Category Manager

PERSON SPECIFICATION NOTES TO JOB APPLICANTS

1. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how, and to what extent you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria, where relevant.
2. You must demonstrate how you meet the criteria by the closing date for applications, unless the criteria state otherwise.
3. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is outlined in the table below.
4. Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below, using the information provided by you on your application form.
5. Please note that the Selection Panel reserves the right to shortlist only those applicants that it believes most strongly meet the criteria for the role.
6. In the event of an excessive number of applications, the Selection Panel also reserves the right to apply any desirable criteria as outlined in Section 3 at shortlisting, in which case these will be applied in the order listed. It is important therefore that you also clearly demonstrate on your application form on how you meet any desirable criteria.

Section 1 - Essential Criteria

• Hold a Bachelor's Degree (UK Qualification and Credit Framework Level 6) or an equivalent or higher qualification and have two years' experience working in Procurement OR have five years' experience working in Procurement.
• Have two years' experience in the management or supervision of staff.
• Have three years' experience of managing the full procurement and contract management lifecycle.
• Knowledge and experience of applying Procurement Legislation including Procurement Act 2023, Public Contract Regulations (2015), Northern Ireland Public Procurement Policy (NIPPP) and Procurement Policy Notes (PPNs) within Public sector contracts.
• Willingness to work towards achieving a CIPS (Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Chain Management) qualification.
• The successful candidate will be required to have access to a suitable vehicle (appropriately maintained and insured for Education Authority business) that will enable them to carry out the mobility requirements of the post in an efficient and effective manner, or to provide sufficient information that they have an appropriate alternative form of transport.

Section 2 - Additional Essential Criteria

• Excellent communication skills and be able to communicate effectively with staff, customers and suppliers at all levels.
• Ability to assess objectively all aspects in the management of the supply chain.
• Have a pro active and self motivated approach.
• Evidence of how your experience and approach to work reflect EA's ethos and values.

Section 3 - Desirable Criteria

• Have experience in the operation of the e TendersNI.
• Have experience in the operation of an Oracle based Procure to Pay system.
• Ability to plan, manage and implement change.

DISCLOSURE OF CRIMINAL BACKGROUND

The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 defines working directly with children or young people or in specified places as 'regulated activity'. In the event that you are recommended for appointment to a post that involves 'regulated activity', the Education Authority will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background. Please note that you will be expected to meet the cost of an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate. Details of how to make payment will be sent to you at the pre employment stage.

The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.