Category Manager

Category Manager

Cheshire East Council is seeking a driven and commercially minded Category Manager to join its Procurement team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in delivering innovative procurement solutions that support the Council's strategic priorities, financial sustainability, and service transformation agenda.

As a Category Manager, you will be responsible for developing and implementing category strategies and sourcing plans across a range of spend areas, leading complex procurement exercises, and ensuring compliance with procurement legislation, Council policies, and governance requirements. You will work closely with commissioners, service managers, and suppliers to secure value for money, deliver cashable savings, manage commercial risks, and maximise social value outcomes for residents.

The post holder will support the Head of Procurement in designing and implementing innovative procurement solutions, including alternative and outsourced service delivery models, whilst providing commercial leadership across assigned categories of spend to achieve the Council’s strategic, financial, and operational objectives.

• Significant experience of strategic procurement and category management
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills
• A strong understanding of public sector procurement legislation and commercial best practice
• MCIPS qualification (or working towards) is desirable
• Experience of managing complex procurement projects and contracts.