Are you a strategic procurement professional with a passion for leadership and category excellence? I’m currently partnering with a forward-thinking, purpose-driven organisation seeking an experienced Category Manager to lead and develop procurement services across key categories.
This is a fantastic opportunity to shape strategy, lead a high-performing team of Buyers, and build strong, value-driven supplier and stakeholder relationships within a complex, regulated environment.
The Role
As Category Manager, you will:
* Develop and implement robust contract management strategies and frameworks to drive consistency and best practice across departments
* Monitor contract performance through KPIs, audits, and compliance reviews
* Lead supplier relationship management, resolving disputes, managing risk, and ensuring service delivery meets expectations
* Partner with procurement teams early in the sourcing cycle to embed measurable KPIs and ensure contracts are fit for purpose
* Ensure compliance with legal and policy requirements, including public sector procurement regulations such as the Procurement Act 2023
* Motivate, coach, and develop a small team, setting clear objectives, managing performance, and identifying training needs
About You
To be successful in this role, you will bring:
* Degree-level education or equivalent professional experience
* MCIPS qualification with strong end-to-end procurement expertise
* Demonstrable leadership capability and stakeholder engagement experience
* A background in large-scale and public sector procurement within a regulated framework
* Strong communication and negotiation skills
* A full UK driving licence
What’s on Offer
* In return, you’ll benefit from a comprehensive and competitive package, including:
* Income Protection (75% of salary covered post-probation)
* Life Assurance (4x basic salary, post-probation)
* Private Medical Insurance with family extension options
* Health Cash Plan and discounted gym membership
* Pension scheme with 5% employer match and salary exchange option
* Holiday trading (buy or sell up to 5 days annually)
* Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle salary sacrifice schemes
* Employee support services covering legal, financial, bereavement, and medical advice
* Exclusive mobile contract discounts for employees and family
You’ll be joining a values-led organisation committed to sustainability, ethical sourcing, and making a meaningful social and environmental impact. The culture is collaborative, inclusive, and built around empowering people to thrive and shape the future of procurement.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your procurement leadership career, I’d be delighted to speak with you.