Category Manager

Your new company

Your new company is recruiting a Category Manager to work within the Procurement section of the Finance Department.

Your new role

• Responsible for proactively project managing the delivery of multiple end-to-end procurement processes and practices within their client group concurrently, ensuring potential issues are anticipated and planned for within long-term time frames. The post holder will manage the complete set of procurement activities from pre-procurement activities to contract award in line with agreed Procurement Policy, Procedures, and current Regulations.
• Create sub-category strategies for multiple allocated category areas and deliver relevant strategies in coordination with Senior Category Manager and stakeholders.
• Build influential internal relationships to ensure Procurement objectives are fully understood and embedded.
• Support contract management of key suppliers.
• Proactively engage with schools and departments to identify efficiency and savings opportunities and provide procurement guidance.
• Take an active role in project boards to ensure early procurement engagement.
• Represent Procurement at internal and external meetings as required.
• Implement Sustainable Procurement Policy to make a significant contribution to its environmental, social, governance, and economic goals.
• Provide operational support within the department and to the Senior Category Managers, including deputising where required, planning, delivering on projects, and supervising project teams as needed.
• Investigate and analyze expenditure, supplier types, expenditure trends, internal user profiles, and supply market trends, making recommendations through advice and reports on standardization, rationalization of contracts, and leveraging economies of scale.
• Use and continuously improve agreed procedures to competitively tender and negotiate effectively with suppliers, establishing procurement contracts and framework agreements that demonstrate the best value for money.
• Maintain accurate records and auditable files of all procurement processes to ensure high process compliance.
• Review and maintain pricelists on our catalogue management system, E-marketplace.
• Maintain up-to-date savings captured in line with the relevant savings methodology.
• Engage in relevant continued professional development to stay informed of current legislation, policies, practices, and procedures, and undertake sector-specific research as appropriate.
• Ensure confidentiality is maintained in all duties.
• Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements concerning equality, diversity, data protection, copyright, licensing, security, and financial policies.
• Undertake any other duties within the scope of the role as reasonably regarded, with permanent changes incorporated into the Job Description as needed.

What you'll need to succeed

• MCIPS qualified or working towards MCIPS, or a degree in a relevant business-related subject, along with experience in project management (e.g., Prince 2), or equivalent qualifications.
• Substantial experience in procurement, supply chain, or relevant commercial environments, including liaising with legal teams and/or suppliers around contract terms.
• Knowledge of specific product or service markets, with the ability to exploit them through well-developed procurement skills.
• Experience in negotiation or influencing stakeholders and suppliers to achieve efficiencies.
• Ability to communicate complex information effectively and professionally to diverse audiences.
• Evidence of achieving savings and/or value through procurement activities.
• Proven experience in developing new processes and procedures.

What you'll get in return

• Competitive Salaries
• 32-37 days' Annual Leave
• Staff Pension Scheme
• Childcare Vouchers
• Reduced Rates on Sport Memberships

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to send an up-to-date CV, or contact us for a confidential discussion about your career. If this position isn't quite right but you're exploring new opportunities, please reach out to discuss your options.