Job Introduction
Assistant Category Manager (Band C (£26,824 – £29,540 per annum), Fixed Term Contract / Secondment Opportunity – 12 Months)
We’re looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join our award‑winning Corporate Procurement Service as an Assistant Category Manager. This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands‑on experience across a broad range of procurement activities.
At Solihull Council, procurement plays a vital role in delivering value for money, supporting our communities and helping services achieve their objectives. You’ll work alongside experienced procurement professionals, supporting the delivery of procurement projects and category strategies that contribute to the Council’s priorities and transformation programme.
About the role
As Assistant Category Manager, you’ll support Category Managers and Strategic Procurement Business Partners in delivering specialist procurement services across the Council. You’ll gain experience in all stages of the procurement cycle, including:
- Market research and supplier engagement
- Request for Quote processes
- Tendering exercises and contract management
- Procurement compliance and governance
- Data analysis and reporting
- Supporting stakeholders to achieve value for money and social value outcomes
You’ll manage your own procurement activities while receiving support and guidance from experienced colleagues, allowing you to build your commercial, procurement and project management skills.
We're looking for someone who:
- Has strong numerical and analytical skills
- Can interpret information and present findings clearly
- Is organised and able to manage competing priorities
- Has excellent interpersonal and communication skills
In return, we offer:
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Employee benefits and wellbeing support
- Learning and development opportunities
We aim to balance the needs of our employees with service delivery. For this post, that is likely to include a combination of home working and attendance at the Council House in Solihull.
Closing date – 2nd August 2026
Solihull Council is proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees – a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit.
Assistant Category Manager employer: Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council
Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the development of its staff. As a Child-Specific Teaching Assistant at Widney Junior School, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on a child's life while benefiting from ongoing training and professional growth in a collaborative environment. Located in a vibrant community, this role provides unique advantages such as access to local resources and a strong network of educational professionals dedicated to inclusive education.
Contact Details:
Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council Recruitment Team
