Procurement and Strategic Category Lead - AR

Job Title: Procurement and Strategic Category Lead
Grade: PO6
Reports To: Head of Service (PO11)
Team: Up to 6 procurement professionals, interns, and temporary staff
Service Area: Progressive Procurement
Directorate: Community Wealth Building

Role Purpose

Lead strategic procurement and category management across multiple council categories, providing expert advice, managing high-value contracts, and delivering value, efficiency, and social impact. Act as a trusted advisor to senior managers, stakeholders, and external partners, ensuring compliance with legislation, governance, and council policy.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a strategic category, developing and delivering category strategies and procurement forward plans.
• Provide expert procurement and category management advice to directors, senior managers, and cross-council boards.
• Manage procurement projects end-to-end, including tendering, evaluation, contracts (JCT, NEC, frameworks), and supplier engagement.
• Lead and develop a team of procurement professionals, ensuring high performance and professional growth.
• Ensure all procurement activities comply with PCR 2015, Procurement Act 2023, and council governance frameworks.
• Influence council-wide projects, delivering value for money, sustainability, and social value.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal teams, external partners, and suppliers.
• Deputise for the Head of Service when required.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Extensive public sector procurement experience across multiple categories, including construction, facilities, housing, or corporate services.
• Strong knowledge of procurement legislation, frameworks, and contract management.
• Proven leadership and team management experience, including delivering complex projects.
• Ability to advise and influence senior stakeholders, boards, and external partners.
• Commercial acumen and experience managing high-value budgets and contracts.

Qualifications

• Relevant degree or professional qualification (e.g., CIPS, PSCM, MILT) or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge of Transforming Public Procurement and ethical procurement standards.

Behaviours & Values

• Collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering (CARE values).
• Commitment to delivering socially responsible, sustainable, and inclusive procurement outcomes.