This is an exciting opportunity to join a procurement team that is in the process of a complete transformation. The successful candidate will create and implement a category management approach, that can be broadly adopted across all categories, whilst having responsibility of one category area. Ensuring the business adopts a pro-active and consistent approach towards all category planning, sourcing and contract management, ultimately ensuring that value for money is maximised, quality of supply is improved and value enhancement is generated. This will require training members of the procurement team and key stakeholders across the business on the new ways of working. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES: As a key member of the procurement team, you will lead transformation initiatives, manage a sub-team responsible for category-specific procurement's, and assist the Head of Procurement by providing guidance to senior stakeholders and the wider team. Other key responsibilities include: Develop governance, processes and training plans. Set key objectives, create opportunities to promote an environment of continuous improvement and development. Promote positive working relationships by building on the different strengths of people in the team and support the development of individual's knowledge, capabilities and skills to further the aims of procurement and supply. Support the personal and professional development of individuals to enhance their performance. Assist in the creation of implementing category management and contract management processes and initiatives across the site. Oversee the creation & management of category strategies, liaising with senior stakeholders to effectively implement in line with the corporate strategy. Attend, support and present at monthly category strategy meetings. Attend, support and present at the Procurement Committee (ProCo). Secure goods/works/services on strategic requirements at best value, achieved through effective sourcing, supplier negotiations and supplier relationship management. Create value through supplier partnerships, innovation, social value & sustainable initiatives. Collate and analyse data that supports and improves the performance of the team. Oversee system data analytics, proactively analysing contracts, spend and market opportunities within allocated category. Identifying areas for efficiency's. Create risk assessments, registers or other risk evaluation tools and agree actions to mitigate risks with suppliers and other stakeholders. Evaluate the range of routes to market and contracting options for major programmes or complex procurement activity. Manage the trade offs and conflicts between stakeholders in sourcing activities and complex contracts and advise on commercial priorities. Keep abrest of and communicate to stakeholders any changes of policy, legislative and regulatory requirements affecting procurement and the supply chain. Review internal documents, processes and policies regularly to ensure it captures the latest business needs and requirements. Recognise the need for change and promote change in a positive manner to the team, encouraging their comments and contribution to the process. Build and maintain strong, positive relationships with stakeholders, ensuring collaboration, alignment and engagement, promoting the benefits of procurement to the business. Other duties and projects as and when they may be required by the Head of Procurement QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED: MCIPS qualified (or equivalent experience) Successful track record of managing a team and getting the best from them Proven success in sourcing activities and delivering effective outcomes. Expertise in category and contract management, with knowledge of EU procurement regulations and competition law. Proven track record of resolving queries and influencing people as well as building collaborative partnerships with stakeholders and suppliers. Experience of working in partnership with operational staff on procurement initiatives. Ability to work across different operational disciplines / categories. Excellent communication (both written and oral), team working and presentational skills. Ability to work on own initiative and to set the agenda / key priorities. Strong analytical abilities. This job description is intended to give an appreciation of the role and the range of duties and responsibilities to be undertaken. It does not attempt to detail every activity. Specific task and objectives will be agreed on an on-going basis. The post holder will be required at all times to perform any other reasonable tasks, as requested by the Line Manager in order to meet the operational needs of the business. Connect2Employment is a trading style of Luton & Kent Commercial Services LLP - A joint venture between Luton Borough Council & Commercial Services Kent Ltd. Connect2Employment is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.