Category Manager

2 months ago


StokeOnTrent, United Kingdom Allen Lane Full time

Allen Lane is partnering with a public sector organisation based in Stoke to recruit a Category Manager on a permanent basis. This role will be instrumental within the newly established Procurement & Commercial Services function, providing strategic leadership for all procurement and contract management activities. This includes strategic sourcing, policy and governance setting, and central buying and payment services across the organization.


Key Responsibilities:

Lead category management activities for the City Management spend category.

  • Manage procurement programs and negotiate high-value and high-risk contractual agreements.
  • Oversee the tendering process in compliance with the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and Procurement Act 2023.
  • Draft tenders, scopes of work (specifications), commercial models, and contract terms.
  • Procure and negotiate contractual agreements, including pricing, service levels, and terms and conditions.
  • Promote commercial best practices through stakeholder and supplier relationships.
  • Develop and deliver Category Plans that support the organization's sourcing strategies.
  • Foster commercial excellence in stakeholder and supplier engagements.


Required Experience:

  • Proven experience in category management and the development of category strategies.
  • Expertise in leading complex tender processes, including collaboration with stakeholders, cross-functional teams, and partner organizations.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to develop options for effective decision-making.
  • Ability to drive change and deliver results in a fast-paced environment with multiple projects.
  • Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
  • In-depth knowledge of Public Contracts Regulations 2015.
  • Experience in developing policies and processes to ensure effective governance, compliance, and process efficiencies.
  • Comprehensive understanding of source-to-contract and Purchase to Pay processes.


We encourage you to apply if you meet these requirements and are eager to take on a challenging role within a dynamic public sector organisation. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the strategic procurement and commercial initiatives that drive the success of the organisation.


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