Job Title: Category Lead
Salary: £80-£90,000
Location: Bedford
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Pattern: Hybrid (with a minimum of 2 days per week in the office)
About the Role
Our client, a prominent public sector organization, is looking for an experienced Category Lead for Debt Support and Advice Services. This role is key to driving best-value outcomes across strategic sourcing contracts and grant allocation for professional services within the debt advisory and financial guidance arena. As Category Lead, you will manage a small, dynamic team and provide commercial expertise throughout the full contract lifecycle. Your key responsibilities will span from strategic decision-making, such as make-or-buy assessments and commercial sourcing strategies, to hands-on contract and grants management, all designed to foster robust supplier relationships and ensure compliant, innovative procurement practices.
Role Overview
* Team Leadership: Lead a dedicated team to provide comprehensive commercial support, ensuring smooth onboarding, optimal contract performance, and efficient grants allocation.
* Contract & Grants Management: Oversee sourcing contracts and grants distribution, advising on commercial strategy, managing risks, and steering contract exits or transitions when required.
* Strategic Partnership & Governance: Develop and maintain effective relationships with internal stakeholders and suppliers, driving value-add initiatives while ensuring strict adherence to governance frameworks.
* Market & Regulatory Insights: Inform and shape procurement strategies in line with public sector reforms, regulatory frameworks (such as PCR2015 and PA23), and the evolving government functional standard for grants.
Key Responsibilities
Commercial Lifecycle Management:
* Lead the commercial delivery for both contracts and grants from strategy through to exit/transition.
* Advise on “make or buy” decisions and develop sourcing, procurement, and contract management strategies.
Stakeholder & Supplier Relationship Building:
* Cultivate strong working relationships with internal teams and external suppliers, identifying opportunities to enhance commercial value and optimize performance.
* Maintain effective commercial governance in collaboration with key regulatory bodies.
Team Leadership & Development:
* Line manage and support up to three team members, ensuring their professional development and wellbeing are prioritised.
Strategic Contribution:
* Collaborate with senior management to influence the direction of procurement strategies and service delivery approaches in the public sector.
Key Requirements
To succeed in this role, you will need to demonstrate:
Commercial Expertise:
* A strong track record in procurement and commercial contract management.
* Professional accreditation such as MCIPS (or equivalent) is highly desirable.
* Experience across the full commercial lifecycle—from strategy and sourcing to procurement and contract exit—is essential.
Decisiveness:
* Ability to operate in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, making sound decisions and providing clear recommendations.
Relationship Building and Influencing Skills:
* Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, with a proven ability to build credibility and effectively challenge situations to deliver improved outcomes.
Regulatory Insight:
* Familiarity with key public sector regulatory frameworks (e.g., PCR2015, PA23) and, ideally, an understanding of the Government Functional Standard for Grants.
Working Environment & Benefits
Our Client Offers:
* Generous Annual Leave: 30 days plus Bank Holidays
* Pension Scheme: Contributions matched at a 2:1 ratio (up to 10% of your salary)
* Travel Benefits: Interest-free season ticket loans for bus and train travel, along with a Cycle to Work scheme
* Wellbeing & Insurance: Subsidised eye tests and flu jabs, life assurance, and access to an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
* Other Perks: Enhanced family and sick pay, paid volunteering (2 days per year), a Recognition Scheme, and access to a discounts portal with numerous retailers
* Flexible Working: A modern, inclusive working environment with hybrid working arrangements—designed to promote work/life balance while meeting business needs
At Procurement Heads we pride ourselves on connecting exceptional public sector talent with forward-thinking roles that drive change. Contact us today to take the next step in your career.