Category Manager

Location: Between Bury St Edmunds & Stowmarket (Hybrid)

Are you a commercially driven procurement professional with experience in construction or infrastructure supply chains? This is an opportunity to take ownership of a critical category, delivering safe, compliant, and cost-effective construction services within a complex, regulated environment.

We are seeking a Category Manager - Outsourced Construction to lead procurement strategy, sourcing, and supplier management across externally delivered construction works. This role suits candidates with strong experience in construction, civil engineering, utilities, or infrastructure procurement, including managing subcontractors, frameworks, and major delivery partners.

The Role

You will take full accountability for the outsourced construction category, including:

• Civil engineering works
• Utilities installation
• Reinstatement and street works
• Jointing and metering services
• Specialist subcontractors and multi-utility partners

Acting as a commercial business partner to senior stakeholders across Construction, Engineering, Design, Commercial, and Finance, you will drive procurement excellence, robust governance, and high-performing supplier partnerships.

Key Responsibilities

Category Strategy & Sourcing

• Develop and implement multi-year category strategies aligned to business growth
• Lead end-to-end sourcing (RFPs, RFQs, negotiations)
• Conduct market analysis, benchmarking, and risk assessments

Supplier & Contract Management

• Manage strategic supplier relationships
• Oversee contract lifecycle, KPIs, and performance reviews
• Optimise commercial value across frameworks and major contracts

Stakeholder Partnership

• Collaborate with operational and technical teams to meet programme needs
• Translate requirements into effective procurement solutions

Governance & Risk

• Ensure strong controls over spend, contracts, and compliance
• Monitor supplier performance (H&S, regulatory, financial, delivery)

Sustainability & Innovation

• Drive sustainable procurement, carbon reduction, and social value
• Encourage supplier innovation and continuous improvement

About You

A commercially astute procurement professional who thrives in a fast-paced, stakeholder-led environment.

Essential:

• Proven experience in category management or strategic procurement
• Strong background in construction, civil engineering, utilities, or infrastructure (preferred)
• Expertise managing complex supplier relationships and long-term contracts
• Proven negotiation, cost optimisation, and value delivery
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Qualifications:

• CIPS Level 5 (or working towards)

Skills & Attributes:

• Excellent stakeholder management
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail
• Able to work independently and cross-functionally

Desirable:

• Degree or postgraduate qualification
• Experience within utilities or regulated environments

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary with annual review
• Up to 10% employer pension contribution
• 33 days holiday + option to buy more
• Enhanced family leave
• Hybrid working
• Clear development pathways
• Referral bonus scheme

Why Apply?

This is a high-impact role with real scope to shape supplier strategy and influence large-scale project delivery. Ideal for a Category Manager or Senior Buyer ready to step up, you'll play a key role in delivering safe, efficient, and high-quality outcomes across a growing infrastructure environment.