Principal Category Manager

Principal Category Manager

Contract: 18 months
Location: Reading (2-3 days per week onsite)
IR35 Status: Inside IR35
Headcount: 1
Category: Non-Digital

Security Clearance

• DV clearance required

• Candidates with active SC may start and will be sponsored through DV

• Sole UK nationals preferred (dual nationals may be considered)

Role Overview

we are seeking an experienced Principal Category Manager to lead and shape commercial strategy within a complex, highly regulated public-sector environment. This is a senior role with responsibility for driving pre-contract activity, managing a small commercial team, and delivering robust procurement strategies across infrastructure and construction categories.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the commercial strategy team, setting direction and priorities

• Line/task management of approximately 6 team members

• Develop and deliver sourcing and category strategies

• Lead external framework commercial strategy, including engagement and delivery

• End-to-end procurement delivery, with a strong focus on pre-contract activity

• Deliver infrastructure and construction procurement strategies

• Manage and influence senior stakeholders across internal and external environments

• Ensure compliance with Procurement Act and public procurement regulations

Essential Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in a senior commercial or category management role

• Strong background in public-sector procurement

• Demonstrable experience producing and implementing sourcing strategies

• Experience working with and leading external frameworks

• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving capability

• Excellent stakeholder management skills at all levels (written and verbal)

• Solid knowledge of procurement regulations and legislation

• Experience delivering infrastructure/construction strategies

Reasonable Adjustments:

Respect and equality are core values to us. We are proud of the diverse and inclusive community we have built, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives. Our success is driven by our people, united by the spirit of partnership to deliver the best resourcing solutions for our clients.

If you need any help or adjustments during the recruitment process for any reason, please let us know when you apply or talk to the recruiters directly so we can support you.