At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic procurement and category management to support the Council's goals.
- Company: Stoke-on-Trent City Council, dedicated to improving local services and community welfare.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, excellent pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusivity and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on your community while shaping the future of public services.
- Qualifications: MCIPS Level 6 qualified or equivalent experience in complex procurement projects.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Section: Procurement & Commercial Services
Location: Civic Centre
Hours: 37 hours per week
This advert is open to both internal and external applicants.
About us
We are a city of strengths, with a proud heritage and bright future. Working for Stoke-on-Trent City Council is more than just a job, it's about making, protecting and improving the services for the local population, reducing inequalities and improving independence for the people who live and work in the city. And that’s where you come in. We are always looking for people of the highest calibre with skills, knowledge and experience to help us deliver our compelling vision.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s diverse and talented workforce is its greatest asset and most valuable resource. The skills, knowledge and experience of our c.4,600 employees are essential to delivering our ambitions and vision for our organisation and Stoke-on-Trent. We want to be an employer that people are proud to work for, and where our staff are supported, developed and rewarded in an inclusive way that helps them to excel and to deliver the high-quality services that our residents need.
The Role
Join a high-performing Procurement & Commercial Services team responsible for supporting the Council’s strategic priorities through effective procurement, category management and commercial leadership. You will lead procurement and category management activity across designated spend areas, working with stakeholders to develop category strategies, deliver complex procurement projects and maximise commercial value. The role offers significant exposure to senior leaders and the opportunity to influence major procurement decisions across the organisation. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced procurement professional to help shape the future direction of commercial services within the Council whilst contributing to service improvement, financial sustainability and social value delivery.
Proposed interview date: 20th/21st July
Key Responsibilities
- Lead strategic procurement and category management activity across designated spend areas
- Develop and implement category strategies that support organisational priorities and financial objectives
- Deliver complex procurement projects in compliance with the Procurement Act 2023 and associated regulations
- Build effective relationships with stakeholders, suppliers and partners to maximise commercial value
- Identify, manage and mitigate commercial, contractual and supply chain risks
- Contribute to savings delivery, social value outcomes and continuous improvement across the Council
About You
- MCIPS Level 6 qualified, or equivalent relevant experience with a commitment to achieve MCIPS
- Significant experience delivering complex procurement and sourcing projects across at least one of our four key category areas of Housing & Works, People Services, City Management & Corporate Services
- Strong knowledge and hands on experience of public sector procurement legislation, including the Procurement Act 2023
- Excellent commercial, analytical and negotiation skills
- Experience influencing stakeholders and developing effective working relationships
- A proactive, collaborative approach with a focus on delivering measurable outcomes and continuous improvement
What we offer
- A competitive salary based on your skills, experience and talent
- Hybrid and flexible working options
- An excellent local authority benefits pension scheme
- Professional development through learning opportunities, regular training sessions and apprenticeship and management schemes
Further information on our Rewards and Benefits can be found here.
For more information on the role, please contact the Recruiting Manager Kirsty Fairbanks.
Pre-Employment Checks
Any offer of employment will be subject to the successful completion of required pre-employment checks. These may include:
- Right to Work in the UK
- Proof of address
- Satisfactory references
- Occupational Health Clearance
- Evidence of professional qualifications or registrations
- DBS check at the appropriate level (if applicable for the role)
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
At Stoke-on-Trent City Council, we believe our strength comes from the diversity of our community, and we want our workforce to reflect that. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. We understand that some people, especially those from underrepresented or marginalised backgrounds, may hesitate to apply if they don’t meet all the listed requirements. If this role interests you and you think you could be a good fit, we encourage you to apply. We are proud of what makes each of us unique and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels included, can be themselves, and can succeed together.
Category Manager employer: Stoke-on-Trent City Council
Stoke-on-Trent City Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values diversity and community engagement. With hybrid working options and a commitment to professional development, employees can thrive in their roles while contributing to meaningful housing repairs and projects that enhance the local community. The council prioritises employee well-being and provides a competitive salary, making it an attractive place for those seeking rewarding employment.
Contact Details:
Stoke-on-Trent City Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Stoke-on-Trent City Council:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Stoke-on-Trent City Council. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Stoke-on-Trent City Council
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Stoke-on-Trent City Council!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Stoke-on-Trent City Council. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Stoke-on-Trent City Council's culture.
