Category Manager - AR

Job Description - Category Manager (Procurement) Department: Finance Service Area: Procurement Grade: PO7 Reporting to: Category Lead Role Purpose

The Category Manager is responsible for providing strategic procurement and commercial expertise to support the Council in achieving its corporate objectives. Working as a trusted adviser to senior stakeholders, the post holder will lead complex, high-value and high-risk procurement projects, ensuring the delivery of value for money, social value, sustainability objectives and improved outcomes for residents.

The role will manage end-to-end procurement activity, develop category strategies, provide expert guidance on procurement legislation and best practice, and build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, suppliers and external partners.

Key Responsibilities Strategic Procurement & Category Management

• Develop and implement category procurement strategies aligned to Council priorities, financial objectives and service requirements.
• Lead forward procurement planning and identify opportunities for improved value, efficiency and service outcomes.
• Apply strategic sourcing techniques, market analysis and commercial insight to deliver savings and wider benefits.
• Provide challenge and advice to services to ensure procurement approaches meet business needs.

Procurement Leadership & Delivery

• Lead complex procurement exercises from strategy through to contract award and mobilisation.
• Provide expert advice on procurement routes, tender processes, evaluation, contract terms and governance requirements.
• Ensure procurement activity complies with relevant legislation, including the Procurement Act, Provider Selection Regime (where applicable), Social Value Act and Council policies.
• Manage procurement risks and ensure appropriate controls are in place throughout the procurement lifecycle.

Commercial & Contract Management

• Provide strategic commercial advice to senior managers and service leads.
• Support effective contract management to maximise supplier performance, value for money and social value outcomes.
• Develop strong supplier relationship management practices to minimise risk and improve delivery.
• Identify and address supplier performance issues, commercial risks and opportunities for improvement.

Stakeholder & Relationship Management

• Act as a key procurement adviser and business partner to Council departments.
• Build effective working relationships with senior officers, project teams, suppliers, consultants and external partners.
• Represent the Council at meetings with contractors, suppliers, other local authorities and professional networks.
• Deliver workshops and guidance sessions to promote procurement best practice and compliance.

Leadership & Development

• Provide guidance, supervision and support to procurement officers and project team members.
• Manage resources effectively across key procurement projects.
• Support the development of junior colleagues through coaching and mentoring.

Experience & Skills Required

The successful candidate will have:

• Significant experience working in strategic procurement, category management or commercial management.
• Experience leading complex, high-value procurement projects from planning through to contract award.
• Strong knowledge of public sector procurement processes, legislation and governance requirements.
• Experience developing procurement strategies, managing tenders and delivering commercial outcomes.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence senior leaders.
• Experience managing supplier relationships and contract performance.
• Ability to analyse markets, identify opportunities and deliver value for money.
• Strong communication, negotiation and problem-solving skills.

Desirable Experience

• Experience within local government, NHS, central government or another public sector organisation.
• Experience managing procurement categories such as People Services, Place, Resources, IT, professional services, housing, social care or corporate services.
• Knowledge of social value, sustainability and wider public sector objectives.

Key Competencies

• Strategic commercial thinking
• Procurement and contract management expertise
• Stakeholder influence and collaboration
• Risk management
• Leadership and mentoring
• Ability to deliver measurable outcomes
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

About the Role

This is a senior procurement role requiring an experienced commercial professional who can operate strategically, influence decision-making and deliver high-quality procurement solutions that support the Council's priorities and improve outcomes for residents.