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 Perm
Our client, a local authority, is an excellent employer that fosters a collaborative and dynamic work culture, perfect for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their community. With flexible working hours and hybrid opportunities, employees can enjoy a healthy work-life balance while contributing to the transformation of a growing city. The role of Category Manager offers significant growth opportunities, allowing you to lead innovative procurement strategies and build strong relationships within a supportive team environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement field and let them know you're on the hunt for a Category Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in procurement and the specific challenges faced by local authorities. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference in their procurement function.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your presentation skills! As a Category Manager, you'll need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. Consider doing mock presentations to friends or family to build your confidence and refine your delivery.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find and apply for roles that match your skills. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and contributing to a best-in-class procurement function.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in procurement and how it aligns with our client's needs. We want to see how you can bring value to the team!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to emphasise your IT and presentation skills, especially your knowledge of Power BI. We’re looking for someone who can lead and support projects effectively, so let us know how you’ve done this in the past.
Be Proactive:In your application, demonstrate your proactive nature. Share examples of how you've taken initiative in previous roles, particularly in procurement or project management. We love candidates who can think on their feet!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come through our platform!
How to prepare for a job interview at Opus Perm
✨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.
✨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 interviewers, as they value teamwork in their procurement function.
✨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 category strategies or procurement outcomes, aligning with council priorities.
✨Get Comfortable with Power BI
Since strong IT skills are essential, brush up on your Power BI knowledge. If you can, prepare a few insights or visualisations that demonstrate your ability to analyse data effectively. This will show that you're not just a procurement expert but also tech-savvy, which is a big plus!
