About the Directorate
Procurement Services sits within the University's Finance and Procurement Directorate and operates as a centralised function dedicated to ensuring that the University achieves value for money in all its procurement activities.
About the Department
The team acts as a centre of excellence, offering advice, guidance and support to colleagues across the University on how to procure goods, services, and works effectively and responsibly. Our role is not only to manage costs but also to ensure that procurement decisions align with the University's broader strategic goals.
From August 2024, the University was no longer classified as a public authority under the Public Contracts Regulations 2015, however, it continues to uphold high standards of procurement practice, recognising its responsibilities as an exempt charity and a recipient of public funds. This means that while it is no longer legally bound by certain public procurement rules, it remains committed to transparency, fairness, and ethical sourcing.
The Procurement strategy supports the University's five strategic themes and encourages colleagues to consider sustainability, social value, and ethical considerations in their procurement decisions. The strategy also promotes collaboration with suppliers and internal stakeholders to reduce risk and improve supply chain resilience.
Procurement at the University is about more than just buying - it's about making informed, responsible choices that support the institution's mission and values.
About the Team
There are 15 people in the Procurement Team; the Director of Procurement is the strategic lead of the department, and the Head of Procurement manages the operational aspects of the department. The Procurement Manager reports into the Head of Procurement and manages a Category Management team of six people. The Procurement team also includes a Systems Manager, who manages a team of four Administrators, and a Procurement Data Analyst.
About the Role
As a Category Manager, you will work alongside a Senior Category Manager to manage procurement activities and advise stakeholders for our Professional Services or Estates, Facilities and Campus Development (EFCD) category.
You will support the Senior Category Manager to research, develop and implement the category strategy to meet business needs and the wider objectives of the University. You will directly advise stakeholders, manage tendering activities and administer contracts.
Key Skills & Experiences
You will have good experience of procurement practices and a track record for delivering value for money. Membership of, or a willingness to study towards, Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) would be an advantage. We would also welcome experience of procurement relevant to our Professional Services or EFCD categories.
You will be a brilliant team player who can engage and collaborate effectively with team members and stakeholders. Analytical thinking and reporting experience is expected.
Key Responsibilities
As a Category Manager, you will:
* Work closely with the Senior Category Manager to develop and implement a category strategy.
* Advise and support internal stakeholders to successfully manage procurement activities.
* Play an important role in ensuring that the University achieves value for money on purchases and contracts, considering cost, quality and sustainability, whilst ensuring procurement best practice is followed.
To learn more about this exciting opportunity and benefits we offer, please read the job description and Candidate Pack provided below.
Assessment Process
To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter detailing your suitability for the role on the application portal. Applications without both a CV and a covering letter may be excluded.
We will evaluate and then invite shortlisted candidates for a single interview, to take place in mid-June.
For informal enquiries about this vacancy please contact Dan Ware, Procurement Manager: d.ware@mmu.ac.uk
Due to the volume of applications we receive, we sometimes close our vacancies early. It is therefore advisable to apply as early as possible if you would like to be considered for a role.
Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from all local and international communities, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals.
We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.
Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups.
Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the attached Job Description for that vacancy.
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