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