Job Description – Category Manager (Procurement)
Department: Finance
Service Area: Procurement
Grade: PO7
Reporting to: Category Lead
Role Purpose
The Category Manager is responsible for providing strategic procurement and commercial expertise to support the Council in achieving its corporate objectives. Working as a trusted adviser to senior stakeholders, the post holder will lead complex, high-value and high-risk procurement projects, ensuring the delivery of value for money, social value, sustainability objectives and improved outcomes for residents.
The role will manage end-to-end procurement activity, develop category strategies, provide expert guidance on procurement legislation and best practice, and build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, suppliers and external partners.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Procurement & Category Management
- Develop and implement category procurement strategies aligned to Council priorities, financial objectives and service requirements.
- Lead forward procurement planning and identify opportunities for improved value, efficiency and service outcomes.
- Apply strategic sourcing techniques, market analysis and commercial insight to deliver savings and wider benefits.
- Provide challenge and advice to services to ensure procurement approaches meet business needs.
Procurement Leadership & Delivery
- Lead complex procurement exercises from strategy through to contract award and mobilisation.
- Provide expert advice on procurement routes, tender processes, evaluation, contract terms and governance requirements.
- Ensure procurement activity complies with relevant legislation, including the Procurement Act, Provider Selection Regime (where applicable), Social Value Act and Council policies.
- Manage procurement risks and ensure appropriate controls are in place throughout the procurement lifecycle.
Commercial & Contract Management
- Provide strategic commercial advice to senior managers and service leads.
- Support effective contract management to maximise supplier performance, value for money and social value outcomes.
- Develop strong supplier relationship management practices to minimise risk and improve delivery.
- Identify and address supplier performance issues, commercial risks and opportunities for improvement.
Stakeholder & Relationship Management
- Act as a key procurement adviser and business partner to Council departments.
- Build effective working relationships with senior officers, project teams, suppliers, consultants and external partners.
- Represent the Council at meetings with contractors, suppliers, other local authorities and professional networks.
- Deliver workshops and guidance sessions to promote procurement best practice and compliance.
Leadership & Development
- Provide guidance, supervision and support to procurement officers and project team members.
- Manage resources effectively across key procurement projects.
- Support the development of junior colleagues through coaching and mentoring.
Experience & Skills Required
The successful candidate will have:
- Significant experience working in strategic procurement, category management or commercial management.
- Experience leading complex, high-value procurement projects from planning through to contract award.
- Strong knowledge of public sector procurement processes, legislation and governance requirements.
- Experience developing procurement strategies, managing tenders and delivering commercial outcomes.
- Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence senior leaders.
- Experience managing supplier relationships and contract performance.
- Ability to analyse markets, identify opportunities and deliver value for money.
- Strong communication, negotiation and problem-solving skills.
Desirable Experience
- Experience within local government, NHS, central government or another public sector organisation.
- Experience managing procurement categories such as People Services, Place, Resources, IT, professional services, housing, social care or corporate services.
- Knowledge of social value, sustainability and wider public sector objectives.
Key Competencies
- Strategic commercial thinking
- Procurement and contract management expertise
- Stakeholder influence and collaboration
- Risk management
- Leadership and mentoring
- Ability to deliver measurable outcomes
- Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
About the Role
This is a senior procurement role requiring an experienced commercial professional who can operate strategically, influence decision-making and deliver high-quality procurement solutions that support the Council’s priorities and improve outcomes for residents.
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