Overview
Join Our Team as a Category Manager at Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service! As a Category Manager, you will be responsible for managing all commercial aspects of allocated non-pay third party spend on behalf of Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service. The role is designed to deliver continuous benefits, savings, efficiencies, and improvements to goods and services through the development of category strategies and responsibility for procurement activities including appropriate end user, key stakeholder and supplier engagement.
Reporting to the Corporate Procurement Manager, the Category Manager will be required to manage strategic national or collaborative procurements as allocated on behalf of other UK Fire and Rescue Services.
Responsibilities
* Act as a lead commercial advisor in all commercial and contractual matters relating to the engagement and ongoing management of third party spend within the designated Category.
* Ensure the approach for the designated Category significantly improves targeted value for money derived from all Service expenditure.
* Provide and continuously maintain subject‑matter expertise regarding commercial and technology market trends in the supply marketplace.
* Identify and manage supply chain risks and inflation mitigation plans to support corporate business continuity planning.
* Provide a lead role for delivery of national collaborative procurements on behalf of the Service.
* Provide income generation procurement services and advice for other Fire Service and public sector organisations, as allocated.
* Provide leadership to key stakeholders/category teams to ensure a structured, measurable performance methodology that reflects DSFRS corporate programme / project approaches.
* Quality‑assure activities and processes conducted by stakeholders (non‑procurement staff) in support of the category and procurement plans.
* Develop, review and update the category management plan to deliver a continuous value‑creation programme in light of changing market and business conditions.
* Act as the first point of contact in the event of conflicting issues and ensure appropriate stakeholder management is carried out and maintained.
* Assist in the identification, development and preparation of business cases and report and present to the appropriate internal and external groups.
Qualifications & Requirements
Fire and Rescue Authority roles are listed in Schedule 1 of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order and as such it is our policy to require all applicants to disclose any criminal convictions (both spent and unspent) including driving offences, cautions and reprimands.
This role will require a Standard DBS check to be completed. Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority are committed to the rehabilitation of offenders; as such any positive disclosures will incorporate a reasonable and proportionate response.
Someone with experience or interest in procuring operational and technical equipment would be desirable but is not essential.
The successful candidate must, by the commencement of employment, have the right to work in the UK.
1. Proven successful track record of working within a public sector procurement function delivering complex procurements under PCR 2015 and the Procurement Act 2023.
2. Excellent written skills and proven experience of leading on business benefit analysis, strategy improvement, business cases to advise on sourcing/procurement approaches.
3. Proven experience of managing end‑to‑end public contracts tendering process; advertising, planning, handling tender enquiries both internal and external to the Service; drafting and issuing tender documentation including specification, terms and conditions; conducting tender evaluations with stakeholders and providing supplier feedback.
4. Professionally qualified to degree level with relevant post‑qualification – Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (Professional Level – MCIPS) or equivalent.
5. Ability to prioritise competing pressures to meet tight deadlines, planning and the prioritisation of work for teams and projects to identify relevant and realistic targets.
6. Ability to effectively and efficiently work as part of a team and independently identifying opportunities to continuously develop self and the wider team and service, with the ability to mentor and motivate others.
Compensation & Benefits
Perks include competitive salary starting at £42,839 rising annually to £46,142 per annum. If the successful candidate holds an MCIPS qualification they will also receive a market supplement payment of 15% (in place until at least August 2028).
* Flexible working arrangements to promote work‑life balance
* A generous pension scheme for your future
* Ample annual leave to recharge and refresh
* Family leave policies that support your loved ones
* Access to physiotherapy services for your well‑being
* Opportunities for professional development and progression
* Free gym access and personalised fitness coaching
* Support for eye care and wellness programs
* Exclusive Blue Light Membership discounts
* Affordable healthcare options through Benenden Health
* Engaging sports and social groups for community building
* Confidential counselling services and mental health support
* Access to the Firefighters Charity for additional support
* A cycle‑to‑work scheme to promote healthy commuting
At Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, our mission is to create a safer world by preventing fire and rescue emergencies. We pride ourselves on our fantastic reputation, built on the dedication and expertise of our skilled workforce. By joining us, you will be a key player in enhancing the services we provide across beautiful Devon and Somerset.
Are you ready to make a difference to the safety of your community? Are you an experienced procurement professional? Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, the largest non‑metropolitan Fire and Rescue Service in England, is on the lookout for a Category Manager to join our Procurement team at our Service Headquarters in Exeter.
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