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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial strategies and manage supplier relationships for impactful projects.
- Company: Join the Department for Education, a team dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive pay, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Strong relationship-building skills and experience in procurement management.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with a commitment to diversity and career advancement.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
On behalf of The Department for Education, we are looking for X2 Senior Category Managers (Inside IR35) for a hybrid contract up until 31/3/26 based out of Manchester, Darlington or Sheffield. The successful candidate will be based 60% in the office and the remaining 40% working from home.
As a Senior Category Manager, your main responsibilities will be:
- Deliver the commercial strategy for your category through market insight, supplier engagement, and contract management.
- Lead end-to-end commercial lifecycle activities, including pre-market engagement and project mobilisation.
- Build and maintain strong supplier and stakeholder relationships to ensure quality service and continuous improvement.
- Manage data capture and reporting requirements while contributing to category savings plans.
- Ensure compliance with public procurement law and DfE commercial policies throughout all processes.
Essential:
- Strong supplier engagement and relationship-building skills
- Excellent research and fact-finding abilities, both desk-based and through stakeholder interaction
- Proficient in data gathering, analysis, and interpretation, with the ability to present insights clearly
- Skilled in scoping market suppliers, understanding spend, products, and category landscapes
- Confident in creating and delivering impactful PowerPoint presentations to explain categories and efficiencies
- Ability to manage risk, make assumptions, and develop plans to deliver programmes of work
- Self-starter with strong organisational skills, capable of working independently and collaboratively in a team
- Comfortable working remotely and engaging with schools and stakeholders to identify efficiencies
- Proficient in Excel and PowerPoint
Desirable:
- Proven experience in managing procurements using a variety of routes to market
- Demonstrated ability to oversee procurement across the full commercial lifecycle, including contract and supplier management
Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.
Disability Confident
As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, DfT guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply.
Armed Forces Covenant
DfT guarantees to interview veterans or spouses/partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates/military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group.
In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following: 'this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different.'
Senior Category Manager in Manchester employer: Public Sector Resourcing CWS
Contact Detail:
Public Sector Resourcing CWS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Category Manager in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry on LinkedIn or at local events. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in commercial strategy and supplier engagement.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your presentation skills! As a Senior Category Manager, you'll need to deliver insights clearly. Use mock presentations to friends or family to get comfortable.
✨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 Senior Category Manager in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in supplier engagement and contract management, as these are key aspects of the job. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Showcase Your Data Skills: Since data gathering and analysis are crucial for this position, don’t forget to mention any relevant experience you have. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've used data to drive decisions or improve processes. We love a good story backed by numbers!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at the Department for Education!
How to prepare for a job interview at Public Sector Resourcing CWS
✨Know Your Category Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specific category you'll be managing. Understand the market landscape, key suppliers, and recent trends. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also demonstrate your commitment to delivering a solid commercial strategy.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully built and maintained supplier and stakeholder relationships in the past. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you used to engage with them and how those relationships led to improved outcomes. This is crucial for a Senior Category Manager role!
✨Data is Your Best Friend
Brush up on your data gathering and analysis skills. Be prepared to discuss how you've used data to inform decisions and drive savings plans. You might even want to bring along a few insights or reports that showcase your analytical abilities—this could really impress the interviewers!
✨Nail the Presentation Game
Since you'll need to create impactful PowerPoint presentations, practice explaining complex information clearly and concisely. Consider preparing a mini-presentation on a relevant topic to demonstrate your skills. This will show that you're not just capable but also proactive and ready to hit the ground running.
