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- 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 proficiency in data analysis required.
- Other info: Embrace a dynamic role with excellent career advancement opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ 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.
Responsibilities:
- 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 Qualifications:
- 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.
In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.
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 exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.
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
Contact Detail:
Public Sector Resourcing 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 your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for a Senior Category Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Department for Education and its commercial strategies. Show us that you understand their goals and how your skills can help achieve them. Tailor your responses to highlight your experience in supplier engagement and contract management.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of a mirror. Focus on articulating your experience with data analysis and market insights clearly, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
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 to highlight your experience in supplier engagement and contract management. We want to see how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Data Skills: Since data gathering and analysis are key parts of this role, include specific examples of how you've used these skills in past positions. We love seeing clear insights and impactful presentations, so don’t hold back!
Be Yourself: We’re looking for a self-starter who can work independently but also thrive in a team. Let your personality shine through in your application – we want to know what makes you tick and how you can contribute to our team culture.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Public Sector Resourcing
✨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 current trends. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also help you articulate how you can deliver a strong 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.
✨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 efficiencies in previous roles. Consider bringing a sample report or presentation that highlights your ability to interpret and present insights clearly.
✨Practice Your Presentation Skills
Since you'll need to create impactful PowerPoint presentations, practice delivering a short presentation on a relevant topic. Focus on clarity and engagement, as this will demonstrate your confidence and ability to communicate effectively during the interview.
