Your new company
You will be working for a long-standing client of Hays, who are a public sector organisation that operates in the research and development arena.
Your new role
As a Procurement Category Lead, you'll play a strategic role in shaping and delivering procurement excellence across a complex, multi-site public sector organisation. This is a contract opportunity suited to experienced professionals who thrive in dynamic environments and are confident leading category management initiatives.
* Leading category management strategies to optimise spend and drive value across procurement activities.
* Acting as deputy to the Head of Sustainable Procurement, supporting strategic planning and team leadership.
* Managing regulated tenders and ensuring compliance with Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and the Procurement Act 2023.
* Driving supplier performance management, contract compliance, and continuous improvement.
* Leading procurement for complex categories such as construction, consultancy, and asset management.
* Engaging with internal stakeholders and suppliers to deliver procurement outcomes aligned with organisational goals.
* Promoting procurement best practice, including training, mentoring, and process improvement initiatives.
* Using e-tendering platforms (e.g. Jaggaer) to manage sourcing and contract activities.
What you'll need to succeed
* Proven experience in public sector procurement, with deep understanding of PCR2015 and the Procurement Act 2023.
* Substantial experience as a Category Manager, ideally within the engineering, construction or defence sectors.
* Strong commercial acumen with the ability to analyse spend, negotiate value, and manage supplier relationships.
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel, and experience with electronic procurement systems.
* Ability to lead end-to-end tendering processes, including market engagement, supplier evaluation, and contract award.
* Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
* Strategic thinker with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver to tight deadlines.
What you'll get in return
6 month assignment working in a great team. The position sits inside IR35. Therefore, the payment methods available will be PAYE or Umbrella only, not Limited companies. This is a hybrid position which is available, meaning you will need to commute to Bristol c. 2 days per week weekly to adhere to their working arrangements. You will be able to access Hays worker discounts and weekly time sheets.
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.
Desired Skills and Experience
CIPS, Procurement, PA23, PCR15, Tendering, Public Sector
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