Senior Category Manager, Procurement; Regeneration

Job Title:

Senior Category Manager, Procurement (Regeneration)

Location:

London (Hybrid working)

Rate: £333.93 PAYE / £450 umbrella

Contract Type:
Interim

We are seeking a Senior Category Manager to provide expert procurement and commercial leadership for the Regeneration, Economy & Housing Development (REHD) division. You will manage a team of 4 procurement project staff and focus on construction-related procurement, major works contracts, and regeneration capital development projects. This role involves advising, persuading, and authoring procurement documents while ensuring compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements.

• Provide procurement support to the Housing Regeneration and Delivery service, including strategy development and implementation.
• Oversee contract negotiations and management for major regeneration works and services.
• Lead the development of procurement project plans, ensuring adherence to budget constraints and critical start dates.
• Coordinate the production of tender documents, including terms and conditions, service specifications, and performance standards.
• Act as the primary contact for tender queries, managing the Procardis/Pro contract/London Tenders portal.
• Ensure procurement compliance with Council Standing Orders, Public Procurement Legislation, and Sustainable Procurement Strategy.
• Manage risk initiatives to mitigate legal challenges and claims.
• Lead complex contract procurements, including evaluations, contract awards, and feedback to unsuccessful bidders.
• Defend procurement decisions if challenged, preparing documents for legal advisors and attending hearings as necessary.
• Promote cross-authority sourcing and consortium procurement arrangements.
• Monitor and adjust project plans to reflect changing priorities, ensuring all relevant parties are informed.
• Draft Cabinet reports and present progress updates to project teams, management, and Cabinet meetings.
• Ensure accurate record-keeping for audit purposes and maintain the Contracts Register.
• Provide support for Section 20 consultations and TUPE transfers as part of major works procurement.
• Negotiate price variations, contract extensions, and terminations as required.
• Act as a critical friend to ensure value for money and risk mitigation.

• Extensive experience in Public Sector Procurement and Commercials, with knowledge of the Public Procurement Act 2023 and Public Contract Regulations 2015.
• Proven experience in Regeneration, Housing, Public Realm, Energy, or Corporate Property at a senior level.
• Knowledge of built environment contracts (e.g., JCT, NEC, PPC
  2000) and forms of contract such as Design and Build.
• Experience leading major and minor works procurement projects, achieving cost savings and sustainable benefits.
• Strong understanding of contractual principles, contract law, and public procurement regulations.
• Ability to analyse financial information, negotiate effectively, and produce innovative procurement solutions.
• Experience making presentations to management meetings, boards, and committees.
• Proficient in using IT-based systems for decision-making, e-procurement, and contract management (e.g., MS Office, Google Suite).
• Ability to work proactively, engage in corporate collaboration, and influence stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Relevant professional qualification (e.g., MCIPS) or equivalent experience.
• Willingness to work outside normal office hours, attend evening meetings, and visit construction sites as required.