At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement activities and deliver savings for a local authority.
- Company: Dynamic local authority with a focus on compliance and value.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive pay, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Join a busy team and drive commercial value in public sector procurement.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement within local authorities and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
Procurement Category Manager Interim Contract | Hybrid Working | Local Authority
A local authority is seeking an experienced Procurement Category Manager to support the delivery of its procurement and commercial function on an interim basis.
This role will play a key part in leading procurement activity across a range of categories, ensuring compliance with current legislation while delivering tangible savings and value for money across council spend.
Role Details
Location: Merseyside (Hybrid Working) Contract: Interim Contract Working Pattern: Full-Time Office Attendance: Minimum 1 day per week on-site Start Date: ASAP
Key Responsibilities
- Managing end-to-end procurement and tendering exercises.
- Providing procurement advice and support to service areas across the council.
- Delivering cashable savings and value-for-money improvements.
- Leading category management and sourcing activities.
- Ensuring compliance with the Procurement Act 2023 (PA23) and wider public sector procurement regulations.
- Drafting tender documentation, evaluating submissions and managing contract awards.
- Working with stakeholders to develop procurement strategies and commercial solutions.
- Managing supplier relationships and supporting contract performance management.
Requirements
- Previous procurement experience within a Local Authority environment.
- Strong understanding of Procurement Act 2023 (PA23).
- Proven track record of delivering procurement savings and commercial efficiencies.
- Experience managing complex tenders and procurement projects.
- Ability to engage effectively with senior stakeholders and service managers.
- MCIPS qualification or equivalent experience would be advantageous.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced public sector procurement professional to join a busy authority and play a key role in driving commercial value and procurement compliance across the organisation.
If you are interested in discussing the opportunity further, please get in touch
Procurement Category Manager employer: Vivid Resourcing Ltd
Join a dedicated council in South Wales that prioritises public health and environmental protection, offering a supportive work culture where your expertise as an Environmental Health Officer will make a tangible difference in the community. With opportunities for professional growth and a commitment to employee development, you will be part of a team that values collaboration and innovation in tackling public health challenges. Enjoy the benefits of working in a vibrant location with a focus on meaningful impact and community well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement 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 Vivid Resourcing Ltd.
✨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 Procurement 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 Vivid Resourcing Ltd:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Vivid Resourcing Ltd. 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 Vivid Resourcing Ltd.
How to prepare for a job interview at Vivid Resourcing Ltd
✨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 Vivid Resourcing Ltd!
✨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 Vivid Resourcing Ltd. 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 Vivid Resourcing Ltd's culture.
