Category Manager

Category Manager (Operational Equipment and Fleet) Be among the first 25 applicants. Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features. JobTitle: Category Manager (Operational Equipment and Fleet) Contract: Permanent WorkingHours: 37* Location: Kelvedon Park and Lexden* ClosingDate: 7th December 2025 *We are open to discuss working arrangements including flexibility over hours and location, however the expectation is that, as a hybrid role your work will be balanced between home and Services facilities, and you will be expected to attend the Service premises for at least 3 days of a 5-day working week. The Role An opportunity has arisen for a Category Manager in our Procurement team for operational equipment and fleet. You should have MCIPS, or be working towards, and have experience in Category Management and running tenders across a varied category both above and below the procurement regulations threshold. You will deliver the full sourcing life cycle, from strategy creation and execution (supplier qualification, assessment, selection, and contract award) through to implementation (supplier mobilisation and transition) and contract and supplier management. You will have a proven experience developing and maintaining effective relationships internally, with other organisation areas and externally with suppliers. Experience of working within, and knowledge of the public procurement regulations is a prerequisite of the role. What You Will Be Working On Creating category strategies Delivering procurement advice and guidance Ensuring compliance with our internal financial regulations and the public procurement regulations Running tender processes, at various values, from identification of requirement through to contract execution Achieving value for money for the Service What Are We Looking For? We are looking for someone with knowledge and experience of working in Category Management. Public sector procurement experience is essential with knowledge of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and the Procurement Act 2023. Were require an individual who can build effective relationships across all levels of the Service and provide advice and guidance on procurement. If you are an internal candidate, you must have discussed your application with your line manager and confirmed with them there are no outstanding issues of conduct or performance. This will be verified prior to shortlisting. How to apply You will be required to submit a CV detailing a minimum of five years employment and / or education history. Your CV should include any experience that meets the Person Specification for the role. Assessment and selection will be: Stage 1: Application & shortlisting (assessment of your CV against essential criteria). Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an initial virtual interview. Stage 2: Formal in-person interview at Service Headquarters and in‑tray exercise. Should you wish to have an informal discussion with regards to the role, please contact Sarah Smith, Head of Procurement on sarah.smith@essex-fire.gov.uk. Our Culture and Benefits Here at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service we are committed to prioritising and promoting the wellbeing of our employees. You can find out more about our benefits at https://www.essex-fire.gov.uk/recruitment/benefits. Important Information for Firefighter Pension Scheme Pensioners If you are currently in receipt of a pension from the Firefighter Pension Scheme, please note that taking up this role may affect your pension. Under pension abatement rules, if your earnings in this role, when combined with your pension, exceed your pre‑retirement salary (adjusted for inflation), your pension may be reduced. For further guidance, please contact our Pensions team on 01376 576799 or email mailbox.pensions@essex-fire.gov.uk. Safeguarding Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Fire and Rescue Authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. It is our policy to require all applicants for employment to disclose if you are currently being investigated by any regulatory body or have any decisions or sanctions pending or in progress in respect of your suitability to work for the Service. You agree to inform the Service within 24 hours if you are subsequently investigated by any agency or organisation in relation to concerns about your behaviour towards children, young people or vulnerable adults. The information you provide will be treated as strictly confidential and will be considered only in relation to the appointment for which you are applying. This role will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Disability Confident We are an equal opportunities, Disability Confident, employer who welcomes applications from everyone and values diversity in our workplace. A commitment to promoting diversity and developing a work environment where all staff are treated with dignity and respect is central to our recruitment process and all applications will be considered solely on merit. Support Groups and Resources Our employee forums and partners include Asian Fire Services Association (AFSA), BEING (our LGBTQ+ employee support network), Christian Fellowship, Ethnic Minority Forum, Men’s Forum, and our Women’s Forum. In addition, we also have a female firefighters operational group. For further support, please contact Equality.Diversity@essex-fire.gov.uk or recruitment@essex-fire.gov.uk. #J-18808-Ljbffr