At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic procurement projects and provide expert advice to ensure value for money.
- Company: Dynamic local authority in Southeast London with a focus on community impact.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, potential contract extension, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team dedicated to achieving social value and financial efficiency.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public procurement while enhancing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in local authority procurement and knowledge of relevant legislation preferred.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 48000 £ per year.
Are you eager to land a brand new role? Our client, a busy local authority in Southeast London, are looking for an experienced Category Manager to join their team and play a crucial role in their generalist procurement operations.
Position: Category Manager
Rate: £400 per day (Umbrella, Inside IR35)
Contract Duration: Temporary (Jan 2027) Possible Extension
Purpose: Working in partnership with the relevant Department, acting as a key strategic adviser on complex procurement matters, managing procurement projects of high value, complexity and/or risk to the council and to guide and advise the relevant department(s) to achieve the twin objectives of value for money and social value.
Job Responsibilities:
- To work alongside the Category Lead in the service area you are allocated to develop and implement category procurement strategies and develop and implement robust forward procurement plans, including setting targets which contributes to the delivery of the Medium Term Financial Strategy and other key Council policies.
- To provide contractual advice and lead end-to-end procurement processes across the Council including complex and high value contracts, and acting the role of Category Manager as a key member of the project team.
- To provide quality advice and guidance to internal customers on all aspects of the procurement process, supported by expert technical knowledge including relevant legislation and best practice.
Job Requirements:
- Previous experience working within a local authority or a similar organisation.
- Knowledge of Procurement Act 2023 and/or a procurement qualification would be desirable.
- Evidence of Continuing Professional Development.
Please be advised that only candidates that have the specific skills and experiences required for this role will be shortlisted and submitted to our client for review.
How to Apply: If you are interested in applying, please press the button below, send your CV to james.fernandez@temptingrecruitment.co.uk or contact James on 020 3854 4907 to discuss further. To explore other exciting opportunities or learn more about our recruitment process, please visit our website https://www.temptingrecruitment.
Category Manager employer: Tempting Recruitment
Join a dynamic local authority in Southeast London, where your expertise as a Category Manager will be valued and impactful. With a strong commitment to professional development and a collaborative work culture, you'll have the opportunity to lead high-stakes procurement projects while contributing to the community's social value. Enjoy competitive rates and the potential for contract extension in a role that not only challenges you but also supports your career growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager
✨Get Involved in Local Procurement Meetups
Join local procurement and purchasing groups on platforms like Meetup or Eventbrite. These gatherings are great for networking with industry professionals, sharing insights, and potentially hearing about temporary roles that might not be widely advertised!
✨Seasonal Hiring Cycles are Your Friend!
Keep an eye on seasonal trends in procurement, as many companies ramp up hiring during certain times of the year – especially around end-of-financial-year periods when budgets are being utilised. Be proactive and reach out to companies directly during these windows.
✨Leverage Online Platforms for Temporary Roles
Don’t forget to browse specific job boards dedicated to temporary positions, such as Reed or Indeed. You can filter your search for procurement roles and set up alerts for when new jobs pop up, so you can apply immediately!
✨Showcase Your Skills on Professional Networks
Create short case studies or posts on LinkedIn showcasing your procurement experience or interesting projects you've tackled. This not only builds your visibility but can also attract recruiters looking for temporary talent like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Relevant Experience:When applying for a temporary role in procurement-purchasing, it's crucial to highlight any relevant experience you have. Mention specific tasks like negotiating contracts, managing supplier relationships, or optimising inventory. This will show Tempting Recruitment that you can hit the ground running!
Keep it Concise and Impactful:For a temporary role, we recommend keeping your CV and cover letter concise. Focus on key achievements that showcase your procurement skills and any immediate impact you’ve made in past roles. Use bullet points for clarity—this way, Tempting Recruitment can quickly grasp your capabilities!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any certifications that are relevant to procurement, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply), don’t forget to mention them! This adds extra weight to your application and shows Tempting Recruitment that you're serious about your professional development.
Emphasise Flexibility and Availability:Since this is a temporary position, make sure to emphasise your availability and flexibility in your cover letter. Let Tempting Recruitment know when you can start and that you’re ready to adapt to their needs, making your application even more appealing!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tempting Recruitment
✨Know Your Procurement Basics
Brush up on key procurement concepts and terms, like 'total cost of ownership' and 'supplier relationships'. We want to impress them with our knowledge! Being able to talk fluently about relevant techniques and tools specific to the procurement field will definitely lend credibility.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In a purchasing role, you might get thrown some real-world scenarios to assess how you’d handle supplier negotiations or cost-saving strategies. Be ready to demonstrate your problem-solving skills! Practising how you'd tackle these situations in advance will help us shine during the interview.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility and Adaptability
Since it’s a temporary role, emphasise how you can quickly adapt to new processes and environments. Share examples of past experiences where you’ve tackled new challenges with ease, showing they can rely on us to hit the ground running and contribute immediately!
✨Show Off Your Tech Savvy
Being well-versed in procurement software like SAP or Coupa can set us apart from other candidates. If you've got experience with these tools, be sure to mention it! Having a handle on data analysis and reporting will also demonstrate our capability to leverage technology effectively in procurement.
