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- Tasks: Lead high-impact procurement activities and develop strategies for essential services.
- Company: Worcestershire County Council, dedicated to delivering value for residents and communities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Opportunity to mentor a team and drive innovation in public sector procurement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of public services while working in a dynamic and influential role.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, particularly in construction or social care, is essential.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 ÂŁ per year.
Worcestershire County Council spends around £705 million each year with external organisations to deliver essential services, infrastructure and support to our residents, communities and businesses. As the Council prepares for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and implements the Procurement Act 2023, we are strengthening our senior commercial capacity. We are therefore seeking two experienced Strategic Category Leads to provide leadership and oversight of high‑value, high‑impact procurement activity across the organisation.
These are senior roles with significant influence, operating in complex and politically sensitive environments, and playing a critical role in delivering value for money, quality outcomes and social value.
Strategic Category Lead – PlaceYou will lead all commercial and procurement activity across the construction and highways category, ensuring robust governance, strong supplier performance and successful delivery of major programmes and projects. This role would suit an experienced procurement or commercial professional with strong construction contract expertise, potentially with a background as a chartered surveyor, or substantial experience managing construction‑related procurement and frameworks within the public sector. MCIPS or RICS membership is desirable.
Key focus areas:- Construction and highways procurement strategies
- Complex works contracts and frameworks
- Stakeholder and supply chain management
- Commercial risk, compliance and assurance
You will provide strategic oversight of procurement activity across Adult Social Care, Children’s Services, Public Health and Corporate categories, supporting some of the Council’s most critical resident‑facing services. This role requires a proven procurement leader with significant experience of services procurement, particularly within social care or public health, and the ability to operate confidently in highly regulated, high‑risk environments. MCIPS membership is desirable.
Key focus areas:- Social care and public health commissioning support
- Market management and sustainability
- High‑value, high‑risk services procurement
- Strong partnership working with service leads
As a Strategic Category Lead, you will:
- Develop and implement category and sourcing strategies aligned to Council priorities and statutory obligations
- Provide expert commercial and procurement advice to senior stakeholders on complex, high‑risk and high‑value activity
- Lead complex procurement exercises and frameworks in line with public sector regulations and the Procurement Act 2023
- Drive continuous improvement, maximising value, minimising risk and ensuring policy and legislative compliance
- Present category strategies and recommendations to the Council’s Commercial Board
- Identify and embed opportunities for innovation, social value and sustainable procurement
- Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and suppliers to drive performance and outcomes
- Lead, mentor and develop a team of Category Managers and Officers, promoting commercial excellence and professionalism
Strategic Category Lead in Cirencester employer: Worcestershire County Council
Contact Detail:
Worcestershire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Category Lead in Cirencester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its procurement strategies. Understand their challenges and think about how your experience can help them tackle these issues. This will show you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience and how it aligns with the role of Strategic Category Lead. Highlight your achievements in procurement and construction, and don’t forget to mention any relevant qualifications like MCIPS or RICS.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find and apply for roles that suit your skills. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining us at Worcestershire County Council and contributing to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Category Lead in Cirencester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Strategic Category Lead role. Highlight your relevant experience in procurement, especially in construction or social care, and show how it aligns with the Council's priorities.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you've delivered value for money and quality outcomes in previous roles. Use metrics where possible to demonstrate your impact!
Understand the Context: Familiarise yourself with Worcestershire County Council’s current challenges and the implications of the Procurement Act 2023. This will help you articulate how you can contribute to their goals during the application process.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and you’ll find all the details you need there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Worcestershire County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in procurement strategies, especially in construction and social care. Brush up on the Procurement Act 2023 and be ready to discuss how it impacts your approach to high-value contracts.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Strategic Category Lead, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to lead teams and manage complex projects. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led procurement exercises or mentored team members in the past.
✨Understand the Council's Priorities
Familiarise yourself with Worcestershire County Council’s goals and how your role aligns with their mission. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to delivering value for money and social value in your category.
✨Build Relationships
Highlight your experience in stakeholder management and building strong supplier relationships. Think of specific instances where you’ve improved supplier performance or collaborated effectively with internal teams.