Category Specialist

We are currently looking for an experienced Category Specialist to join a busy Procurement and Commercial team. This is an excellent opportunity for a procurement professional to lead end-to-end procurement activity across housing and place-related projects, with a particular focus on construction, housing and associated service contracts.

The successful candidate will support procurement activity across housing and place programmes, managing procurement projects from inception to contract award while working closely with stakeholders to deliver value for money and ensure full compliance with procurement legislation.

• Leading end-to-end procurement activity across housing, place and construction-related categories.
• Managing procurement projects for housing works, construction and associated service contracts.
• Developing category plans that deliver value for money and support strategic service objectives.
• Providing professional procurement advice to commissioners and stakeholders across housing and place services.
• Developing compliant procurement strategies in line with procurement legislation and Council regulations.
• Managing supplier and contract performance to maximise commercial value.
• Undertaking market analysis and supplier engagement to inform procurement decisions.
• Preparing tender documentation, evaluating submissions and leading commercial negotiations.
• Building strong working relationships with internal stakeholders, suppliers and external partners.
• Supporting larger and more complex procurement projects alongside the Category Lead.
• Promoting continuous improvement, innovation and sustainable procurement practices.
• Delivering procurement training and guidance to support intelligent purchasing across the organisation.

• Previous experience working as a Category Specialist, Procurement Specialist, Category Manager or Procurement Officer.
• Experience delivering end-to-end procurement exercises within the public sector.
• Experience procuring housing, construction, place-based works or property-related contracts.
• Strong knowledge of public procurement legislation and governance requirements.
• CIPS qualification or equivalent procurement experience, with a willingness to work towards professional accreditation if required.
• Experience developing category strategies and sourcing plans.
• Strong commercial awareness and supplier negotiation skills.
• Experience managing supplier performance and contract management activities.
• Ability to analyse commercial, financial and market information to support procurement decisions.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills with experience working across multiple service areas.
• Experience using eProcurement systems and procurement management software.