Category Officer Childrens Services (Hybrid, Oxfordshire Location: Hybrid 1 day per month Oxford (with potential for one extra day quarterly)
Rate: £20.98 per hour PAYE
Contract: 6 months (15 Dec 2025 15 Jun 2026)
Hours: 37 per week (7.4 per day)
About the Role Were seeking a proactive and experienced Category Officer to join our clients Procurement and Contract Management team.
Reporting to the Category Manager for Childrens Services, youll play a key role in delivering end-to-end procurement and contract management activities within the Childrens Services and Education categories.
This is a hybrid role with flexible working hours (core hours between 8am 6pm, Monday to Friday). Its ideal for someone currently working at an Assistant level whos ready to step up to an Officer role.
Key Responsibilities Respond quickly to procurement requests and manage a busy shared inbox.
Handle RFQs and carry out full procurement processes from tender to contract award.
Moderate bids and ensure compliance with the Procurement Act 2023 and local authority governance.
Manage contract extensions, variations, and framework openings through to contract signature.
Liaise confidently with Commissioners, Category Managers, and suppliers.
Use Atamis and ProContract systems to manage procurement activity.
Deliver excellent value for money and ensure full compliance at every stage.
About You Youll be a motivated, detail-oriented procurement professional with strong organisational skills and experience in public sector procurement, particularly within Childrens Services or Education .
Youll be comfortable working independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
Essential Requirements CIPS Level 4 (MCIPS) qualification or higher.
Procurement Act 2023 assessment completed.
Proven experience in public sector procurement and contract management .
Strong understanding of local authority governance and frameworks.
Experience using Atamis and ProContract systems.
Desirable Experience of programme management.
Ability to mentor or support junior team members.
Why Apply? Flexible hybrid working with only one office day per month.
Opportunity to lead significant procurement projects within Childrens Services.
Supportive and collaborative team environment.
Ideal progression step for someone looking to advance their procurement career.
?? Start date: 15 December 2025
?? Location: Oxford (hybrid)
?? Rate: £20.98 PAYE
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