Procurement Category Manager - Estates

*Must have UK Higher Education or UK Public sector experience*

Job Title: Procurement Category Manager - Estates

Location: Bristol (2 days a week on site)

Term: Full-Time, Permanent

Salary: £40k - £45k per annum

Job Purpose:

The Procurement Category Manager - estates will lead procurement projects within a designated category portfolio, focusing on delivering commercially sound category strategies. This role will ensure continuity of supply, value for money, and manage risks related to procurement. You will also influence the impact of procurement on the local economy, sustainability initiatives, and legislative compliance. This is a key role for driving strategic value within the organisation and supporting the delivery of long-term procurement solutions across departments.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Lead the full procurement process for multiple categories, from pre-procurement to contract award, ensuring adherence to policies, regulations, and long-term strategic objectives.
2. Develop category strategies and align them with the broader organisational goals.
3. Build and maintain influential relationships within the organisation to embed procurement objectives.
4. Provide expert procurement advice, market analysis, and identify opportunities to create compliant contracts, improve efficiency, and reduce costs.
5. Act as a business partner for various internal departments, providing procurement guidance and identifying savings opportunities.
6. Represent the procurement function at internal and external meetings.
7. Implement the organisation's Sustainable Procurement Policy to support environmental, social, governance, and economic goals.
8. Engage in the ongoing development of procurement processes, working with internal teams to ensure efficiency and compliance with regulations.
9. Conduct spend analysis, market trends research, and recommend contract standardisation and rationalisation for cost savings.
10. Manage supplier contracts and support contract management for key suppliers.
11. Ensure effective communication and coordination of contracts with internal departments.

Person Specification:

Essential Criteria:

1. Must have experience leading end to end procurement for an Estates (Maintenance/soft FM and Hard FM) category from client engagement to contracts and evaluation.
2. MCIPS qualified or working towards, or a relevant degree in a business-related field.
3. Experience in procurement, supply chain, or relevant commercial environments, including contract negotiation and liaising with legal teams.
4. Demonstrated ability to deliver savings and value through procurement initiatives.
5. Proven ability to develop new processes and procedures.
6. Excellent customer service and communication skills, with experience in stakeholder management and influencing.
7. Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to propose innovative solutions.
8. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
9. Experience in a Higher Education or large multi-disciplinary public sector organisation.
10. Familiarity with working in a procurement function within a public sector environment.

General Duties:

1. Stay updated on relevant legislation, policy, and procurement practices.
2. Ensure confidentiality in all duties.
3. Adhere to legal and regulatory requirements, including those related to equality, diversity, and data protection.
4. Take on additional duties as required, consistent with the role's nature and grade.

*Must have UK Higher Education or UK Public sector experience*