JOB DESCRIPTION
Senior Category Manager – Procurement and Corporate Services. Reports to the Head of Supplies and Services Procurement.
RESPONSIBILITIES
* Strategic Planning – Work with the Head of Supplies and Services to establish, maintain and communicate a clear strategic direction, develop a detailed service-specific business plan and align it with the organisational vision.
* Category Leadership – Develop, implement and monitor procurement category plans and strategies, ensuring value for money, compliance with the Northern Ireland Public Procurement Policy (NIPPP), Procurement Policy Notes (PPNs) and the Department of Finance Sourcing Toolkit.
* Operational Management – Manage the category team, set performance targets, monitor progress, allocate work, and deliver on budget and time‑line commitments while continually improving service standards.
* Stakeholder Engagement – Build and maintain professional relationships with internal stakeholders, external partners, suppliers, schools and other government bodies; lead engagement initiatives and ensure stakeholder needs drive decision‑making.
* Process Improvement – Identify and implement new procurement policies and technologies, conduct market sounding, support eTendersNI usage, and drive the adoption of efficient procure‑to‑pay processes.
* Compliance & Risk Management – Ensure adherence to legal, regulatory and statutory requirements, manage contract and supplier performance, oversee contract administration, and maintain robust quality assurance systems.
* Leadership & Culture – Lead, motivate and develop staff; promote the authority’s values, foster a culture of continuous improvement, and champion performance management practices.
* Reporting & Communication – Prepare and deliver reports to senior management, the Board, and other stakeholders on procurement activity, savings, and compliance.
* Other duties of a similar nature and appropriate to the grade may be assigned from time to time.
ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
* Full membership of the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS).
* Minimum five years’ experience in procurement, purchasing or supply management, with at least two years in a senior role (e.g., Procurement Manager) within a large public or private organisation.
* Comprehensive knowledge of procurement legislation, including the Procurement Act 2023, Public Contract Regulations 2015, and Northern Ireland Public Procurement Policy.
* Proficiency in embedding efficient procure‑to‑pay processes and applying category management principles.
* Demonstrable experience with eTendersNI and the Management of procurement strategies and action plans.
* Strong communication, organisational, and leadership skills, with the ability to manage change, work under pressure and drive continuous improvement.
* Evidence of values alignment with the Education Authority’s ethos and the ability to work effectively across levels and departments.
* Valid vehicle or alternative transport that permits the mobility required for the post.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
* Experience using eTendersNI and other digital procurement tools.
* Prior experience in the education sector or with school procurement.
* Additional professional certifications related to procurement, project management or supply chain.
LEGAL & EEO STATEMENTS
In accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998), the post-holder is expected to promote good relations, equality of opportunity and pay, and to comply with the relevant equality legislation. The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
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