At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and manage high-value construction contracts for local authorities.
- Company: Scotland Excel, a key player in public sector procurement in Scotland.
- Benefits: Hybrid work, generous holidays, pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public services and improve lives across Scotland.
- Qualifications: Business-related degree or equivalent, with experience in construction procurement.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to innovation and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 ÂŁ per year.
Scotland Excel is the Centre of Procurement Expertise for the local government sector in Scotland. Established in 2008, their remit is to work collaboratively with the 32 local authority membership in Scotland and suppliers to raise procurement standards, secure best value for customers and to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of public sector procurement in Scotland.
Scotland Excel develops and manages collaborative contracts for products and services where a strategic requirement is identified across their sector. They facilitate the development and sharing of best procurement practice and take an active role in ensuring that the needs of their sector are understood within the wider landscape of procurement reform.
They are seeking to strengthen the portfolio of construction contracts developed for use by their members and therefore are seeking to recruit a Category Manager to lead the team on strategic sourcing activities. In this role, you will provide leadership to a team of procurement professionals with a focus on bringing knowledge, expertise and practical experience to tackling the challenges current to the work Scotland’s local government community do with the construction sector.
You will manage high‑value Category B contracts, develop and implement sourcing strategies, and build strong relationships with key stakeholders. The role includes leading User Intelligence Groups, identifying new supply opportunities, negotiating with suppliers, and ensuring full compliance with procurement legislation and organisational policies. You will oversee the end‑to‑end procurement process, drive continuous improvement, monitor supplier performance, and support sustainable procurement objectives.
As a team leader, you will mentor staff, coordinate workloads and ensure effective, high‑quality contract delivery for local authorities. We are seeking a highly capable candidate with a business‑related degree or equivalent qualification, ideally holding or working toward full CIPS membership.
You will have a blend of experience gained from the public or private sector, will have a well-developed understanding of construction contracting practices and public procurement legislation and significant experience in a regulated procurement environment. The ideal candidate will be skilled in using Microsoft Office and procurement‑related systems, comfortable applying e‑technologies, and able to interpret financial information with confidence.
We are looking for someone who can plan, organise, influence and communicate effectively, demonstrating proven leadership, sound decision‑making abilities and practical people‑management experience. If you are an experienced individual with a strong and proven track record of delivery within a construction procurement and contracting environment this could be your next career move.
Join Scotland Excel in striving to bring an innovative and well executed range of contracts into being and to work in collaboration with others to make lives of people across Scotland better. When joining Scotland Excel, you will have access to a fantastic range of benefits including a hybrid and flexible approach to work which can include a nine-day fortnight, a defined benefits pension scheme, generous holiday allowance and opportunities for professional development.
If you’re excited by the chance to influence nationally and drive meaningful change across Scotland’s public services, we’d love to hear from you. Scotland Excel is committed to diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. Candidates with disabilities who meet the essential criteria are guaranteed an interview; please let us know when applying.
Category Manager (Construction) in Glasgow employer: Scotland Excel
Contact Detail:
Scotland Excel Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager (Construction) in Glasgow
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the construction and procurement sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Scotland Excel and their procurement practices. Understand their values and how they operate within the local government sector. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission and goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you’ve led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your ability to mentor others and drive continuous improvement, as these are key aspects of the Category Manager role.
✨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 take the initiative to engage directly with us. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager (Construction) in Glasgow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in construction procurement and any relevant qualifications, like CIPS membership. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to Scotland Excel's mission. Be sure to mention specific examples from your past that demonstrate your leadership and procurement expertise.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on your achievements rather than just responsibilities. Use numbers and outcomes to illustrate your impact in previous roles. We love seeing how you've driven results in construction procurement!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you'll find all the details you need about the role and our values there. We can't wait to see your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scotland Excel
✨Know Your Procurement Legislation
Make sure you brush up on public procurement legislation and construction contracting practices. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you understand the landscape Scotland Excel operates in, and it’ll help you stand out as a knowledgeable candidate.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your ability to mentor staff and coordinate workloads, as this role requires strong leadership. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Demonstrate Your Strategic Sourcing Experience
Be ready to discuss your experience with high-value contracts and strategic sourcing activities. Think of specific instances where you identified new supply opportunities or negotiated effectively with suppliers, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Build Relationships with Stakeholders
Think about how you’ve built strong relationships in previous roles. Be prepared to talk about your communication skills and how you’ve influenced stakeholders. This will show that you can effectively collaborate with local authorities and suppliers, which is crucial for success in this position.