Category Manager
Location: Warrington (Hybrid Working Available)
Salary: Competitive Salary + Benefits
Role: Full Time | Permanent
About the Role:
We’re looking for an experienced and commercially driven Category Manager to join our Procurement team. In this role, you’ll take ownership of a defined category of spend, delivering high-quality procurement solutions to both internal stakeholders and external customers.
You’ll play a key role in shaping category strategy, driving value, and building strong supplier and customer relationships—while leading a team of Buyers and Senior Buyers to deliver best-in-class procurement services.
Key Responsibilities:
* Develop and deliver strategic category plans, driving growth and financial performance
* Lead procurement activities including tendering, benchmarking, and mini-competitions
* Manage supplier relationships, ensuring strong performance and service delivery
* Analyse financial and statistical data to identify opportunities and inform decision-making
* Contribute to thought leadership and innovation within your category
* Oversee contract management, ensuring commercial and operational success
* Engage with customers and stakeholders to promote value and deliver tailored solutions
* Lead, coach, and develop a team of Buyers and Senior Buyers
* Ensure compliance with procurement regulations and internal processes
* Produce reports and insights for senior leadership and external stakeholders
About You:
* You’ll be a confident and influential procurement professional with strong commercial awareness and leadership capability.
* Proven experience in a Category Manager or senior procurement role
* Strong knowledge of procurement frameworks and large-scale projects
* Experience managing and developing teams
* Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills
* Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
* The ability to communicate complex solutions clearly and effectively
* A proactive, flexible, and results-driven approach
Requirements:
* Degree-level education or equivalent experience
* CIPS membership (or working towards)
* Experience in sectors such as housing, healthcare, or higher education
* Knowledge of public sector procurement regulations (including EU frameworks)
* Full UK driving licence
What We Offer:
* Competitive salary and benefits package
* Hybrid working options
* Career development and professional training
* Opportunity to work on impactful, large-scale procurement projects
* A collaborative and supportive team environment