At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement activities and deliver value-driven solutions for a growing city.
- Company: Local authority undergoing transformation with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, hybrid opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic role that shapes the future of procurement.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong relationship-building skills.
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.
Category Manager employer: Opus People Solutions Ltd
Our client is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and flexible work environment that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With opportunities for hybrid working and a commitment to fostering strong relationships within the community, this role as a Category Manager not only allows you to contribute to meaningful projects but also encourages your development in a dynamic and collaborative setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement processes. Understand their values and how you can contribute to their transformation. We want you to shine and show them why you're the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills align with the role of Category Manager. Highlight your experience in delivering compliant procurements and managing contracts effectively.
✨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 are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in procurement and any relevant legislation knowledge, like the Procurement Act 2023. We want to see how your skills align with what our client is looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this dynamic environment. Share examples of how you've built strong relationships and delivered value in previous roles. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to highlight your IT and presentation skills, especially if you have experience with tools like Power BI. We’re looking for someone who can lead and support cross-functional teams, so make sure to mention any relevant experiences.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at Opus People Solutions Ltd
✨Know Your Procurement Legislation
Familiarise yourself with the Procurement Act 2023 and the Health Care Services Regulations 2023. Being able to discuss these regulations confidently will show that you understand the legal framework you'll be working within, which is crucial for a Category Manager role.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
Prepare examples of how you've built strong relationships in previous roles. This could include working with internal clients or external providers. Highlighting your collaborative approach will resonate well with the dynamic environment they’re looking to foster.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Skills
Be ready to discuss how you've conducted detailed business requirements analysis in the past. Use specific examples to illustrate how your analytical skills have led to successful procurement strategies or improvements in service delivery.
✨Get Comfortable with Power BI
Since strong IT skills are essential, brush up on your Power BI knowledge. If you can demonstrate your ability to use data visualisation tools effectively, it will set you apart as a candidate who can leverage technology to drive procurement performance.
