Procurement Category Lead - Defence Category (SC Clearance)

Your new company Join a leading UK innovation public sector employer, driving the development of advanced and cutting-edge technologies. Be part of a team that helps industry turn pioneering research into real-world solutions across a variety of sectors. With new endeavours into the defence industry, they have a new opportunity for an interim Category Manager to join the Procurement team with required industry experience.

Your new role The role involves sourcing, purchasing, and managing contracts for a wide range of goods, services and works, from secure construction activities to equipment. Develop procurement strategies, negotiate with suppliers, managing contracts, and ensuring value for money while adhering to regulations. Manage and undertake procurement activities, and be responsible for more complex projects which could involve over-threshold regulated tenders and Single Source Regulations. Offering guidance and input to the development of business cases for, and not limited to, Defence procurements, consultancy, or wider business needs. Involved with strategic projects and planning, including defence, new facilities, and large-scale programmes. This is a strategic role which enables the organisation to focus on conducting in-depth analysis to fully leverage their procurement decisions on behalf of the projects and clients. You will be responsible for managing large scale projects and relationships, including defence, and escalating as required. You will be tasked with the identifying of process improvement opportunities, and promoting procurement best practice in a complex, multi-site operation.

What you'll need to succeed Demonstrated experience in defence within a commercial or procurement capacity. In-depth understanding of public sector procurement regulations, including PCR 2015 and the Procurement Act 2023. Ideally, MCIPS certification or an equivalent professional qualification. Strong commercial acumen with proven ability to analyse data and negotiate value-driven agreements. Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills. Strategic thinker with expertise in managing complex categories and driving continuous improvement in procurement processes. Must have SC Clearance.

What you'll get in return This will be a 12-month assignment that falls inside IR35. Offered as a hybrid position with 2 days in the office each week, commuting to Bristol. Candidates will only be considered if they can adhere to travel requirements which at times can increase and decrease with business needs. You will be privy to Hays worker discounts and weekly timesheet payments, through either the relative PAYE or alternative Umbrella pay methods.

What you need to do now If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career. Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk