Procurement Category Manager

Shape procurement. Drive value. Make a difference.

Salary: £49,050 - £52,187 per annum

Location:

Hybrid working across London, Surrey, Sussex and Berkshire

Contract:

Permanent, Full Time

Are you an experienced Procurement, Category or Contract Management professional looking for a role where you can make a genuine impact?

We're seeking a Procurement Category Manager to join a large specialist education organisation supporting children, young people and adults with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) across London and the South.

This is an opportunity to take ownership of a diverse procurement portfolio, influence strategic decision-making and deliver tangible value across a multi-site organisation comprising 14 specialist schools and academies and 7 college centres.

The Role

Working as part of an established Procurement Team, you'll lead end-to-end procurement and contract management activities across a range of categories including:

Estates & Facilities
ICT
Professional Services
Operational and Corporate Services You'll manage formal tender exercises and further competitions under framework agreements, ensuring compliance with public procurement legislation while delivering value for money, quality and innovation.

The role also offers significant exposure to supplier and contract management, including performance monitoring, supplier development, cost-saving initiatives and continuous improvement programmes.

Key Responsibilities

Lead procurement projects and tender exercises from strategy through to contract award
Deliver compliant procurement solutions across multiple spend categories
Develop category knowledge and identify savings and efficiency opportunities
Manage supplier relationships and contract performance
Implement supplier action plans and continuous improvement initiatives
Ensure compliance with procurement legislation, governance requirements and organisational policies
Build strong relationships with stakeholders across multiple sites
Support the delivery of strategic procurement objectives

About You

Applications are welcomed from professionals currently working as:

Procurement Manager
Category Manager
Contract Manager
Senior Procurement Officer
Procurement Business Partner
Commercial Manager
Strategic Sourcing Specialist You'll ideally have:

Experience leading tenders and procurement exercises
Knowledge of public sector procurement legislation and best practice
Strong supplier and contract management experience
Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills
A commercial mindset with a focus on delivering value
The ability to manage multiple projects and priorities

Experience with in education is beneficial but not essential.

Hybrid Working & Travel

This role offers a hybrid working arrangement, with approximately 50% home-based and 50% site-based working.

Regular travel across London, Surrey, Sussex and Berkshire is required, therefore access to your own transport is essential.

As the role involves visiting education settings, an Enhanced DBS check will be required.

Salary & Benefits

£49,050 - £52,187 per annum

Benefits include:

Teachers' Pension Scheme with life cover and family protection
Generous annual leave plus bank holidays and Christmas closure
Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
Comprehensive learning and development opportunities
Enhanced parental leave schemes
Cycle to Work Scheme
Season Ticket Loans
Employee Referral Scheme
Discounted Gym Membership and Digital Fitness Access
Home Electronics Scheme
Employee Car Lease Scheme
Employee Assistance Programme
Occupational Health Support and Mental Health First Aiders

Apply Now

If you're looking for a varied and rewarding procurement role where your expertise will directly support the delivery of vital education services, we'd love to hear from you