Procurement and Strategic Category Lead – AR

Job Details

Job Title: Procurement and Strategic Category Lead
Grade: PO6
Reports To: Head of Service (PO11)
Team: Up to 6 procurement professionals, interns, and temporary staff
Service Area: Progressive Procurement
Directorate: Community Wealth Building

Role Purpose:
Lead strategic procurement and category management across multiple council categories, providing expert advice, managing high-value contracts, and delivering value, efficiency, and social impact. Act as a trusted advisor to senior managers, stakeholders, and external partners, ensuring compliance with legislation, governance, and council policy.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead and manage a strategic category, developing and delivering category strategies and procurement forward plans.
  • Provide expert procurement and category management advice to directors, senior managers, and cross-council boards.
  • Manage procurement projects end-to-end, including tendering, evaluation, contracts (JCT, NEC, frameworks), and supplier engagement.
  • Lead and develop a team of procurement professionals, ensuring high performance and professional growth.
  • Ensure all procurement activities comply with PCR 2015, Procurement Act 2023, and council governance frameworks.
  • Influence council-wide projects, delivering value for money, sustainability, and social value.
  • Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal teams, external partners, and suppliers.
  • Deputise for the Head of Service when required.

Essential Skills & Experience:

  • Extensive public sector procurement experience across multiple categories, including construction, facilities, housing, or corporate services.
  • Strong knowledge of procurement legislation, frameworks, and contract management.
  • Proven leadership and team management experience, including delivering complex projects.
  • Ability to advise and influence senior stakeholders, boards, and external partners.
  • Commercial acumen and experience managing high-value budgets and contracts.

Qualifications:

  • Relevant degree or professional qualification (e.g., CIPS, PSCM, MILT) or equivalent experience.
  • Knowledge of Transforming Public Procurement and ethical procurement standards.

Behaviours & Values:

  • Collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering (CARE values).
  • Commitment to delivering socially responsible, sustainable, and inclusive procurement outcomes.