At Places for People, we hire People, not numbers! So, if you like the sound of one of our jobs, please apply – you could be just who we’re looking for! Experience and track record are important, but we’re more interested in hiring someone that embodies our People Promises: doing the right thing, being enthusiastic, motivated to grow, believing in community spirit, respectful and enjoying their work. As the UK’s leading social enterprise, we’re dedicated to creating inclusive and thriving communities for both our customers and employees.
About the Role
We’re looking for an experienced Senior Category Manager to play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering strategic procurement across the organisation. Leading complex, high‑value categories, you’ll drive value, manage risk, and ensure strong commercial outcomes that support our long‑term strategic objectives.
The role is based in Armitage, South Rings Office in Preston – you’ll work on site 1‑2 days a week.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement category strategies.
- Lead major sourcing initiatives.
- Design robust commercial and contractual arrangements enabling effective supplier and contract management throughout the lifecycle.
- Work closely with senior stakeholders to provide strategic commercial advice, influence requirements, and support options appraisals (make/buy, insource/outsource, standardisation).
Qualifications
- Significant procurement experience in a public sector environment with strong expertise in category management, strategic sourcing, and commercial strategy development.
- Experience designing robust commercial and contractual models (KPIs, SLAs, performance frameworks, payment mechanisms, risk allocation, indexation, social value requirements, outcome‑based specifications).
- Proven leadership experience, including coaching and developing teams and driving high performance.
- Strong commercial acumen and ability to engage senior stakeholders.
Benefits
- Competitive salary with annual review.
- Pension with matched contributions up to 7 %
- Excellent holiday package – up to 35 days annual leave with the option to buy or sell leave.
- Cashback plan for healthcare costs – up to £500 savings per year.
- Bonus scheme for all colleagues at 2 %
- Training and development.
- Extra perks including discounts and offers from shops, cinemas and more.
Equal Opportunity & Safeguarding
We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application or interview experience, please let us know – we’re happy to work with you to ensure you have the opportunity to perform at your best.
At Places for People, safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. We follow robust safeguarding policies and procedures to protect children, young people, and adults at risk from harm, abuse, and neglect, and we expect all employees, volunteers and contractors to uphold the highest standards of safeguarding and accountability.
Armed Forces – We guarantee a interview for any candidate serving or who has formerly served in the Armed Forces, including reservists, veterans and military spouses or partners who meet the essential criteria.
Disability Confident – Places for People is a Level 2 Disability Confident Employer. Disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview.
Neurodivergent – Neurodiverse applicants who meet the criteria will be guaranteed an interview.
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