At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement categories and ensure compliance while delivering value for money.
- Company: Vico Homes, a forward-thinking organisation with a focus on social value.
- Benefits: 26 days holiday, flexible working options, and generous pension contributions.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in procurement strategies.
- Qualifications: MCIPS or part-qualified status with experience in sourcing for high-value projects.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
About the role
As the Category Manager you will report to our Senior Category Manager. This is a permanent position of 37 hours a week, working flexibly in the Vico Homes operating area based at our Head Office in Castleford. You will support the strategic management of key procurement categories, delivering value for money, social value and compliant procurement outcomes across the organisation while upholding Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and the Procurement Act 2023.
What you’ll do
- Be responsible for the management of medium to high value, high‑risk and complex projects and contracts to ensure regulatory and contractual compliance, identify and manage risks and implement robust financial and operational controls that maximise performance, value for money and social value.
- Support and manage Vico Homes procurement categories and procurement systems, developing category procurement and sourcing plans to maximise spend leverages and deliver bottom‑line efficiencies and value for money, while managing commercial and financial risk and meeting legislative and regulatory requirements.
- Work in conjunction with the Senior Category Manager in developing commercial and operational purchasing strategies and pipelines, ensuring optimal supplier performance, value for money and migration of risk in line with legislation and regulation.
- Develop strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders to understand service needs and provide commercial advice.
What we’re looking for
- MCIPS or part‑qualified status (minimum Level 4) with continued active study.
- Experience of sourcing a wide portfolio of different goods and services for medium to high value projects.
- In‑depth knowledge of Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and Procurement Act 2023.
- The ability to work through complex problems with minimal supervision and to think critically, constructively and productively as an individual and in cooperation with others.
- A customer‑focused and collaborative approach to working with a wide range of stakeholders from within and outside Vico Homes.
Benefits
- Holidays – 26 days holiday (rising to 31 after five years’ service) and an extra day off on your birthday, plus bank holidays and an Annual Leave Purchase Scheme.
- Pension – generous employer pension contribution.
- Flexible working – hybrid, reduced hours, compressed hours or other flexible working patterns available.
- Vico Homes Rewards – a range of lifestyle savings and salary sacrifice schemes including cycle‑to‑work, home electronics and a car benefit scheme.
- Colleague wellbeing – initiatives such as an Employee Assistance Programme, Volunteering Scheme and dedicated Wellbeing Champions.
- Colleague development – training, support with professional membership fees, internal and external qualifications, mentoring and personal coaching.
Equal opportunities
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all.
Interviews will take place in the week starting 1 June 2026.
Category Manager employer: Vico Homes Limited
Contact Detail:
Vico Homes Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those who work at Vico Homes or similar organisations. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Vico Homes and its procurement strategies. Show us you know your stuff and how you can contribute to their goals. Tailor your answers to reflect their values and needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. This will help you articulate your experience and skills confidently when it’s your turn to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows us you’re genuinely interested in the role. Plus, it keeps you on our radar!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Category Manager role. Highlight your experience with procurement categories and any relevant qualifications like MCIPS. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Showcase Your Experience: When detailing your past roles, focus on medium to high value projects you've managed. Share specific examples of how you’ve delivered value for money and navigated complex contracts. This will help us understand your capabilities better.
Demonstrate Your Knowledge: Familiarise yourself with the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and the Procurement Act 2023. Mentioning your in-depth knowledge of these regulations in your application will show us that you’re serious about compliance and can handle the responsibilities of the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details directly and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates regarding your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vico Homes Limited
✨Know Your Regulations
Make sure you brush up on the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and the Procurement Act 2023. Being able to discuss these regulations confidently will show that you understand the legal framework you'll be working within, which is crucial for a Category Manager role.
✨Showcase Your Sourcing Experience
Prepare specific examples of your experience in sourcing goods and services for medium to high value projects. Highlight any successful strategies you've implemented and how they delivered value for money. This will demonstrate your capability to manage complex projects effectively.
✨Build Relationships
Think about how you can develop strong relationships with stakeholders. Be ready to discuss your approach to collaboration and how you've successfully worked with various teams in the past. This will illustrate your customer-focused mindset, which is key for this role.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect questions that assess your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Prepare to discuss how you've tackled complex issues in previous roles, focusing on your thought process and the outcomes. This will help convey your ability to work independently and as part of a team.