roughly 2 days a week, although there are flexible weeks where attendance may be less.
About the Role
As a Category Manager, you will play a key role in delivering compliant, efficient and value‑driven procurement across a range of allocated categories. You will lead and support end‑to‑end procurement activity, ensuring alignment with the Contract Rules, the Procurement Act 2023, and the Health Care Services Regulations 2023.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver compliant procurements in line with policy, the Procurement Act 2023 and relevant legislation.
- Provide full end‑to‑end procurement support for the reintegration of contracts.
- Manage procurement activity for contracts up to £500,000.
- Act as a subject matter expert for your allocated categories.
- Lead or support cross‑functional project teams.
- Support the Senior Category Manager in developing and implementing category strategies that deliver financial, service and supply‑chain performance improvements.
- Undertake detailed business requirements analysis and ensure category strategies align with council priorities.
- Provide expert procurement advice, innovative sourcing solutions and stakeholder training.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with internal clients and external providers.
- Demonstrate strong IT and presentation skills, including working knowledge of Power BI.
- Support administrative tasks where required.
What We’re Looking For
- Strong understanding of Category Management principles.
- Detailed knowledge of the end‑to‑end procurement process.
- Knowledge of public procurement legislation, including the Procurement Act 2023.
- Ability to analyse category data and provide insight.
- Experience managing multiple priorities and delivering to deadlines.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to influence stakeholders.
- A collaborative, team‑focused approach with a commitment to delivering value for money.
Why Join?
Peterborough is a city undergoing significant change and investment. Joining the Procurement team means:
- Being part of a supportive, forward‑thinking service.
- Playing a key role in major organisational transformation.
- Opportunities for professional development and progression.
- A chance to shape procurement excellence across the council.
- Flexible working arrangements and a strong commitment to staff wellbeing.
Our Clients Commitment
- Equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.
- Providing a safe and healthy working environment.
We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities.
Ready to Apply?
If you’re motivated by delivering value, improving services and supporting a city through meaningful change, we’d love to hear from you.
Category Manager in Cambridge employer: Opus People Solutions Ltd
Our client, a local authority in Peterborough, is an excellent employer that fosters a supportive and collaborative work culture, ideal for those looking to make a meaningful impact. With flexible working arrangements, opportunities for professional development, and a commitment to staff wellbeing, this role as a Category Manager offers the chance to be part of a transformative journey while shaping procurement excellence in a growing city.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement strategies. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in how you can contribute to their transformation.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills align with their needs, especially around category management and compliance. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in Category Management and procurement. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit:Since this role is all about teamwork, let us know about your experiences working in cross-functional teams. Share examples of how you’ve built strong relationships and delivered value through collaboration.
Demonstrate Your Knowledge:We’re looking for someone with a solid understanding of public procurement legislation and Category Management principles. Use your application to demonstrate your expertise and how it can benefit our client’s transformation journey.
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and keep track of your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Opus People Solutions Ltd
✨Know Your Procurement Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the Procurement Act 2023 and any relevant public procurement legislation. Being able to discuss these in detail will show that you’re not just familiar with the rules, but that you can apply them effectively in your role.
✨Showcase Your Category Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed categories in the past. Highlight specific strategies you've implemented and the outcomes achieved. This will demonstrate your expertise and ability to deliver value-driven procurement.
✨Build Relationships in the Interview
Since this role involves collaboration, think about how you can build rapport with your interviewers. Share experiences where you’ve successfully worked with cross-functional teams or stakeholders, showing that you can foster strong relationships.
✨Be Ready for Data Analysis Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to analyse category data. Prepare to discuss how you've used data insights to inform procurement decisions in the past. This will highlight your analytical skills and your understanding of category performance.
