Job Title: Category Manager Procurement
Location: Thurrock Hybrid
Hours: Office Hours
Rate: £325 per day, inside ir35, umbrella contractors only
Job Purpose:
To manage assigned procurement categories, support the full commercial lifecycle, and lead high-value procurement projects across various directorates. The role focuses on delivering strategic procurement activities, driving cost efficiencies, and ensuring best value for the organisation.
Key Responsibilities:
* Category Management: Lead procurement opportunities, conduct category analysis, and implement innovative solutions to reduce costs and achieve efficiencies.
* Procurement Expertise: Provide support across procurement processes, including training, market intelligence, contract specification drafting, and end-to-end tendering.
* Category Planning: Collaborate with Council Officers to develop strategies for supplier engagement across sectors.
* Compliance and Best Practices: Ensure contracts align with best practices, maintain audit transparency, and comply with governance policies.
* Value Delivery: Leverage the Council's buying power to achieve the lowest whole-life costs and best economic value.
* Supplier Relationship Management: Develop and maintain productive relationships with suppliers to enhance contract outcomes.
* Contract Management Support: Offer subject matter expertise to support contract managers and suppliers, adhering to the Councils Contract Management Framework.
* Stakeholder Engagement: Address and manage stakeholder requirements with professionalism and responsiveness.
* Reporting and Documentation: Produce management reports and maintain records to support transparency and policy implementation.
Qualifications and Skills:
* Proven experience in procurement and category management.
* Strong knowledge of procurement policies, governance, and market analysis.
* Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
* Ability to manage high-value procurement projects and deliver cashable savings.
* Previous experience in a local government or housing association role