Summary: The Procurement Category Manager will oversee the end-to-end procurement process for key categories such as Professional Services, IT, and Estates at a leading university in the Midlands. This role requires strong negotiation skills and a strategic mindset to drive procurement decisions and ensure compliance with regulations. The successful candidate will collaborate with internal stakeholders to deliver cost efficiencies and maintain high procurement standards. This position is integral to implementing strategic change and enhancing supplier relationships within the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Take full responsibility for the procurement lifecycle, from identifying needs to contract negotiation and supplier management.
• Oversee the procurement categories of Professional Services, IT, and Estates, ensuring alignment with university objectives.
• Lead strategic negotiations with suppliers to ensure value for money and contract compliance.
• Work closely with internal stakeholders to understand their needs and provide procurement solutions.
• Stay up-to-date with procurement regulations and ensure compliance with legal guidelines.
• Drive procurement transformation and implement best practices across the organization.
• Assess and mitigate risks in procurement processes and supplier relationships.

Key Skills:

• Proven experience in managing the procurement lifecycle for multiple categories.
• Strong negotiation skills with a track record of successful contract negotiations.
• Ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders and build collaborative relationships.
• Thorough understanding of the New Procurement Act and public sector procurement frameworks.
• Strategic thinking to drive procurement value and cost savings.
• Experience in driving strategic change within procurement teams.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• CIPS Qualification or similar professional qualification is desirable.
• Public sector experience is highly desirable.
• Strong project management abilities.

Salary (Rate): £80.00

City: West Midlands

Country: United Kingdom

Working Arrangements: undetermined

IR35 Status: undetermined

Seniority Level: undetermined

Industry: Other