Procurement Category Manager

ZipRecruiter; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 80,000

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Procurement Category Manager

Location: Midlands, UK

Contract: Full-time, Interim

Salary: Competitive

Start Date: ASAP

About the Role:

We are looking for a dynamic and experienced Procurement Category Manager to join our team at a leading university in the Midlands. This exciting role will see you responsible for the end-to-end procurement process across several key categories, including Professional Services, IT, and Estates. You will work closely with internal stakeholders, drive strategic procurement decisions, and ensure compliance with the latest procurement regulations, including the New Procurement Act.

The successful candidate will possess strong negotiation skills, a solid understanding of procurement strategies, and a commercial mindset. You will play a key role in driving strategic change across the organisation, delivering cost efficiencies, and maintaining the highest standards of procurement practices.

Key Responsibilities:

• End-to-End Procurement Management: Take full responsibility for the procurement lifecycle, from identifying needs, conducting market analysis, tendering processes, to contract negotiation and supplier management.
• Category Management: Oversee the procurement categories of Professional Services, IT, and Estates, ensuring they align with university objectives, operational needs, and budget requirements.
• Negotiation & Supplier Management: Lead strategic negotiations with suppliers to ensure value for money, contract compliance, and a positive long-term relationship. Drive continuous improvement in supplier performance.
• Stakeholder Management: Work closely with internal stakeholders (academics, administrators, and finance teams) to understand their needs, build relationships, and provide procurement solutions that align with departmental and university goals.
• Regulatory Compliance: Stay up-to-date with the latest procurement regulations, particularly the New Procurement Act, and ensure all procurement activities adhere to legal, regulatory, and institutional guidelines.
• Strategic Change & Innovation: Play a pivotal role in driving procurement transformation and implementing best practices across the organisation. Propose and execute strategic initiatives aimed at cost reduction, process improvement, and enhanced supplier relationships.
• Risk Management: Assess and mitigate risks in procurement processes and supplier relationships, ensuring continuity of supply and reducing exposure to disruptions.

Skills & Experience:

• Extensive Procurement Experience: Proven experience in managing the procurement lifecycle for multiple categories, particularly in Professional Services, IT, and Estates.
• Strong Negotiation Skills: A track record of successful contract negotiations and securing value for money while maintaining supplier relationships.
• Stakeholder Management: Demonstrated ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders and teams, managing expectations, and building collaborative relationships.
• Up-to-date Knowledge of Procurement Regulations: Thorough understanding of the New Procurement Act and relevant legislation. A strong knowledge of public sector procurement frameworks is .
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to think commercially and strategically to drive procurement value, cost savings, and long-term sustainability.
• Change Management: Experience in driving strategic change within procurement teams or organisations.
• Excellent Communication: Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex procurement processes and strategies to a variety of audiences.

Desirable Attributes:

• CIPS Qualification: Membership of the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) or similar professional qualification.
• Public Sector Experience: Experience working in the public and private sector is highly desirable.
• Project Management Skills: Strong project management abilities to manage multiple procurement activities and initiatives simultaneously.

Why Join Us?

This is an excellent opportunity to be part of a respected and forward-thinking university that values innovation, collaboration, and efficiency in its procurement processes. You will play a key role in shaping the future of procurement within the organisation while driving strategic and operational excellence.

If you are a commercially-minded, experienced procurement professional with a passion for strategic change and continuous improvement, we would love to hear from you.