Shape procurement. Drive value. Make a difference.
Salary: £49, – £52, per annum
Location: Hybrid working across London, Surrey, Sussex and Berkshire
Contract: Permanent, Full Time
Are you an experienced Procurement, Category or Contract Management professional looking for a role where you can make a genuine impact?
We’re seeking a Procurement Category Manager to join a large specialist education organisation supporting children, young people and adults with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) across London and the South.
This is an opportunity to take ownership of a diverse procurement portfolio, influence strategic decision-making and deliver tangible value across a multi-site organisation comprising 14 specialist schools and academies and 7 college centres.
The Role
Working as part of an established Procurement Team, you’ll lead end-to-end procurement and contract management activities across a range of categories including:
1. Estates & Facilities
2. ICT
3. Professional Services
4. Operational and Corporate Services
You’ll manage formal tender exercises and further competitions under framework agreements, ensuring compliance with public procurement legislation while delivering value for money, quality and innovation.
The role also offers significant exposure to supplier and contract management, including performance monitoring, supplier development, cost-saving initiatives and continuous improvement programmes.
Key Responsibilities
5. Lead procurement projects and tender exercises from strategy through to contract award
6. Deliver compliant procurement solutions across multiple spend categories
7. Develop category knowledge and identify savings and efficiency opportunities
8. Manage supplier relationships and contract performance
9. Implement supplier action plans and continuous improvement initiatives
10. Ensure compliance with procurement legislation, governance requirements and organisational policies
11. Build strong relationships with stakeholders across multiple sites
12. Support the delivery of strategic procurement objectives
About You
Applications are welcomed from professionals currently working as:
13. Procurement Manager
14. Category Manager
15. Contract Manager
16. Senior Procurement Officer
17. Procurement Business Partner
18. Commercial Manager
19. Strategic Sourcing Specialist
You’ll ideally have:
20. Experience leading tenders and procurement exercises
21. Knowledge of public sector procurement legislation and best practice
22. Strong supplier and contract management experience
23. Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills
24. A commercial mindset with a focus on delivering value
25. The ability to manage multiple projects and priorities
Experience within education is beneficial but not essential.
Hybrid Working & Travel
This role offers a hybrid working arrangement, with approximately 50% home-based and 50% site-based working.
Regular travel across London, Surrey, Sussex and Berkshire is required, therefore access to your own transport is essential.
As the role involves visiting education settings, an Enhanced DBS check will be required.
Salary & Benefits
£49, – £52, per annum
Benefits include:
26. Teachers’ Pension Scheme with life cover and family protection
27. Generous annual leave plus bank holidays and Christmas closure
28. Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
29. Comprehensive learning and development opportunities
30. Enhanced parental leave schemes
31. Cycle to Work Scheme
32. Season Ticket Loans
33. Employee Referral Scheme
34. Discounted Gym Membership and Digital Fitness Access
35. Home Electronics Scheme
36. Employee Car Lease Scheme
37. Employee Assistance Programme
38. Occupational Health Support and Mental Health First Aiders
Apply Now
If you’re looking for a varied and rewarding procurement role where your expertise will directly support the delivery of vital education services, we’d love to hear from you.