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- Tasks: Lead commercial strategies and manage supplier relationships for impactful projects.
- Company: Department for Education, committed to making a difference in transport.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive pay, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and shape the future of education through strategic procurement.
- Qualifications: Strong relationship-building skills and proficiency in data analysis required.
- Other info: Disability Confident employer with a commitment to inclusivity.
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.
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.
Armed Forces Covenant: DfT guarantees to interview veterans or spouses/partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy.
In applying for this role, you acknowledge that this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation.
Senior Category Manager in Manchester employer: Resourcing Group
Contact Detail:
Resourcing Group 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 events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Senior Category Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to supplier engagement and contract management. We suggest doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills with a portfolio! If you’ve got examples of successful projects or presentations, gather them together. We love seeing tangible proof of your abilities, especially when it comes to data analysis and market insights.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate candidates who are ready to make an impact in the Department for Education.
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 of a Senior Category Manager.
Showcase Your Data Skills: Since data gathering and analysis are key parts of this role, include specific examples of how you've used data to drive decisions or improvements in past roles. We love seeing numbers that tell a story!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your qualifications at a glance. We appreciate clarity!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Resourcing Group
✨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 help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully built and maintained supplier relationships in the past. Be ready to discuss your approach to stakeholder engagement and how you ensure quality service and continuous improvement. This is crucial for a Senior Category Manager role.
✨Data is Your Best Friend
Brush up on your data analysis skills. Be prepared to discuss how you've gathered, analysed, and presented data in previous roles. Highlight any tools or methods you used to derive insights and how those insights led to successful outcomes.
✨Practice Your Presentation Skills
Since you'll need to create impactful PowerPoint presentations, practice delivering your ideas clearly and confidently. Consider preparing a mock presentation on a relevant topic to showcase your ability to communicate complex information effectively.
