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- Tasks: Lead a team in construction procurement and develop impactful strategies.
- Company: Professional procurement organisation supporting public sector clients.
- Benefits: Permanent role with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public sector procurement and influence key decisions.
- Qualifications: Strong background in public sector procurement and construction contracts.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on mentoring and professional development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Our client is a professional procurement organisation who support their public sector customers with their procurement frameworks. They currently have a vacancy for a Senior Category Manager to join their team on a full time, permanent basis.
If you're a construction procurement professional looking for a role where your skills make a real difference, this could be the next step you've been waiting for!
What you will be doing:
- Lead, mentor and support a talented team of construction procurement specialists at different stages in their careers.
- Develop short and long-term category strategies that improve resilience, unlock value, and align with wider business objectives.
- Manage major construction contracts — including JCT and NEC — ensuring compliance with PCR 2015 and PA23. Act as a trusted advisor, providing structure, guidance, and practical solutions using your construction consultancy expertise.
- Use data and insight to spot opportunities for cost savings, process improvements, and supply chain efficiencies.
- Oversee a portfolio of high-value projects, influencing key procurement decisions and raising overall quality.
- Present confidently to Senior Leadership, contributing to discussions at formal Board-level settings.
- Work closely with Service Directorates, Heads of Procurement and senior NHS leaders to provide robust national procurement support.
- Negotiate effectively with suppliers to ensure every aspect of the category — from product to service delivery — meets stakeholder needs.
What you will bring:
- A strong background in public sector procurement, with solid knowledge of PCR 2015, PA23, and associated policies.
- Experience managing risk in construction supply chains — from insolvency issues to geopolitical disruptions — and crafting effective contingency plans. In-depth understanding of construction contract models such as NEC and JCT, plus frameworks and design-and-build environments.
- Experience managing and developing direct reports, helping them grow and strengthen their procurement capability.
- A track record of leading complex, high-value construction or estates programmes, with the resilience to overcome obstacles and drive outcomes.
- Strong market awareness and an eye on emerging industry trends.
- Excellent stakeholder skills, grounded in commercial awareness and practical problem-solving.
It would be great if you also have:
- CIPS Level 5 (or working towards it), or a comparable qualification.
To apply for this role, please send your CV to Stu at Value Match who are acting as an employment business for this position.
Senior Category Manager in Manchester employer: Value Match
Contact Detail:
Value Match 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 your connections in the construction procurement field. 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 practising common questions related to public sector procurement. Think about how you can showcase your experience with JCT and NEC contracts. We want you to feel confident and ready to impress!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your successful projects and strategies you've implemented. This will help you stand out when discussing your experience with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals like you to join our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Category Manager in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Senior Category Manager. Highlight your experience in public sector procurement and any specific projects that align with the job description. We want to see how your skills can make a real difference!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading a team, don’t forget to mention your experience in mentoring and developing others. Share examples of how you've supported your team in their careers, as this will resonate well with us.
Demonstrate Your Expertise: Use your application to showcase your knowledge of construction contracts like JCT and NEC. We’re looking for someone who can act as a trusted advisor, so include any relevant insights or achievements that highlight your expertise.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Value Match
✨Know Your Procurement Frameworks
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of PCR 2015 and PA23. Being able to discuss these frameworks confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the basics, but that you understand how they impact procurement decisions in the public sector.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Category Manager, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've mentored or developed team members in the past. Highlight specific instances where your leadership made a difference in project outcomes or team performance.
✨Demonstrate Your Negotiation Prowess
Think of a few key negotiation scenarios you've faced, especially in construction procurement. Be ready to discuss your approach, the challenges you encountered, and the successful outcomes you achieved. This will illustrate your ability to meet stakeholder needs effectively.
✨Stay Ahead of Industry Trends
Research current trends in construction procurement and be prepared to discuss how they might affect the role. Showing that you have a finger on the pulse of the industry will demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement and strategic thinking.