Category Manager

at  Carrington West

Salary: £560.25 - 560.25 per day
Reference: JO0000054305
Job Title: Category Manager
Location: Stoke - Flexible (with hybrid working options)
Rate: £560.25
About Us:
We are working in partnership with a forward-thinking Council that is committed to transforming its Procurement & Commercial Services. As a key strategic partner, this team plays a crucial role in delivering high-value procurement projects, driving sustainable savings, and contributing to the Council’s ambitious goals.
Job Purpose:
As a Category Manager, you will lead category management activity from sourcing to contract, supporting the Council’s goal of building a best-in-class procurement function. You will manage key procurement programs, negotiate high-value contracts, and collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders to deliver value-added services and sustainable outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead category management for key areas: People Services, Housing & Works, City Management, or Corporate Services.
• Manage procurement programmes, negotiating complex, high-value contracts.
• Develop and implement Category Plans that align with the Council’s strategic vision.
• Engage with SMEs and the local community, supporting the Council’s Responsible Procurement initiatives.
• Drive performance to meet procurement objectives, including compliance with Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and Procurement Act 2023.
• Manage a team of Assistant Category Managers and oversee projects to maximise efficiency and impact.
• Serve as a subject matter expert, advising senior management and deputising for the Head of Procurement & Commercial Services when needed.

What We’re Looking For:

• MCIPS Level 6 (or equivalent).
• Strong knowledge of public sector procurement, including Procurement Bill 2023.
• Proven experience in leading high-value procurement projects, change management, and category management.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to engage with senior stakeholders.
• Experience with contract drafting and managing procurement systems such as ERP (SAP preferred).
• A commitment to continuous improvement and delivering sustainable, high-impact results.

How to Apply:
If you have the skills and experience to succeed in this role, we want to hear from you!
Please submit your CV to ryan.hamlett@carringtonwest.com

• Lead category management for key areas: People Services, Housing & Works, City Management, or Corporate Services.
• Manage procurement programmes, negotiating complex, high-value contracts.
• Develop and implement Category Plans that align with the Council’s strategic vision.
• Engage with SMEs and the local community, supporting the Council’s Responsible Procurement initiatives.
• Drive performance to meet procurement objectives, including compliance with Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and Procurement Act 2023.
• Manage a team of Assistant Category Managers and oversee projects to maximise efficiency and impact.
• Serve as a subject matter expert, advising senior management and deputising for the Head of Procurement & Commercial Services when needed