Category Manager

Walsall, United Kingdom | Posted on 15/10/2026

At Civic Recruitment and Limited, we know that individuals are more than just fixed expenses; they are the cornerstone of every thriving organisation. That’s why we are passionate about transforming recruitment in the public and private sectors. In the modern job market, organisations in both public and private sectors face significant workforce challenges. Public sector entities, such as local councils and central government departments, often struggle with lengthy recruitment processes, limited access to qualified candidates, and stringent budgetary and regulatory constraints.

Private sector businesses, on the other hand, encounter high turnover rates, difficulties managing a mix of permanent and temporary staff, and challenges in sourcing specialised talent for niche industries. These sector-specific obstacles, coupled with the universal complexities of payroll management, create a pressing need for efficient workforce solutions. Civic Recruitment Limited addresses these challenges with innovative recruitment and payroll solutions tailored for diverse organisational needs.

Recognising the critical hurdles organisations face, the company leverages its expertise to streamline processes, reduce recruitment times, and alleviate administrative burdens. With an extensive database of over 1 million pre-screened candidates, Civic Recruitment Limited is well-positioned to cater to the specific needs of both public and private sectors.

Job Purpose

To lead and deliver category-based procurement, commercial and contract management strategies across a designated area of spend, ensuring value for money, compliance and positive commercial outcomes for the Council.

The postholder will work closely with stakeholders across the organisation, providing strategic procurement expertise, leading sourcing activities and supporting the development of innovative procurement solutions. The role will oversee complex procurement exercises, supplier management activities and category strategies while ensuring compliance with public sector procurement regulations and Council governance requirements.

The Category Manager will also provide leadership, mentoring and support to Procurement staff and contribute to the delivery of the Council's wider commercial, sustainability and social value objectives.

• Lead the development and implementation of category procurement strategies.
• Manage end-to-end procurement exercises across goods, services and works categories.
• Deliver compliant procurement activities in accordance with procurement legislation and Council policies.
• Develop annual category procurement plans and sourcing strategies.
• Use spend analysis, market intelligence and benchmarking data to identify savings and value opportunities.
• Drive strategic sourcing initiatives to improve value for money and service outcomes.
• Lead procurement projects from planning through to contract award.
• Support stakeholders with procurement planning, market engagement and contract strategy development.
• Promote early market engagement to improve procurement outcomes.

• Build and maintain effective relationships with Directors, Heads of Service and key stakeholders.
• Provide expert procurement and commercial advice across the organisation.
• Support stakeholders in developing specifications, performance measures and procurement documentation.
• Promote procurement best practice and compliance throughout the Council.
• Participate in regional procurement groups and knowledge-sharing forums.

• Provide commercial input into contract development, negotiation…