Job Title: Category Manager – Professional Services & FM
Location: London (Hybrid – 2 days in office)
Salary: £53,863 – £60,060 per annum
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
Overview
A leading institution is seeking an experienced and strategic Category Manager to join its professional services team within the Finance department. This role is pivotal in managing and developing supply agreements to ensure best value for money and compliance with procurement regulations. The successful candidate will lead category planning, stakeholder engagement, and procurement execution across a range of high-value and complex projects.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide expert procurement advice and ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory obligations.
- Lead procurement projects, including the development of specifications, tender documentation, evaluation criteria, and contract awards.
- Actively participate in project boards, offering strategic input and procurement expertise.
- Identify and implement procurement strategies that deliver value for money and operational efficiency.
- Serve as a key point of contact for contractual advice and procurement guidance across the organisation.
- Quantify and deliver measurable procurement savings in line with strategic objectives.
- Ensure adherence to financial regulations throughout all procurement activities.
- Contribute to the development and implementation of procurement policies, procedures, and guidance materials.
- Promote a collaborative and supportive working culture, with a focus on pragmatic problem-solving.
- Approve requisitions between £5k and £50k, ensuring compliance and value for money.
- Represent the organisation at external meetings, including regional and national procurement consortia.
- Support sustainability initiatives by embedding best practices in procurement and contributing to relevant working groups.
- Participate in the rollout and evaluation of e-commerce and procurement technology initiatives.
- Undertake additional duties as required by the Head or Director of Procurement.
Candidate Profile
Essential Qualifications
- University degree or equivalent.
- Fully qualified member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) or actively studying towards qualification.
Desirable Qualifications
- Project Management certification.
Experience & Knowledge Essential:
- Significant experience managing large and complex procurement projects.
- Proven ability to contribute to strategic planning (financial and non-financial).
- Experience managing high-value contracts and associated risks.
- Strong commercial appraisal skills (e.g., whole life costing, value for money analysis).
- Proficient in using IT to enhance procurement service delivery.
- Skilled in stakeholder engagement and influencing at all levels.
- Demonstrated commitment to continuous professional development.
- In-depth knowledge of procurement legislation and financial regulations.
Desirable:
- Experience with e-Procurement and financial systems.
- Understanding of the Higher Education sector.
Skills & Competencies Essential:
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and influencing skills.
- Strong partnership and relationship management capabilities.
- Ability to deliver objectives within tight deadlines.
- High level of customer service orientation.
- Ability to challenge poor practices constructively and drive change.
Desirable:
- Understanding of financial management processes.
