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We're on an exciting procurement transformation journey, and we're growing our team to help make it happen. As part of this, we're introducing key new roles and looking for talented, motivated procurement professionals who want to make a real impact.
If you're passionate about driving value, building strong stakeholder relationships, and shaping the future of procurement, this is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a team that's evolving, ambitious, and central to our business success.
More about the role
The Category Manager is responsible for leading procurement activity specifically within the Responsive Repairs and Facilities Management (FM) category, ensuring value, efficiency, and innovation are delivered across the organisation.
The role will oversee the development and implementation of robust category strategies tailored to the unique needs of FM and responsive repairs, manage a team of procurement professionals, and ensure all procurement activity complies with organisational policies and relevant regulations.
The role is working in our South Rings Office in Preston 1-2 days a week
More about you
You will work alongside a team of Category Managers and will bring your experience in Repairs and Facilities Management categories to drive value in our supply chain.
Strong stakeholder engagement and leadership skills are essential, along with the ability to influence and collaborate across all levels.
You'll need commercial acumen and analytical thinking to interpret data, assess opportunities, and drive performance.
As part of your role you will manage and support a team of Procurement Professionals, focusing on fostering performance, collaboration and improvement
The Essential criteria for this role is listed below
* Minimum of 5 years' experience in procurement, with demonstrable experience in category management and strategic sourcing.
* Strong commercial acumen with the ability to deliver value and influence business decisions.
* Skilled in developing and implementing category strategies, sourcing plans, and robust procurement recommendations in the Facilities Management and Responsive Repairs market
The benefits
We are a large diverse and ambitious business, which will give you all the challenge you could wish for.
We know that there's always more we can do to make you smile, that's why we offer a comprehensive benefits package with each role, yours will include:
* Competitive salary, with a salary review yearly
* Pension with matched contributions up to 7%
* Excellent holiday package – up to 35 days annual leave with the option to buy or sell leave
* Cashback plan for healthcare costs – up to £500 saving per year
* A bonus scheme for all colleagues at 2%
* Training and development
* Extra perks including huge discounts and offers from shops, cinemas and much more
What's next?
If you meet the criteria and are ready to make the next step in your career then apply following our simple 5 minute application process, upload a CV and a supporting statement which demonstrates how you meet the requirements of the role. If you have any questions please email the recruitment team
As part of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, we offer a guaranteed interview to candidates who are disabled, neurodiverse, or have served in the Armed Forces, provided you meet the essential criteria for the role. If you would like to be considered under this scheme, please indicate this in your application.
We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application or interview experience, please let us know. We're happy to work with you to ensure you have the opportunity to perform at your best.
If you are a Places for People customer and you're looking for support with your application, please contact our skills and employment team on
Please note that we may bring the closing date forward, if we receive a large number of quality applications. If you are interested in this role we would advise applying immediately to avoid disappointment.
If you are using a mobile device such as an iPad then ensure your CV is stored in the cloud, we currently support Google Drive, OneDrive and Dropbox.
If you are a recruitment agency please note we operate a PSL and do not take cold calls.
Safeguarding
At Places for People, safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. We are committed to creating safe communities for our customers and colleagues by protecting children, young people, and adults at risk from harm, abuse, and neglect.
We follow robust safeguarding policies and procedures, ensuring all employees, volunteers, and contractors uphold the highest standards of safeguarding and accountability. Our recruitment process includes pre-employment checks, including Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks where applicable, to promote a safe and secure working environment.
By joining Places for People, you are expected to contribute to our safeguarding culture, following our policies and reporting concerns to protect those in our communities