Category Specialist - Construction & Housing

Position: Category Specialist - Construction & Housing
A reputable Local Authority is seeking an experienced Category Specialist to join its Commercial and Procurement team.

Rate: £480 - £500 per day (Inside IR35)
Flexibility:
Hybrid Working

Location:

London

Contract:

Interim with the opportunity to become Permanent

This is an exciting opportunity to lead end-to-end procurement activity across a diverse portfolio, with a particular focus on housing and place-related procurement, including construction, capital works, repairs, maintenance and associated service contracts.

The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering compliant, value-for-money procurement solutions, working closely with senior stakeholders to develop procurement strategies, manage complex tender exercises and drive continuous improvement across the procurement function.

There is also a strong opportunity for this role to become permanent for the right candidate.

Key Responsibilities
Lead and deliver end-to-end procurement exercises across construction, housing and place-based categories, together with a small number of service contracts.
Develop procurement strategies and sourcing plans that deliver value for money, manage risk and ensure compliance with procurement legislation.
Manage the full tender process, including market engagement, specification development, tender documentation, evaluation, contract award and mobilisation.
Build strong relationships with commissioners, operational managers and senior stakeholders to understand business requirements and deliver commercial solutions.
Lead supplier negotiations and support effective contract and supplier performance management.
Ensure procurement activity complies with the Procurement Act, Contract Standing Orders and internal governance requirements.
Analyse category spend, market intelligence and supplier performance to identify savings, efficiencies and service improvements.
Promote innovation, sustainability and social value throughout the procurement lifecycle.
Support continuous improvement initiatives, knowledge sharing and the development of procurement best practice across the organisation.

About You

We're particularly interested in speaking with procurement professionals who have a strong background in construction or housing procurement and can demonstrate experience delivering complex procurement projects within a public sector environment.

Proven experience delivering end-to-end procurement across construction, housing, capital works, repairs, maintenance or place-based categories.
Strong knowledge of public sector procurement legislation and governance requirements.
Experience developing procurement strategies, category plans and commercial sourcing solutions.
Excellent stakeholder management and supplier negotiation skills.
Experience managing complex tender exercises from strategy through to contract award.
Strong commercial awareness with the ability to identify opportunities for savings, efficiencies and improved supplier performance.
Excellent analytical, communication and report-writing skills.
CIPS qualification (or working towards) or equivalent procurement experience is desirable.

Essential Experience
Public Sector Procurement
Housing or Construction Procurement
End-to-End Tender Management
Category Management
Contract & Supplier Management
Procurement Strategy
Stakeholder Management
Commercial Negotiation
Procurement Compliance
CIPS (desirable)
This is an excellent opportunity to join a forward-thinking procurement team delivering high-profile housing and construction projects that have a direct impact on local communities. Alongside a competitive £500 per day Inside IR35 rate, the role offers the potential to transition into a permanent position, making it an ideal opportunity for an experienced procurement professional looking for long-term career progression.

Apply Now If you have a strong background in housing, construction or place-based procurement and are looking for your next interim opportunity with genuine permanent prospects, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today with your latest CV